How does WellWaterTrust actually work?

You tell us where you live and whether you are on a private well or municipal water. We route your request to a vetted water-testing lab or WQA-credentialed filtration installer in our network who serves your ZIP code. They contact you, offer an EPA-method test or a free filtration quote, and you choose whether to hire them—no obligation.

Is WellWaterTrust free for homeowners?

Yes. Homeowners never pay WellWaterTrust anything. Labs and installers in our network pay us a referral fee only when they win your business. You evaluate their quote the same way you would any pro, and if it doesn't work for you, you walk away with no cost.

What are PFAS and why are they in my water?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are man-made 'forever chemicals' used in non-stick cookware, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant fabrics. They do not break down in the environment and have seeped into groundwater and municipal water supplies nationwide, affecting an estimated 45% of U.S. tap water.

What are the new EPA limits for PFAS in drinking water?

In 2024, the EPA finalized limits (MCLs) of 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS, and 10 ppt for PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX. However, public water utilities may have until 2031 to fully comply with permanent filtration, and these rules do not apply to private wells at all.

How often should I test my private well water?

The CDC and EPA recommend testing your private well at least once a year. Annual tests should cover coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH. You should test immediately if you notice changes in water taste, odor, or color.

What is WQA certification and why does it matter?

The Water Quality Association (WQA) provides independent, professional certification for water treatment installers. It ensures the installer understands water chemistry, proper sizing of filtration equipment, and local plumbing codes. Every installer we route to must hold a current WQA or equivalent credential.

Do refrigerator or pitcher filters remove PFAS?

Usually no. Most standard refrigerator and pitcher filters are only certified to improve taste and odor by reducing chlorine. To remove PFAS, a filter must specifically hold NSF/ANSI 53 or P473 certification for PFAS reduction.

What is the difference between Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Carbon filtration?

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) absorbs chemicals and is great for whole-house filtration but requires frequent filter changes. Reverse Osmosis (RO) forces water through a microscopic membrane, removing >99% of contaminants including PFAS and heavy metals, but is usually only installed at the kitchen sink because it is slow and wastes water.

How does lead get into drinking water?

Lead rarely comes from the municipal water plant or your private well. It leaches into the water from old service lines, lead solder used in pipes, or brass fixtures inside your own home, especially when water sits stagnant overnight.

How much does a professional well water test cost?

A comprehensive EPA-method test from an ELAP-certified lab typically costs $150 to $350, depending on the number of contaminants checked. Testing for PFAS usually adds to the cost because the lab equipment (Method 533) is highly specialized.

How much does a whole-house PFAS filtration system cost?

A certified whole-house carbon system typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 installed. An under-sink Reverse Osmosis system for drinking water costs $400 to $800 installed. Prices vary based on home size, water chemistry, and local plumbing rates.

How is WellWaterTrust different from Angi, Thumbtack, or HomeAdvisor?

General networks sell your contact info to 3-5 contractors, leading to a flood of sales calls. We route your request to exactly one vetted professional (lab or installer) who specializes in water quality. One conversation, one assessment, one quote.

Are the network installers licensed and insured?

Yes. Every installer in our network must hold a current state plumber's or contractor's license (where required), current liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. We re-verify these credentials annually.

What happens if I am not happy with the matched lab or installer?

Tell us immediately. We will investigate within 5 business days, route you to a different professional, and remove contractors from the network for confirmed quality or conduct issues. You are never locked in.

Does WellWaterTrust sell my information to other contractors or marketing lists?

No. Your contact details go to exactly one matched lab or installer who has been vetted for your needs. We do not sell to data brokers, broadcast to multiple contractors, or add you to marketing lists.

RO vs Carbon for PFAS

With PFAS ('forever chemicals') found in 45% of U.S. tap water, homeowners are increasingly looking to filter their own water. The problem? The standard charcoal filter in your fridge won't cut it. To effectively remove PFAS, you need robust filtration certified specifically for these compounds. The two dominant technologies are Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and Reverse Osmosis (RO).

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

GAC filters use highly porous carbon to trap chemicals as water flows through. Because they allow for high water flow rates, GAC systems are often used for whole-house (Point-of-Entry) filtration. A whole-house carbon system ensures that the water you shower in and wash clothes in is also filtered.

The downside: GAC filters have a finite capacity to trap PFAS. Once the carbon is saturated, PFAS can 'break through' and enter your water. Regular, strict filter replacement is mandatory.

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse Osmosis uses high pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane that strips away almost all contaminants, including PFAS, heavy metals, and minerals. RO is extremely effective, often removing >99% of PFAS.

The downside: RO systems are slow and waste several gallons of water for every gallon of pure water they produce. For this reason, they are almost exclusively installed under a single kitchen sink (Point-of-Use) for drinking and cooking water, rather than for the whole house.

Which should you choose?

A common and highly effective setup recommended by WQA-credentialed installers is a hybrid approach: a whole-house GAC system at the main water line to reduce overall chemical load and protect plumbing, combined with an under-sink RO system in the kitchen to guarantee the highest purity for drinking water.

Whatever system you choose, verify that it carries NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI P473 certification specifically for PFAS reduction. Without this third-party certification, the manufacturer's claims are unverified.

Reverse Osmosis vs Whole-House Carbon for PFAS

Granular Activated Carbon (GAC)

Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Which should you choose?

One request. ELAP-certified lab. Written report.

More water quality guides

What PFAS Limits Mean for Your Tap Water in 2026

How to Test a Private Well (and How Often)

Lead in Water: First-Draw vs Flushed Testing