Your water source comes first.
The right starting point depends on the supply serving your address. A city name or county does not establish the hardness or contaminant levels at your tap. Tell Rock whether your home uses a private well or a public water system, and bring any recent results to the conversation.
Rock's Michigan team serves communities around Livonia and Burton, with existing plumbing coverage across Southeast, Mid- and West Michigan. Discuss your service address with the team.
For a private well, make a testing plan.
Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services recommends annual testing for coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrate and nitrite; arsenic and lead testing every three to five years; and PFAS testing at least once. Additional testing may be appropriate after flooding, well repairs or a change in the water. Follow the current MDHHS testing guidance and your local health department's advice.
Use a laboratory certified for the analysis you need and follow its sampling instructions. EGLE's private-well testing resources include contacts for Oakland and Washtenaw counties and the state laboratory. Confirm the panel, sample bottles and fees before collecting water.
For public water, find your utility's report.
Your water bill identifies the supplier. Its annual Consumer Confidence Report describes the water source and reported water-quality results. The report is a useful starting point; a question about your home's plumbing or a particular tap may still need separate investigation. EPA explains how to find and read the report.
If the utility issues an advisory, follow its instructions. A household filter does not automatically replace those directions.
Separate hardness from health-related testing.
A hardness test helps size a softener. It does not test for arsenic, PFAS or bacteria. Ask what Rock's assessment includes so you know when a certified laboratory result is needed. Water testing in Michigan explains how to prepare.
Scale, stains and odor can help describe the problem, but equipment should match the cause. Read the common water problems guide before comparing systems.
Choose equipment and plan its care.
Rock installs and services water filtration systems and water softeners. Bring your test report, household water-use needs and any existing system's model number. Discuss filter changes and service access alongside the installation, using the Michigan maintenance page to plan ongoing care.
For a step-by-step starting point, use the private-well guide or city-water guide. The illustrations show typical situations, not a test of water in your community.
