# Disclaimer > WaterGradePro's disclaimer: our water treatment content is general information, not medical, plumbing or legal advice. Test your water and ask a professional. Source: https://watergradepro.com/disclaimer/ Updated: 2026-11-12 --- **Effective date:** November 12, 2026 ## General information only Everything on WaterGradePro, including articles, comparisons, calculators and product finders, is general information for educational purposes. It is not medical, health, plumbing, electrical, engineering or legal advice, and it doesn’t create a professional relationship. Your water, your plumbing and your health are specific to you; for decisions about them, talk to a qualified professional. ## Health and drinking water standards Whether your water is a health concern depends on what is actually in it and on your own situation. If you have a health question, ask your doctor or your local health department. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency sets federal drinking water standards for public water systems. A Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) is the enforceable legal limit; a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is a non-enforceable health goal, the level below which no health risk is known or expected. Standards and goals change over time. We check figures against the source when we write or update an article, but always confirm the current values in the EPA’s [National Primary Drinking Water Regulations](https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/national-primary-drinking-water-regulations). ## Test your water first The only way to know what is in your water is to test it. If you get water from a public utility, it publishes an annual water quality report, also called a [Consumer Confidence Report](https://www.epa.gov/ccr). If you have a private well, you are responsible for testing it; the EPA’s [private well guidance](https://www.epa.gov/privatewells) explains what to test for and how often, and your state can point you to [certified drinking water laboratories](https://www.epa.gov/dwlabcert). Home test strips and our tools can help you understand results, but they don’t replace a certified lab test. ## Certifications and product specifications A filter or treatment system reduces only the contaminants it is certified, or tested by its manufacturer, to reduce, and only under the conditions of that test. When we cite a certification, it comes from the certifier’s public listing, such as [NSF’s certified product listings](https://info.nsf.org/Certified/DWTU/); when we cite performance, it comes from the manufacturer’s documentation. Listings, models and specifications change, so confirm them before you buy. We don’t run lab tests on products, and we don’t present our own measurements unless an article clearly says so. ## Installation and safety Installing water treatment equipment can involve plumbing, electrical and drain work that local codes regulate, and some places require permits or licensed installers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, shut off water and power before you start, and hire a licensed plumber or electrician when in doubt. Most systems need regular maintenance, such as new cartridges, salt or UV lamps, to keep working as described. ## Boil water notices and emergencies If your water utility or health department issues a boil water notice or another drinking water advisory, follow its instructions. Don’t rely on a home filter to make water safe during an advisory unless the official instructions say that is acceptable. ## No guarantees We work to keep the Site accurate and current, but we can’t guarantee that any product, setting or result described here will work for your home. Results depend on your water chemistry, water use, installation and maintenance. ## Affiliate relationships Some links on the Site are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you buy through them. Read our [Affiliate Disclosure](https://watergradepro.com/affiliate-disclosure/) to learn how this works and how we keep our recommendations independent. ## Corrections Found an error? Email [contact@watergradepro.com](mailto:contact@watergradepro.com) with the page address and a short description. We review every report and update the article when we confirm a problem.