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Cobb County
UGA Extension Office

Water Testing

Why Should I Test My Water?

We offer many different water tests through the UGA Cobb Extension office, but it is important to know your source and talk to your local Extension Agent to help determine what might be the best test, or tests for you. The two primary sources of water for most Cobb County citizens will be either private wells or Cobb County Water System. Some of the main reasons that people consider doing a water test are odor, taste, color, mineral content, and general health knowledge.

  • Municipal water in Cobb County is heavily regulated and has to meet strict water quality standards put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Cobb County Water Systems regularly test their water and post their results to the public.  Municipal water quality concerns typically occur after the water has entered the home, and our UGA Cobb Extension office offers a variety of tests to help isolate the issue.
  • Well water is not regulated by the (EPA), and it is up to the owner to regularly test and maintain the water quality.  If the well hasn't been used, or the water hasn't been tested for several years we have several different well water testing recommendations. Please contact your local Extension Office when considering a well test.

Water Tests Available:

  • Basic Water Test ($20): pH, Hardness, P, K, Ca, Al, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, SiO2, Na, Zn   
  • Ga. Expanded Water Test ($60):  Basic water test +anions, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate, and alkalinity.
  • Home Loan Closing Test ($85) (rushed results for an additional $55): Lead, nitrate, nitrite, total Coliform, E. coli
  • Dept. of Public Health: Well Chemical Test ($122): Expanded water test, lead, arsenic
  • Total Coliform/ E. coli ($36): Kit is required, and sample can only be collected and shipped on a Monday or Tuesday morning.
  • Fishpond General Water Quality ($35): Includes basic water test and alkalinity. 
  • Pond Water Quality & Algae Testing Kit ($110): Basic water test, alkalinity, algae testing kit (contact office for pre-order of kit before sample collection)

Click here for a Periodic Table for reference.

Additional tests are available. For more information, please contact the Cobb County UGA Extension office.

*ATTENTION* Each water test must be taken from the source after the water has not   been in use for a minimum of 6-12 hours. Three to four cups of water should be collected in a clean glass or plastic container. Pricing as shown above includes shipping for most samples excluding bacteria and algae testing.


 Water Sample Instructional Video:


Water Testing Resoruces:


water through pipes