Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 1, 2025

Short version: We collect minimal information, we don't sell your data, and we use standard analytics and advertising tools (Google Analytics & AdSense). If you have questions, email us at watersafecheck@gmail.com.

1. What We Collect

WaterSafeCheck.com collects only the information needed to operate the site:

Usage data: Google Analytics collects anonymized information — pages visited, time on site, browser type, referring URL. This data is aggregated and not linked to your identity.
ZIP code searches: We may log ZIP codes searched for analytics. We do not link searches to your identity or location.
Contact form: If you contact us, we collect your name, email, and message to respond to your inquiry. We store these in our email inbox only.

2. Cookies

We use cookies for:

Google Analytics: Measures site traffic. Opt out at Google Analytics Opt-out.
Google AdSense: Serves advertisements. Ads may be personalized based on your browsing. Manage preferences at Google Ad Settings.

3. Google AdSense & Third-Party Advertising

This site uses Google AdSense to display advertisements from third-party advertisers. Google and its advertising partners use cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to serve ads based on your prior visits to this site and other websites on the internet.

Third-party vendors, including Google, use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website and other websites. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads to our users based on their visit to WaterSafeCheck.com and/or other sites on the Internet.

We receive compensation when ads are displayed, which helps us keep WaterSafeCheck free for all users.

To opt out of personalized advertising:

Visit Google Ads Settings to opt out of personalized ads from Google
Visit aboutads.info/choices to opt out of interest-based advertising from participating companies
Use the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent Google Analytics from collecting your data
Enable "Do Not Track" in your browser settings

For more information about Google's privacy practices, see the Google Privacy Policy.

4. How We Use Your Information

To operate and improve the site
To understand which content is most useful to visitors
To respond to contact inquiries
To display relevant advertising through Google AdSense

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to any third party.

5. Data Retention

Analytics data is retained per Google Analytics default policies (26 months). Contact inquiries are retained for as long as needed to respond, then deleted. You can request deletion by emailing watersafecheck@gmail.com.

6. Third-Party Links

We link to external sites including EPA.gov, echo.epa.gov, and others. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites.

7. Children's Privacy

This site is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have, contact us immediately.

8. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents may request information about categories of personal data collected, request deletion, and opt out of data sales. We do not sell personal data. Contact us at watersafecheck@gmail.com to exercise your rights.

9. Changes to This Policy

Material changes will be noted with an updated date at the top of this page. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance.

10. Contact

Questions about privacy: watersafecheck@gmail.com or use our contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does WaterSafeCheck sell my personal data?

No. We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to any third party. We use anonymized analytics data only to improve the site experience.

Why do I see ads on WaterSafeCheck?

WaterSafeCheck is free to use. Advertising revenue through Google AdSense helps cover our operating costs. Ads are served based on your browsing history and interests by Google — we do not control which specific ads appear.

How can I stop seeing personalized ads?

Visit Google Ad Settings at adssettings.google.com to opt out of personalized advertising. You can also use the AdChoices opt-out at aboutads.info/choices.

Is my ZIP code search tracked?

ZIP code searches may be logged anonymously for analytics purposes — for example, to understand which areas are most searched. We do not link ZIP searches to your identity or location.

How do I request deletion of my data?

Email watersafecheck@gmail.com with your request. We will delete any stored personal data associated with you (such as contact form submissions) within 30 days.