Water quality recommendations on this page are informational. Test results vary by location. Contact your state health department or a certified lab for guidance specific to your water supply.
WATER TEST KIT REVIEW
SimpleLab Tap Score Review (2026): Best Water Test for Well Owners?
SimpleLab launched in 2017 from Berkeley, CA. The pitch: mail-in water testing with report quality that actually makes sense. Here is what you get.
Last reviewed: May 2026
The three products
| Product | Price | Contaminants | PFAS included? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tap Score Essential | $89 | ~40 basic parameters | First-time testing, renters, basic screening | |
| Tap Score Advanced | $189 | 100+ contaminants | Well owners, comprehensive annual testing | |
| Tap Score PFAS+Plus | $299 | 32 PFAS compounds | Anyone near military bases, airports, or industrial sites |
How the process works
- 1.Order online at mytapscore.com or Amazon. SimpleLab mails a sterile collection kit in 2 to 3 business days.
- 2.Collect your sample following the printed instructions. Flush the tap for 2 minutes. Use the sterile bottle. Seal it without touching the inside.
- 3.Drop in any mailbox using the prepaid return label. SimpleLab ships samples overnight to the lab.
- 4.Results arrive in 7 to 14 business days via email. You access an online dashboard showing each contaminant, your measured level, the EPA MCL, and the EWG Health Guideline.
- 5.Download a PDF. Call or chat with SimpleLab support if you have questions about your results.
What makes the report different
Most water test reports are a wall of numbers in a PDF. Tap Score shows each contaminant on a visual scale with three reference points: your measured level, the EPA legal limit, and the EWG health guideline (which is usually stricter).
This matters because a result can be below the EPA MCL but still above the EWG limit. Tap Score makes that clear at a glance. No chemistry degree required.
The report also links to explanations for each contaminant, its sources, and its known health effects. It is the most useful report format in this category.
Pros and cons
Pros
- +Best report format in the category: shows each contaminant vs EPA limit AND EWG Health Guideline
- +EPA-certified partner labs with results accepted in all 50 states
- +Online dashboard plus PDF download
- +Live customer support via chat during business hours
- +Sterile kit mailed to you, no lab visit needed
Cons
- -7 to 14 day turnaround is slower than a local lab walk-in
- -PFAS is a separate $299 product, not included in base kit
- -More expensive than basic mail-in options like WaterCheck
- -Does not offer same-day results for urgent situations
Who should buy Tap Score
Best for: Private well owners doing their first test. Homebuyers who want a pre-purchase water test. Anyone within 10 miles of a military base, airport, or industrial site who wants PFAS screening.
Skip it if: You want results in 24 hours (use a local walk-in lab). Or if your only concern is bacteria (a $30 strip test covers that faster).
For PFAS specifically, order the PFAS+Plus at $299, not the base Advanced kit.
Frequently asked questions
Is SimpleLab Tap Score accurate?
Yes. SimpleLab uses EPA-certified partner labs across the US. The same labs that state agencies use for compliance testing. Results match what you would get from a local state-certified lab, but with a better reporting interface.
Does Tap Score test for PFAS?
The base Tap Score Essential ($89) and Advanced ($189) do not include PFAS. You need to order PFAS+Plus ($299) separately. It tests 32 PFAS compounds using EPA Method 533.
How long does SimpleLab take?
Most results come back in 7 to 14 business days after the lab receives your sample. You get an email when results are ready, then access an online dashboard. You can also download a PDF.
Can I use SimpleLab results for a home sale?
Yes. Results come from state-certified labs and are accepted for real estate transactions in most states. Check with your real estate agent for any state-specific requirements.