Choose the right level of testing
Screening strips and qualifying laboratory tests answer different questions. We show what each covers and what it can't establish.
Essential City Water Lab Panel (DEMO)
Accredited lab
Baseline evidence for city-water concerns before choosing treatment.
Covers · Hardness, chlorine, metals, 40+ analytes
Fit · City water
Turnaround · 5–7 days
Lab · Accredited partner lab
Home Water Compass may earn a commission on tests purchased through links here. We are not a laboratory, and no test guarantees safety.
Well Owner Annual Panel (DEMO)
Accredited lab
The annual well baseline: safety basics plus the minerals behind stains and odors.
Covers · Bacteria, nitrate, iron, manganese, hardness, pH
Fit · Well water
Turnaround · 5–7 days
Lab · Accredited partner lab
Home Water Compass may earn a commission on tests purchased through links here. We are not a laboratory, and no test guarantees safety.
Iron & Sulfur Diagnostic Panel (DEMO)
Accredited lab
Distinguishes dissolved iron, particulate iron and bacterial involvement before equipment.
Covers · Iron (forms), manganese, sulfate, pH, bacteria indicator
Fit · Well water
Turnaround · 7–10 days
Lab · Accredited partner lab
Home Water Compass may earn a commission on tests purchased through links here. We are not a laboratory, and no test guarantees safety.
Hardness Test Strips (DEMO)
Home screening
A quick screening number for softener sizing. Not a safety test of any kind.
Covers · Hardness only
Fit · City & well
Turnaround · Instant
Home Water Compass may earn a commission on tests purchased through links here. We are not a laboratory, and no test guarantees safety.
A screening strip suggests; a qualifying laboratory test establishes. For a named contaminant, real-estate or regulatory need, only a qualifying lab test is appropriate.