You want to make sure that the water your family uses is always safe, right? You want to make sure that you’re not getting chemicals in your water, whether it’s water you’re drinking or water that you’re using for your showers, baths, and cooking.
But even though your city may provide water reports, that only gives you a general idea of what the water is like in the entire city. It doesn’t tell you what’s going on with the water in your specific home.
That’s where a water test kit can be a great thing. After all, you want to keep your family healthy. So, let’s see what it takes to make sure your water is safe.
List of Top-Rated Water Test Kits
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Test Assured CWA1000 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | First Alert WT1 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Watersafe WS425B |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Watersafe WS425W |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | WaterSafe WS-207 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | AquaChek Total Hardness Test Kit |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | Hach 145300 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | API Master Test Kits |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | PRO-LAB BA110 |
| Check Price Amazon |
 | KETOTEK KT-3-2 |
| Check Price Amazon |
Table of Contents
- List of Top-Rated Water Test Kits
-
The Best Water Test Kits Reviews
- 1. Test Assured Drinking Water Test Kit
- 2. First Alert WT1 Drinking Water
- 3. Watersafe WS425B Drinking Water Test Kit
- 4. Watersafe WS425W Well Water Test Kit
- 5. WaterSafe Water Test Kit for Lead
- 6. AquaChek Total Hardness Test Kit
- 7. Hach 145300 Total Hardness Test Kit
- 8. API Master Test Kits
- 9. PRO-LAB Bacteria in Water Test Kit
- 10. KETOTEK Water Quality Test Meters, PH Meter and TDS Meter
- Water Testing 101
- Conclusion
The Best Water Test Kits Reviews
1. Test Assured Drinking Water Test Kit
| Test For | Lead, pesticide, iron, copper, alkalinity, pH, hardness, chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, bacteria |
| Sources Tested/Number of Tests | 1 |
| Time to Results | 10 min. |
| EPA Standard | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | Yes |
Pros:
- 10 tests included
- Fully at-home test
- Calibrated to EPA standard
Who It’s Best For:
This test kit is designed for anyone who wants to test their home water and doesn’t want to wait around to mail their test to the lab. It’s simple to use and makes sure that you can get the results from that test quickly and comprehensively.
Top Feature:
The best feature that you’re going to have here is that you’re getting a range of different tests included. You can test for everything from lead, bacteria, iron, and copper to alkalinity, pH, hardness, chlorine, nitrites, and nitrates.
That means it’s going to be quick and comprehensive to keep informed about the quality and safety of your water.
How Do You Get the Results?
This test is going to give you a positive or negative for things like pesticide, lead, and bacteria and will give numbers for the rest of the tests.
Are There Multiple Tests Included?
You get one, single test that can detect all 10 of the different contaminants, so you can test one source for all of them.
How Long Does the Test Take?
You’ll get all of the results back in as little as 30 minutes. That way you’ll be able to test your water and then get back to whatever you want.
2. First Alert WT1 Drinking Water
| Test For | Bacteria, lead, pesticides, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, pH, hardness |
| Sources Tested/Number of Tests | 1 |
| Time to Results | 10 min. |
| EPA Standard | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No |
Pros:
- Tests for 8 different contaminants
- Test results at home
- Test to EPA standards
Who It’s Best For:
If you’re concerned about things like bacteria and lead and chlorine in your water and you want a super easy test that you can complete from beginning to end right in your own home then this test is the one for you.
It takes care of testing for a total of 8 different contaminants through this simple home test.
Top Feature:
The best feature you’re going to get with this water test kit is the fact that it tests 8 different things all at the same time. That means you don’t have to worry about the levels of any of these in your home.
You just take a single sample (for most), which makes it quick and easy, and then it gives you the reading for everything you need. No trying to take multiple tests to get the readings you want.
Can I Take the Tests More Than Once?
You’re only going to get a single version of each test, which means you can only get one reading and you won’t be able to do it multiple times.
What Kind of Readings Do You Get?
The readings for things like bacteria, lead and pesticides are only going to give you a result of positive or negative. But the strips for the rest will give you levels.
3. Watersafe WS425B Drinking Water Test Kit
| Test For | Lead, nitrites, nitrates, pH, hardness, bacteria, pesticides, chlorine |
| Sources Tested/Number of Tests | 1 |
| Time to Results | 48 hrs. |
| EPA Standard | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No |
Pros:
- Tests for 7 different chemicals/qualities
- Inexpensive price point
- Quick results, 10 minutes
Who It’s Best For:
This test is great for those who want separate tests for several different chemicals and qualities of their water. You can even use this if you want to test different sources of water for different types of contaminants.
You can choose how you want to break up the tests or how and when you want to use each of them.
Top Feature:
The best feature you get here is that the results are going to come back fast. It only takes about 10 minutes to get the results. That means you can make sure your water is safe and then you can get right back to doing whatever else you want to do.
Can I Use This Test To Check the Water in My Well?
You absolutely can, though it’s not designed specifically for well water. You would likely be better using a well water test instead.
Does This Test Give You Amounts For Detected Chemicals?
You’re going to get a positive or negative rating for the chemicals that you’re testing for the most part, except for some like pH and hardness.
4. Watersafe WS425W Well Water Test Kit
| Test For | Bacteria, pH, nitrites, nitrates, lead, iron, hardness, chlorine, copper, pesticides |
| Sources Tested/Number of Tests | 1 |
| Time to Results | 48 hrs. |
| EPA Standard | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No |
Pros:
- Designed for well water
- Tests 10 contaminants
- Tests to EPA standards
Who It’s Best For:
If you have well water at your home you want to test what you’re getting because something may be leaching into your water. This test is definitely for you and will help you detect amounts above EPA standards.
Top Feature:
The best feature of this test is that it tests well water. It can be a little more difficult to find well water testing but this one not only does but tests for several different contaminants that you may find in any form of groundwater.
How Many Sources of Water Can You Test?
This is designed to test only one source of water. You can separate the tests if you want to test different sources but you only get a single test for each contaminant.
Will This Test Measure Fluoride?
This test is not designed to test for fluoride. It’s intended to test for bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, pH, hardness, pesticides, lead, chlorine, iron, and copper.
5. WaterSafe Water Test Kit for Lead
| Test For | Lead |
| Sources Tested/Number of Tests | 1 |
| Time to Results | Immediate |
| EPA Standard | Yes |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No |
Pros:
- Low price point
- Tests to EPA standard
- Quick results
Who It’s Best For:
If you’re concerned about lead in your water this is going to be a great pick that will help you better understand the safety of your water. It’s best for those who aren’t concerned about other contaminants or who have other tests to measure those other contaminants.
Top Feature:
The best feature here is that this test records levels of lead that are well below the EPA standard. That means you’re going to have a better test and a better understanding of the safety of your water.
It doesn’t detect every bit of lead, but it will give you a report on levels that you can take action on quickly.
Will This Show the Level of Lead in the Water?
This test isn’t designed to show levels of lead. Instead, it’s going to give you a reading of whether there is a lead or not.
Can I Test Multiple Water Sources?
This test is only for one water source. It only gives you a single test strip that you can use to test wherever you want.
6. AquaChek Total Hardness Test Kit
| Test For | Hardness |
| Sources Tested/Number of Tests | 25 |
| Time to Results | Immediate |
| EPA Standard | N/A |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No |
Pros:
- Results in 15-30 seconds
- 25 test strips
- Low price point
Who It’s Best For:
This test is best for anyone who has a swimming pool and wants to make sure that the water is in the right balance of hardness. You want to keep your water at comfortable and safe levels and this test is going to help you to do that.
Top Feature:
The best feature here is that you’re going to get 25 strips so you’ll have no problem checking your pool several times. That means you’re going to be able to keep it in just the right shape and you won’t have to worry about changes to your water hardness over time.
Does This Work on Other Water Besides Pool Water?
This can be used on any water you want to test hardness however it is not designed to test any other type of contaminants.
Does This Give a Range Rating?
You’ll be able to tell the difference between different measurements with several different colors to let you know where your waterfalls are.
7. Hach 145300 Total Hardness Test Kit
| Test For | Hardness |
| Sources Tested/Number of Tests | 100 |
| Time to Results | Immediate |
| EPA Standard | N/A |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No |
Pros:
- Water hardness test
- Test tube and bottle included
- Repeatable test
Who It’s Best For:
This test is best for those who want the ability to frequently check their water hardness and want to make sure that they are fully aware of any changes that might happen with their water over time. It’s also super easy to do.
Top Feature:
The best feature about this test is that it is repeatable. That means you can keep testing your water as much as you want and make sure that even over time it’s not going to change too much. Also, if there is any kind of change you’re going to know about it right away.
Does This Test Mg Hardness?
It does not test Mg hardness and only focuses on Ca hardness to make sure you can take action on water that is too hard or register when your softener is working right.
Is This an Easy Test to Use?
You will have no problem using this product because it’s designed to work with just a little water and you add a bit of the chemical and then drop it into your water.
8. API Master Test Kits
| Test For | pH, high range pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate |
| Sources Tested/Number of Tests | 800 |
| Time to Results | Immediate |
| EPA Standard | N/A |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No |
Pros:
- Several water options
- Measures 5 levels
- More than 800 tests
Who It’s Best For:
This is best for those who have a freshwater fish tank because it gives you a whole bunch of tests to let you know if you’re keeping the water in the right condition. You’ll also know what you need to do to make any changes along the way.
Top Feature:
The best feature here is that you’re going to have so many of the testers. That means you’ll be able to make sure your water is right even every single day for 2 years … and are you going to be checking your water every single day? The general norm is each week.
Is This Good Even For Aquariums With Plants?
This test can be used in any kind of freshwater aquarium so you can make sure that the water is safe for all of your fish.
What Kind of Water Can Be Tested With This?
This test is designed to work for freshwater and is not intended to be used for saltwater. There is a separate test for saltwater.
9. PRO-LAB Bacteria in Water Test Kit
| Test For | Bacteria |
| Sources Tested/Number of Tests | 1 |
| Time to Results | 48 hrs. |
| EPA Standard | N/A |
| Money-Back Guarantee | No |
Pros:
- Results in 48 hours
- Lab analysis available
- Test any water
Who It’s Best For:
This test is for someone who’s looking for a backup system for their testing. It’s designed for those who want to be able to get results themselves but also double-check that by sending it into a lab and getting a professional to take a closer look at the results.
This can make you feel a little better about it.
Top Feature:
The top feature you’re going to get here is that you will be able to detect E. coli and coliform.
These are extremely dangerous bacteria that you don’t want to have in your water, so being able to detect them is going to be great for protecting yourself and your family. And you can have some fun with the science aspect of it too.
How Many Times Can You Test With This?
You’ll only get a single test out of this because of the way that the system works. You won’t be able to test more than a single source of water for both of these.
How Long Does it Take to Get the Results?
If you’re looking for results from a home test you’ll be able to get accurate results in 48 hours. With the lab test, you’re going to have to wait a few weeks to get results.
10. KETOTEK Water Quality Test Meters, PH Meter and TDS Meter
Features
- Sources Tested/Number of Tests – 1000
- Time to Results – 1-3 seconds
- EPA Standard – N/A
- Money Back Guarantee – No
Pros
- Lightweight 50g (HP) / 55g (TDS)
- Accuracy (+/- 2 %)
- Fast results
- Temperature Compensation
- Single button to lock testing results
- Single button (CAL) calibrate the PH meter
- Automatic shut-off when inactive (in 5 minutes)
- Calibration-not-required for TDS tester (factory calibrated)
Who It’s Best For
This is a real must-have for any self-respecting pool owner. Also will be good for testing drinking (fridge) water, and marine aquarium water. One of the main functions of these testers is, of course, their accuracy. But these testers also have an automatic temperature compensation which means that the temperature of tested water plays no role for the devices, and you will get your data without any temp influence.
Top Feature
The main feature of these testers is high precision and accuracy. You will have no questions with the numbers indicated on their LCDs (0-9990ppm measurement range (+/- 2 %) for TDS meter and 0.00- 14.00PH for PH meter (0.01 PH resolution). The instructions are pretty simple and clear as well, so you will have no problems with figuring out how to use them. Super easy to use.
Do they have an automatic shutting off function?
If not used longer than 5 minutes, they will automatically shut off when not active to save battery life.
There’s no need to talk about the ON/OFF button, right? We all know how to use it, but if you want to “lock” your testing results for a longer time, you should press (and hold) the HOLD button, and will be locked on the display without changing even if you take it out of the testing water.
Why do you have to buy it?
This kit is an economical option. It will save you money and there is a big sense in buying this practical set rather than buying 2 separate devices and overpaying for each of them.
These testers have plastic housings and are compact and convenient – you can put them in your pocket and take them anywhere you need (the weight is not more than a pencil).
Water Testing 101
Test Assured Drinking Water Test Kit
Top Testing
You’re going to get testing for 10 different contaminants here. That’s going to give you better results and make sure that you know what’s going on with your water and what you need to do to remove the contaminants and any other problems in your water.
Ease of Use
You’re going to have absolutely no problem running these tests because they have vials and test strips to give you the information you want. The test strips give you just a basic positive or negative and the others relay a specific number or number range.
Watersafe WS425W Well Water Test Kit
Top Testing
This test is going to give you testing for 10 different contaminants, which is going to be very comprehensive and make sure that you can keep your water clean and clear of bacteria. You’ll see whether your water is positive or negative for some and what the levels are for others.
Well Water
With this test, you get the ability to test well water. While other systems let you test well water, this one is designed specifically for the well water going through your home, which means that it’s going to test for some of the more common contaminants if you’re using well water.
Invigorated Living pH Perfect Test Kit
Saliva Test
If you’re looking for testing for your water you can use this kit to test the pH of your water. You can also use it directly on your saliva, which will give you more information about the actual pH of your body rather than just testing the way that the water you drink or use affects your family.
Large Capacity
You’re going to have a lot of different pieces to the test to use with this kit. You’ll be able to test your saliva or your water at least 60 times between the 3 different bottles that are included with the kit. This gives you plenty of time to take care of a problem and to recognize the changes over time.
Choosing Your Water Test Kit
Well, Water or No?
If you currently have well water you want to make sure that the test kit that you get works for well water. Not all water test kits are designed for the water that comes out of a well and if you use a standard test for the well water in your home you could get false readings about some of the different chemicals and more that are being tested.
That’s because of the type of things that are actually in the water just by nature (and safe). Make sure you pick out the right test that says if it tests for well water.
Keep in mind that well water has many different bacteria that could be in It and they are not all bad for you or dangerous. The right test is going to help you figure out what is important and even What concentrations you need to worry about.
Self-Test or Lab Test?
You can purchase self-tests that will let you not only take the samples of water but make a reading of what is in the water. These tests can be great for many people.
On the other hand, you can also pick up self-tests that let you take the sample but then you send it into a lab to make sure you get a professional reading. That’s going to help you understand exactly what is in your water and make sure that you don’t make a mistake in your reading or even in understanding the specific amount of something in your water.
Some tests will give you multiple options, letting you know immediate results of your test but also get more comprehensive results. It’s going to be up to you to choose what type of test you like best or what type of reading you prefer.
Some tests will be easier for certain people. Make sure you’re using a test that you can fully understand and that you feel comfortable following the instructions. If you don’t feel comfortable following the instructions or making the reading yourself opt for a test that includes professional readings and lab testing.
What Does it Test For?
If you live in an area where a specific chemical is more likely you may want to find a test that checks for that specific chemical. You may want to look for the most comprehensive test you can find, that looks for a little of everything.
On the other hand, you may have fewer concerns. But look for a test that covers everything that’s most important to you. Take a look at mineral tests, bacterial, metal, and alkaline tests as a starting point for the test you want.
You are generally going to pay more for tests that measure more types of contaminants. If you’re concerned about a lot of things then it’s important to spend the extra money for a comprehensive test.
If you only have a few minor concerns then you can save a bit by just getting tests that measure individual containments or just a few simple contaminants. Take a closer look at what’s being tested for each specific test you look at.
Detection Levels
You want to know what type of levels your water test kit is going to detect. If it can detect levels at or even below EPA standards then you’re going to be doing pretty good. This means that you won’t be getting large amounts of harmful chemicals.
You’ll want to look at the tests to make sure they say they test to EPA standards. Keep in mind, however, that the EPA only has regulations for certain chemicals and bacteria.
That means, the test may say it tests to EPA standards but that means only for the things the EPA has regulations for. Anything else it’s testing to a different standard.
If your test can measure to amounts below the EPA standard that’s going to be even better for you. You don’t want your family ingesting any of these bacteria or chemicals, right?
So, why would you want to test only to a standard that says you can have some but not too much? It’s going to be better the lower the quantity you need. Look for a test that will detect the smallest amount possible, but don’t get too frantic about it.
Keep in mind that some bacteria and even some forms of chemicals are natural in the world and this means they aren’t going to harm you in small quantities. If you get too cautious about even a tiny amount of anything in your water you could end up with more harm than good.
Measure of Testing
Next, how is the test going to tell you what you’re getting? Are you getting a test that’s giving you a positive/negative option? These tests are generally for things that you don’t want to have any of in your water.
With these, you’ll usually use a test strip or a vial that turns a specific color and says either ‘yes, it’s present’ or ‘no, it’s not present.’ If it’s a contaminant that you don’t want to have any of in your food then this type of test is just fine.
On the other hand, if it’s something that is acceptable in small quantities or that you can do different levels of purification for, you’re generally going to want a more accurate test.
There are all kinds of water filters out there, for example. So, if you know that you have a little bit of lead in your water you will likely need a different kind of filter than if you find out there is a lot of lead in your water.
With the other type of tests that you’ll find, you get a reading of different levels of the contaminant. This helps you make a plan for what you’re going to do next and how you’re going to go about getting rid of it or mitigating it to a safe level for your family.
Types of Water
Finally, take a look at what type of water it’s meant to test. We’ve already mentioned well water versus city water, but there are other types of water that you could be testing as well.
For example, if you want to test the composition of different chemicals in your body you’d likely want a saliva test. If you want to test pond water that’s going to need a different type of test. Testing your pool, your hot tub or your fish tank are each going to require different types of tests as well.
Make sure you know the type of water that you want to work with and you’ll be able to get a better idea of what your water has and what is not acceptable. A saltwater or freshwater tank will have a different chemical composition than water that you’re expecting to drink, for example.
Using a drinking water test on a freshwater fish tank is not going to give you the type of information that you need. Using the aquarium tests on your swimming pool is also not going to give you the right type of information.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it there are several different types of water test kits. You’ll want to take a look at each of these that I’ve found and see how they may work for you. Each one tests just a little bit differently and provides you with different kinds of results. You’ll also have different types of contaminants tested so it’s going to be important to look at the specific bacteria that you want to test or the specific contaminants that are most common in your area. From there, you’ll be able to narrow it down even further than I have and make sure you have the right test.
