Farm water testing
Which laboratory?
Tests available
- Standard kit test (pH, salinity, alkalinity, hardness etc.)
- ICP scan
- Total nitrogen and total phosphorus
- Ammonia, nitrate and phosphate
Samples
All information, including form, is included in the kit.
Customer service units
Contact the customer service unit at Wollongbar for assistance. The water sampling kit is available from any customer service unit.
Feedback
- Wollongbar: Email wollongbar.csu@dpi.nsw.gov.au
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NSW DPI Environmental Laboratories operate a world-class water testing service for farmers and graziers to determine the suitability of their water for agricultural and domestic applications.
Why should I have my farm water tested?
Don’t gamble on the quality of your farm water. A reliable water supply is a precious resource. The quality of water from bores, wells, creeks, rivers and farm dams can vary widely. Common problems include hardness, iron and salinity.
Water quality can affect plants, soils, livestock, irrigation equipment, domestic use and general farm activities. Farm water comes from a number of different sources and so its quality varies. Knowing your water quality allows you to plan for water treatments to avoid problems caused by poor water quality. It is important to identify and correct water quality problems that may affect on-farm use and productivity. If you have any doubts about the quality of water you intend to use for irrigation, stock or domestic purposes, you should get it tested.
When and how often should I have my water tested?
You should have your water tested before use and sometimes during use, as water quality does not stay constant. It can vary from season to season and needs to be monitored regularly. Regular monitoring allows you to take remedial action before too much damage occurs or there is a loss of production. Most of the chemical changes to water quality cannot be detected by eye or smell, and hence need laboratory analysis. Depending on the intended use of the water, the frequency of testing required will vary.
Tests available
Our water tests provide detailed information on pH, salinity, chloride, alkalinity, turbidity, hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio and electrical conductivity. We can also test for pesticide residues and blue-green algae.
Which tests should I request?
Understanding which water test best suits your needs can be difficult. All farm water supplies should be tested using the Standard Kit test. The table below provides a guide for testing requirements; however, if you are unsure of your needs or you have special requirements, please consult your NSW DPI District Agronomist or Horticulturist.
| Problem or application |
Recommended tests* |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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Standard Kit test $75.45 |
ICP scan Add $31.20 (dissolved) or $47.60 (total) |
Total nitrogen and total phosphorus Add $35.35 |
Ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and phosphate Add $29.60 |
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| Salinity (EC) |
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| Stock water |
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| Irrigation of crop or pasture |
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| Fertigation or hydroponics |
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| Effluent usage or contamination |
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| Other applications |
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Prices current as at 1/12/2011.
*Notes on the recommended tests
-
Standard Kit test. These are the basic tests that should be undertaken for all farm water supplies. They include tests for:
- pH
- salinity
- chloride
- alkalinity
- turbidity
- hardness
- saturation index
- sodium absorption ratio
- electrical conductivity.
Information from this Standard Kit test can be used to determine if the water will encrust or corrode your irrigation equipment. A sample result interpretation sheet is included with the test results.
- ICP scan. This analysis is useful in determining plant and animal nutrient problems and includes testing for the following elements:
aluminium (Al), arsenic (As), boron (B), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mb), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), sulfur (S), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn).
- Total nitrogen and total phosphorus. This information is important when considering applications of fertiliser via irrigation water. These are important parameters with respect to human health, algae blooms and aquatic weeds.
- Ammonia, nitrate and phosphate. These can reach unacceptable levels in effluent used for irrigation.
Pricing
For test prices please contact our customer service unit on 1800 675 623. All test prices include GST. An invoice for laboratory test charges will be forwarded to you on completion of testing.
Preparing and submitting samples
Water sampling kits
Our water sampling kits are supplied free of charge. They are available at NSW DPI district offices or through our customer service units.
The kits are easy to use:
- Collect your water sample in the container provided.
- Fill in the Sample Submission Form (included with the kit) and tick the box for the tests that you require.
- Place the water sample and the completed form in the reply paid mailing cylinder and post to the laboratory at Wollongbar.
- An invoice for the laboratory charges will be sent to you on the completion of testing.
Which laboratory conducts the tests?
Farm water testing is conducted at the laboratories at Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute - see contact details.
Customer service units
Contact the customer service unit at Wollongbar for assistance. Note that the water sampling kit is available from any customer service unit.
Feedback
Your feedback is always welcome. Our laboratories operate to ISO 17025 standard, and we will respond to all comments or criticisms of our service.