Editorial Policy

Every article moves through a defined workflow: Draft → Research → Review → Approved → Published, and is flagged for Needs Update when sources or conditions change. Only content marked Published appears as an indexable page.

Sourcing standards

• Health-based claims must trace to a primary public source (EPA, USGS, CDC, or a state agency).
• We distinguish enforceable standards for public water systems from recommendations for private wells.
• We separate aesthetic issues (taste, odor, staining) from health concerns.
• If we cannot verify a figure, source, or certification, we leave it out and mark the section for review rather than inventing it.

Accuracy and corrections

We date each article with its last review. When we learn of an error, we fix it and note significant corrections — see our Corrections Policy.

Independence

Some links are affiliate links, disclosed clearly. Commercial relationships never determine our editorial conclusions. We do not accept payment to alter guidance.