Water Testing Kits sells inexpensive at-home test strips, bacteria tests and meters that give a useful first look at your water. They are good for screening and for choosing a filter, but they are not a substitute for certified lab testing when health is on the line, especially for wells and lead.
What we like
- Low prices, with a 10-test kit at $34.95 and a bacteria test at $11.99
- Covers common concerns such as lead, bacteria, nitrates, chlorine, hardness and pH
- Results at home without mailing samples away
- TDS and pH meter set is reusable and handy for checking filter performance
- Classroom and experiment kits for schools and homeschoolers
Keep in mind
- Home strips are screening tools and less precise than certified lab analysis
- Guarantee terms are described inconsistently in coverage
- Shipping times are estimates rather than guarantees
- Little company background published on the main pages
Before spending hundreds of dollars on a water filter, it helps to know what is actually in your water. Water Testing Kits, sold under the Test Assured name, offers an inexpensive way to get a first answer at home, with color-coded test strips, a bacteria test and digital meters.
We looked at what each kit measures, what it costs, how home strips compare with laboratory testing and when you should go further. For most households, these kits are a sensible first step, provided you understand their limits.
What the store offers
The range is small and practical:
- Complete Water Analysis Test Kit ($34.95): ten tests in one package with color-coded comparison charts, listed as suitable for well, municipal, tap and groundwater.
- TDS and pH Meter Set ($24.99): two handheld digital meters, one for total dissolved solids and one for acidity or alkalinity.
- Bacteria in Water Test ($11.99): checks for E. coli and coliform bacteria, with results in about 48 hours.
- 4 Pack School and Experiment Kit: tests four water samples and is aimed at science fairs, classrooms and homeschoolers.
- Classroom Kit with TDS Meter: the experiment kit plus a TDS meter.
Across its kits and guides, the store covers lead, bacteria, pesticides, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, copper, iron and hardness. Check the box for exactly which parameters a given kit includes.
Home test strips versus lab testing
Home kits use reagent strips that change color when they contact certain substances. You compare the color with a chart to get an approximate reading. That is quick and cheap, and good enough to answer questions like whether your water is hard, whether chlorine is present, or whether nitrates look high.
A certified laboratory uses calibrated instruments and can detect much lower concentrations with known accuracy. It can also test for things strips cannot easily measure, such as arsenic at low levels, specific PFAS compounds, uranium or a full panel of volatile organic chemicals.
A practical way to think about it:
- Use home kits to screen, to compare before and after a filter, and to check routine parameters.
- Use a certified lab for private wells, homes with possible lead pipes, households with infants or pregnant people, and any time a home test shows a problem.
See Water Testing Kits's current range
Getting reliable results
- Read the instructions fully before opening strips, since timing matters.
- Use a clean container and, for most tests, collect cold water after running the tap briefly. For lead, a first draw sample after water has sat overnight shows worst-case levels.
- Read colors in good daylight at the time stated on the instructions.
- Keep strips sealed and dry, since moisture and heat degrade them.
- Repeat any worrying result and follow up with a lab.
For the bacteria test, follow the incubation instructions carefully. A positive result for E. coli or coliform bacteria is a reason to stop drinking the water untreated and contact your local health department.
Using TDS and pH meters wisely
The TDS meter reports total dissolved solids, a general measure of minerals and other dissolved substances. It is very useful for checking whether a reverse osmosis filter is working, since RO water should read far lower than tap water. It does not tell you which substances are present or whether the water is safe, and low TDS does not mean contaminant-free. The pH meter is helpful for spotting corrosive, acidic water that can leach metals from pipes.
What to test for, by situation
- City water, newer home: chlorine, hardness and pH are the main everyday questions. Your utility's annual water quality report fills in the rest, so a basic kit plus the report is usually enough to choose a filter.
- City water, older home: add lead and copper, since these usually come from household plumbing rather than the utility. Use a first draw sample and confirm any positive result at a lab.
- Private well: test at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates, and after floods or repairs. Iron, hardness and pH explain staining, scale and corrosion problems. A full lab panel every few years is wise.
- After installing a filter: use the TDS meter and repeat strip tests to confirm the filter is doing what you paid for, and retest as the filter ages.
- Homes with infants: nitrates and lead deserve particular attention, and lab testing is the safer choice.
Pricing, shipping and support
With prices from $11.99 to $34.95, this is one of the cheaper ways to start testing. The store says it ships worldwide and has quoted delivery of 3 to 5 business days, while also noting that shipping estimates are not guaranteed. ScoopReview's coverage describes both a 30-day and a 100% money-back guarantee, so ask the store to confirm the exact terms. Support is available by phone at the number listed on the site.
Who it suits, and our verdict
Good fit: renters and homeowners curious about their tap water, people choosing between filter types, households checking whether an existing filter still works, and teachers running water science projects.
Go further if: you rely on a private well, live in an older home that may have lead pipes, or have a baby on formula. In those cases, a certified lab test is worth the cost.
Our verdict: Water Testing Kits offers affordable, easy screening tools that help you make better decisions about filtration. Limited company information and inconsistent guarantee wording keep the rating modest, but as a low-cost first step, the kits do their job.
Water Testing Kits products at a glance
| Product | What it is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Water Analysis Test Kit | Ten home tests with color charts for tap, well and municipal water. | $34.95 |
| TDS and pH Meter Set | Reusable digital meters for dissolved solids and acidity. | $24.99 |
| Bacteria in Water Test | Home test for E. coli and coliform bacteria with results in about 48 hours. | $11.99 |
| 4 Pack School and Experiment Kit | Kit for testing four water samples, designed for classrooms and science fairs. | — |
Prices as listed on the brand's site at the time of our research and may change. Check the store for current pricing.
Water Testing Kits FAQs
Are home water test kits accurate?
Home strips give approximate readings that are useful for screening. For precise results, or for wells, lead and health-related decisions, use a certified laboratory.
What does the Complete Water Analysis kit test for?
It includes ten tests with color charts. The store's kits cover parameters such as lead, bacteria, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, copper, iron, hardness and pH; check the box for the exact list.
What should I do if a bacteria test is positive?
Stop drinking the water untreated, use boiled or bottled water, and contact your local health department for guidance and confirmatory lab testing.
Can a TDS meter tell me if my water is safe?
No. TDS measures total dissolved substances but not which ones. It is best used to check how well a filter, especially reverse osmosis, is working.
Does Water Testing Kits ship internationally?
The store says it ships worldwide, though delivery times are estimates.
Households that want a quick, low-cost screen of their water before choosing a filter
Disclosure: InhouseHeal may earn a commission if you buy through links on this page. Our score is based on research of the brand's products, evidence, pricing and policies. How we review.
