Tap Score Review – SimpleLab’s Water Testing Service

Tap Score is a service that allows you to collect water samples at home and then have them tested for heavy metals, chemicals, and other contaminants in a laboratory setting.

We’ve used Tap Score numerous times to test various water pitcher filters and reverse osmosis systems. Today we’re going to share our experiences, what you can expect from Tap Score, and how to use the data. 

Let’s get started.

Pros

• Extremely detailed reports
• 50+ specialized tests
• Impartial results
• Large selection of tests
• Suitable for in-depth water analysis
• The reports are easy to read and understand
• Fast turnaround time

Cons

• The large selection of testing kits can be overwhelming
• Some testing options can be pricey

Scoring

In This Review

Our Experience | Reports | Insights | What is Tap Score | Algorithm | Products & Services

Our Experience with Tap Score

Overall, my experience with Tap Score has been very straightforward. They send us the testing kits for free, and then we use them to test water filters from different brands.

After we collect the water samples, we ship them to Tap Score—and they send out detailed reports. The service is fast and efficient, allowing us to constantly carry out water tests. 

I love how the score is broken down into three major categories (health, plumbing, and aesthetics). Plus, the analysis they provide for each major contaminant allows you to understand why that compound is harmful, at what level it becomes dangerous, and what you can do to remove it.

The kits are shipped in a simple cardboard box. So far, I’ve only used the Advanced City Water and Radioactivity testing kits. You simply follow the instructions and fill the vials or bottles with the water you want to test.

There are some basic instructions to ensure you’re getting a clean sample, but it’s all so streamlined and straightforward that anyone can do it. 

The package also includes a basic info card you’ll fill out with data about your water, where it was tested, any filters you may have installed, and so on. This enables SimpleLab to analyze your water and provide more information in the final report.

As discussed above, there’s a huge range of contaminants and chemicals they can test for, so you’ll know exactly what’s in your water. 

Lastly, the TapScore website has chat feature. You can always just ask them what tests would work best for your water. Or fill out this quick quiz to help you determine the right tests for you.

Our Tap Score Reports

One of the interesting things about Tap Score is you’re able to share your laboratory reports with others. To date, we have used Tap Score 25 different times to test both filtered and unfiltered water.

You can find a complete list of all of our reports below.

Filter	Report
Waterdrop	Read Report
EpicWater	Read Report
AquaCrest	Read Report
Amazon Basics	Read Report
Brita	Read Report
NAKII	Read Report
PUR	Read Report
SOMA	Read Report
ZeroWater	Read Report
Aquagear	Read Report
AquaTru Classic	Read Report
AquaTru (Full Radiation)	Read Report
AquaTru Connect	Read Report
AquaTru Connect (Full Radiation)	Read Report
Sorso RO	Read Report
Unfiltered Water (Best Water Pitcher Filter)	Read Report
Unfiltered Water (AquaTru)	Read Report
Unfiltered Water (AquaTru Full Radiation)	Read Report
Unfiltered Water (Sorso RO)	Read Report

Tap Score Insights

We used this service to gather insights for the AquaTru Classic review. First, our team tested a sample of unfiltered tap water, which got a Tap Score of 44. The report revealed high levels of chloroform, arsenic, copper, uranium, and other contaminants. 

Next, we looked over the results for filtered tap water, which scored 96 out of 99. The sample barely had any traces of heavy metals and chemicals. These insights allowed us to determine AquaTru’s performance and compare it against that of other brands, such as Brita, Epic, Waterdrop, and PUR.

We used the same approach to test the Sorso Reverse Osmosis System, which was able to remove 100% of the chloroform, molybdenum, uranium, nickel, lead, and other contaminants in tap water. 

The Tap Score report also provided data on the health impact of each compound, plus additional insights like:

• Sodium and magnesium levels in filtered vs. unfiltered water
• Water pH comparison and recommended levels
• Plumbing risk analysis
• Total trihalomethanes (THMs)
• Dibromochloromethane levels
• Bromodichloromethane concentrations

The graphs are easy to read and allow for a side-by-side comparison of two or more water samples.

What Is Tap Score?

SimpleLab, the company behind the Tap Score service, has been around since 2014. As of today, it operates more than 200 laboratories across the U.S., specializing in water, air, and soil testing. The organization works closely with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the University of California, Berkeley, and other research facilities. 

Tap Score, one of its core services, focuses on water testing. The company developed an advanced algorithm to assess water composition, its impact on plumbing systems, and other metrics. Based on this data, it offers personalized recommendations to help customers improve their water quality. 

The organization has its own labs, but it also works with certified labs in the U.S. and overseas. Customers can opt for DIY, informal, or certified testing options for city water, rainwater, well water, and more. 

How Does Tap Score Work?

The concept behind Tap Score is quite straightforward. Simply follow these steps:

1. Click Shop Water Tests on the company’s website; 
2. Select a water testing kit that meets your needs;
3. Place your order and wait to receive it;
4. Collect a water sample and send it to the Tap Score lab;
5. Tap Score sends the results by email.

Shipping is free both ways, and the testing kit includes all the bottles, vials, and other accessories needed to test the water. You’ll also have to fill out a card with basic information about your sample, such as how and where you collected it. 

Once you’ve got your water samples in the vials or bottles provided, place those back in the box they came in. The kit includes a return label, so you just slap that on the front of the box, tape it shut, and then it’s ready to drop in the mail.

Generally, the results are ready within two to three weeks. From our experience, each report is very detailed but easy to digest. A quick read-through, and I immediately understand what’s in it, why it’s dangerous, and what I can do to improve it.

The Tap Score Algorithm

In the past, we have used home water test kits to assess water quality, but they were not as reliable as an actual lab test. 

• First of all, they vary significantly in quality and accuracy, and finding one you can trust is a hit-or-miss. 
• Second, they may create false alarms or fail to detect trace levels of contaminants.
• Third, DIY water tests are quite limited in their ability to detect pathogens, heavy metals, and other pollutants. For example, you may use them to test tap water for E. coli bacteria, but they cannot detect Mycobacterium species, protozoa, or mold.

These products can be suitable for basic tests, but we needed more precise testing for our reviews. 

The Tap Score algorithm focuses on several major areas affecting water quality and evaluates each against specific parameters. It takes into account the appearance, taste, and smell of drinking water, its impact on human health, how it affects your plumbing system, and more.

Based on this data, it assigns a score of 1 to 99, with 1 being the worst outcome. What’s more, the testing parameters are customized for the type of water analyzed, whether it’s city water, well water, rainwater, or spring water.

Why Do You Need This Data?

In a perfect world, we would get clean tap water without having to use filters and other devices to remove impurities. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. 

A recent study assessed water quality in 120 households across the U.S. Researchers found that 118 out of the 120 water samples tested had high levels of arsenic, lead, and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). 

Water quality may vary from one location to another and throughout the day. However, the above findings indicate an obvious problem with our community water systems. 

As the scientists note, more than one-third of all samples contained PFAS above the safety threshold. These compounds have been linked to a host of health problems, including:

• High blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Preeclampsia 
• Liver problems
• Impaired immune function
• Birth defects
• Low birth weight
• Developmental delays

Moreover, the EPA warns that exposure to high levels of PFAS can lead to cancer, hormonal disorders, and decreased fertility. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and infants are particularly vulnerable.

Water filters may help to some extent, but they vary in quality. For example, one of our tests revealed that BRITA and PUR removed 100% of the chloroform in tap water, whereas SOMA (another popular brand) only removed a modest 33%.

Given these aspects, it makes sense to test your water in a clinical setting. Thanks to Tap Score, we were able to review and compare over a dozen water filters—and the results were quite surprising. 

Products & Services

Tap Score offers multiple testing kits, including over 50 specialized tests for detecting pesticides, herbicides, protozoa, and other water contaminants. 

For example, someone living near an industrial plant can order tests that detect alfa- and beta-radiation and its potential sources, such as radon or cesium. 

Other tests can detect lead, copper, chromium-6, and other heavy metals or contaminants. Let’s see a few examples:

• Advanced City Water Test
• PFAS water tests
• Full radiation water tests
• Mold and fungal testing
• Coliform and E. coli tests
• Fluoride tests
• Microplastics water tests
• Water hardness tests 
• Testing kits for bottled water
• Sediment analysis tests

There’s also the option to order a custom water test based on your specific concerns. First, you’ll have to answer a few questions about your drinking water source, nearby hazards, and health or safety concerns. After that, Tap Score will recommend one or more testing kits that meet your needs.

The company offers a number of tests and specialized services for enterprises, too. These are more complex than those available for residential clients and require a monthly subscription.

Can You Trust Tap Score?

Personally, I’m very impressed with Tap Score and the science behind it. After trying out dozens of water testing kits, I decided to settle with this one because of its high accuracy and simplicity. Plus, the results are impartial and detailed enough to be used for in-depth research. 

Furthermore, the reports are laid out in plain English, with a strong emphasis on the health risks posed by each compound in drinking water. They also describe what the chemical is, the magnitude of its impact, and how to eliminate it or reduce its levels. 

Independent Labs

Arguably the most significant factor in the trust department is the independent nature of the labs. Tap Score nor SimpleLab own the labs. They are 3rd party independently owned and operated labs. Tap Score / SimpleLab simply work with them. Having the labs have no vested interest in what the results say is a nice extra in terms of unbiased and impartial results.

We’ll continue to use Tap Score as part of our review process. We would also recommend this service to anyone looking to test the water quality in their homes.

For more information or to purchase Tap Score, click here.