Water quality tests & pricing
The test list below provides a price guide for commonly requested tests. NSW DPIRD provides a tailored service with quotes for specialist tests or large volume discounts available by contacting Customer Service on (02) 6626 1103.
DPIRD's standard water test provides detailed information on pH, chloride, alkalinity, turbidity, hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio and electrical conductivity (an indicator of salinity). A list of available water testing packages to suit your needs is outlined below.
Water sampling kits include all components for submitting a sample. To submit a sample for testing click on the Order a collection kit button below.
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 contact Customer service.
For advice on test selection, sample submission, additional testing options, which bottle or to order a Microbiology water sample kit please contact our Customer Service Unit on (02) 6626 1103 or wollongbar.csu@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Purpose | Package Name & bottle type | Tests Included | Price (inc GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
Stock Water Domestic Use – washing, hot water, garden etc Irrigation of crop or pasture | Standard
250mL plastic bottle | pH, chloride, turbidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (salinity indicator), Total Dissolved Solids (calc), hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio | $97.70 |
Stock Water Domestic Use – washing, hot water, garden etc Irrigation of crop or pasture | Standard + Element Suite (dissolved)
250mL plastic bottle | pH, chloride, turbidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (salinity indicator), Total Dissolved Solids (calc), hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio, 20 element ICP OES Scan* (diss) | $131.80 |
New Bore Characterisation | Standard + Element Suite (total)
250mL plastic bottle | pH, chloride, turbidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (salinity indicator), Total Dissolved Solids (calc), hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio, 20 element ICP OES Scan* (total) | $146.30 |
Fertigation/Hydroponics/Nursery | Standard + Element Suite (dissolved) + Total Nitrogen & Phosphorus 250mL plastic bottle | pH, chloride, turbidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (salinity indicator), Total Dissolved Solids (calc), hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio, 20 element ICP Scan* (diss), Total Nitrogen & Phosphorus | $159.50 |
Effluent use or contamination | Standard + Element Suite (total) + Nutrients 250mL plastic bottle | pH, chloride, turbidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (salinity indicator), Total Dissolved Solids (calc), hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio, 20 element ICP Scan* (total), Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia, phosphate & sulfate | $196.00 |
Drinking Water - Routine Chemistry | Standard + low level elements ICP MS
250mL plastic bottle | pH, chloride, turbidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (salinity indicator), Total Dissolved Solids (calc), hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio. Low Level Metals (dissolved) by ICP MS** | $131.80 |
Drinking Water – E. coli & TC | E. coli & TC Sterile 100mL bottle | E. coli and Total Coliforms only | $69.50 |
Drinking Water - Chemistry + E. coli & TC*** | Standard + low level elements ICP MS, E .coli & TC 250mL plastic & sterile 100mL bottle | pH, chloride, turbidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (salinity indicator), Total Dissolved Solids (calc), hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio. Low Level Metals (dissolved) by ICP MS**, E .coli & Total Coliforms | $201.30 |
Stock/Domestic/Irrigation/New Bore/ Drinking*** (Comprehensive) | Standard + Element Suite (total) + Nutrients + Low Level ICP MS + E. coli & TC 250mL plastic & sterile 100mL bottle | pH, chloride, turbidity, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (salinity indicator), Total Dissolved Solids (calc), hardness, saturation index, sodium absorption ratio, 20 element ICP OES Scan (total)*, Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia , phosphate & sulfate, Low Level Metals by ICP MS**, E .coli & Total Coliforms | $299.60 |
Your specific Needs | Personalised | A combination of tests to suit your specific needs. Please call to discuss | TBA |
* 20 Element ICP OES Scan - This analysis is useful in determining plant and animal nutrient problems and includes testing for the following elements: Aluminium, Arsenic, Boron, Calcium, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus Potassium Nickel, Sodium, Sulfur, Selenium, Zinc.
Please refer to the Water Kit Testing Information Sheet for an explanation of Total or Dissolved
** Low Level Metals ICP MS: Aluminium, Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Nickel, Zinc
*** Please call for a Microbiology Sample Kit if you do not already have one (small bottle with a preservative tablet). We have a comprehensive range of tests. If the test you need is not included here, please give us a call on (02) 6626 1103.
Additional Laboratory Service Charges
| Service/Fee | Charges |
|---|---|
| Outsourced Analysis | 100% of external lab pricing + postage/freight + additional admin time fee |
| Postage/Freight Costs | Charged at full cost recovery |
| Urgent Testing: 1 working day | 100% surcharge added to test cost (Test and workflow dependent) |
| Express Testing: 2-4 working days | 50% surcharge added to test cost (workflow dependent) |
| Express Testing: 5-7 working days | 25% surcharge added to test cost (workflow dependent) |
| Additional Sample Handling4 | $62.60/hr (incl. GST)1 |
| Additional Admin Time/Reporting Request5 | $85.40/hr (incl. GST)1 |
| Return of Samples to Client | Freight + additional sample handling fee |
| Repeat Analysis - Client Request | Repeat test result same as original - client pays full test cost Repeat test result different to original - no charge to client |
1Prices are current as at 5 August 2024.
4 Additional sample handling fees will be charged if samples take longer than an hour to process at submission due to incorrect labelling, poor sorting or receival of damaged/compromised samples.
5 Additional admin time/reporting request fees will be charged if sample submissions take longer than half an hour to process due to additional client/outsourced analysis follow-up requirements.
What do I need to know before testing my water?
Laboratory testing is performed using the industry approved APHA test methods. APHA advises that for best results pH should be determined at the time of sample collection. As this is not always practical, we recommend that clients chill samples immediately on collection and forward to the laboratory as soon as possible.
Follow the simple instructions on the sampling kit, fill in the sample submission form and send your sample in the post.
Sample Name/Identification
All sample containers need to have a unique identification, which should identify the owner or property and the specific location where multiple water sources exist e.g. Surname – site/dam. If multiple containers are used for water from one source, this should be appended with “A”, “B”, etc
Results
An interpretive sheet for water kit test results will accompany each report. However for specific plant needs, please discuss your results with an agronomist or horticulturist.
Local Land Services (LLS) at 1300 795 299 may have a local representative who can assist.
Quotes
Where possible, we work with our clients to negotiate a tailored service. Quotes for specialist or large volume submissions are available upon request.
To request a quote please email Customer Service with the following information:
- Your contact details
- Your testing requirements (including number of samples, time frame and any other important information).
For advice on specialised tests or to obtain a quote please contact Customer Service.
Terms and Conditions
Prices are reviewed annually however NSW DPIRD reserves the right to modify prices at any time. Express surcharges may apply for urgent requests. View the full list of Terms and Conditions applicable to all testing services provided by DPIRD.
