UK Guide 2026: 5 Methods from Free to Comprehensive
Wondering what's actually in your tap water? You're not alone. With news about PFAS contamination, lead pipes, and water company fines, more UK households are testing their water than ever before.
The good news? Testing your water doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. In this guide, I'll walk you through 5 different methods—from completely free options to comprehensive lab testing—so you can choose what's right for your situation and budget.
Important Note
UK mains water is tested extensively at treatment works and meets strict legal standards. However, water quality can change between the treatment works and your tap—especially if you have old pipes. That's why testing at your tap matters.
Method 1
Cost
Free
Time
5 minutes
Accuracy
Official data
Method 2
Cost
£10-30
Time
15 minutes
Accuracy
Moderate
Method 3
Cost
£10-20
Time
2 minutes
Accuracy
High for TDS only
Method 4
Cost
£50-150
Time
1-2 weeks
Accuracy
Very High
Method 5
Cost
Free
Time
1-2 weeks
Accuracy
Very High
| Method | Cost | Best For | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Company Report | Free | General overview | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Home Test Strips | £10-30 | Quick checks | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| TDS Meter | £10-20 | Filter effectiveness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (TDS only) |
| Lab Testing | £50-150 | PFAS, comprehensive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Free Lead Test | Free | Pre-1970 homes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Every UK water company provides free water quality reports online. Simply visit your water company's website and enter your postcode. You can also request a free lead test if you live in a pre-1970 property. For basic checks, the 'smell and taste' test costs nothing and can identify chlorine or unusual odours.
Key things to test for in UK tap water include: hardness (calcium/magnesium levels), chlorine, lead (especially in older properties), pH levels, and if you're concerned about emerging contaminants, PFAS and microplastics. Your water company report will cover the basics, but home test kits or lab tests can check for additional contaminants.
Home water test kits provide a reasonable indication of water quality but aren't as accurate as laboratory tests. Test strips (£10-30) are good for detecting the presence of contaminants but may not give precise measurements. For accurate results, especially for lead, PFAS, or bacteria, send a sample to an accredited UK laboratory (£50-150).
For most UK households on mains water, checking your water company's annual report is sufficient. However, test more frequently if: you notice changes in taste, smell, or appearance; you've had plumbing work done; you live in an older property with potential lead pipes; or you use a private well or borehole (test annually at minimum).
Unfortunately, there are no reliable home test kits for PFAS (forever chemicals). PFAS testing requires sophisticated laboratory equipment. You'll need to send a water sample to an accredited lab that specifically offers PFAS testing, which typically costs £100-150. Some UK labs offering this include ALS Environmental and Eurofins.
A TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meter measures the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, including minerals, salts, and metals. It gives a reading in parts per million (ppm). UK tap water typically ranges from 50-400 ppm depending on your area. However, TDS doesn't tell you WHAT's dissolved—high TDS could be harmless minerals or concerning contaminants.
If your test results show issues with your water quality, don't panic. Most problems can be solved with the right water filter.
Water Filtration Specialist | 24+ Years Experience
Keith has spent over two decades in the water filtration industry, helping thousands of UK households find the right water solutions. He believes in honest, practical advice without the sales pressure.
Read full bioThis guide is for informational purposes only. If you have serious concerns about your water quality, consult your water company or a professional water testing service. Last updated: January 2026.