The Best States for Tap Water Quality (and What to Do If Yours is Lacking)

While some individuals find that all drinking water tastes similar, others have a more refined palate and can identify subtle differences in tap water when traveling outside their local area. These variations in taste are often due to factors like the mineral composition of the water and its overall quality.

On June 30, 2023, experts at J.D. Power released a detailed analysis of the country's tap water quality, revealing which states have the best and worst. Here's a breakdown of the findings and advice on what to do if your state ranks poorly.

The states with the highest-quality tap water

To evaluate the quality of tap water across different states, J.D. Power's team gathered customer feedback on factors such as water quality and reliability. This data was then used to assign a score between 1 and 1,000 to each state, including Washington, D.C., with 1,000 representing the highest possible score.

Below are the 10 states with the highest ratings, each with their respective score out of a maximum of 1,000:

1. Kentucky: 808

2. Washington (state): 808

3. New York: 801

4. Oregon: 796

5. Kansas: 795

6. Massachusetts: 793

7. Connecticut: 789

8. Minnesota: 788

9. Virginia: 785

10. Hawaii: 782

The states with the poorest quality of tap water

Conversely, these 10 states have some of the worst tap water quality in the nation:

1. Alabama: 701

2. Maryland: 721

3. Oklahoma: 726

4. New Mexico: 731

5. Texas: 737

6. Pennsylvania: 748

7. Ohio: 748

8. Mississippi: 750

9. Arizona: 750

10. Indiana: 756

Improving tap water quality

If you're keen on enhancing the quality of your tap water, there are several methods available to you. First and foremost, if you're uncertain about the safety of your water, it is advisable to have it tested. Reach out to your local health department to find out if they provide free testing kits or will come to your home to conduct the test for you.

One of the most straightforward and widely used methods for improving tap water is to use a filter. Carbon filters, such as those found in Brita pitchers, are effective at removing pollutants like chlorine, asbestos, lead, and mercury. Additionally, water softeners help reduce the buildup of minerals like calcium, magnesium, barium, and radium in your pipes. Reverse osmosis filters are particularly good at blocking harmful substances like arsenic, fluoride, hexavalent chromium, nitrates, and perchlorate.

For more information on water filters and additional ways to enhance the quality of your tap water, visit the Environmental Working Group’s website.