UGA Cooperative Extension is a collaboration between UGA CAES and UGA FACS.

UGA Extension Office

Soil and Water Testing

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We can receive your soil, water, and plant samples 24 hr/day!

At our 5110 Piney Grove Road office, we have provided a drop box stationed near the front door so you can leave your samples after regular business hours.  On the potting bench you'll find three labeled bins: Soil, Water, and Identification. On the window above the potting bench, you'll find instructions on how to prepare and leave your sample as well as pricing. We accept cash or check only, please make checks out to Forsyth County Extension/4-H. We now accept credit card payments for soil and water testing, however this is available only during business hours. After-hours payments must be made via cash or check. For more details on proper sample collection and pricing click the red box below.  If you need water testing for Bacteria or a Home Closing Kit, or if you have any questions or concerns, please email forsyth.extension@uga.edu so that we can assist you.


Soil Testing

Successful plants live in the right soil. Correct pH and nutrients make all the difference. To maintain normal plant growth, lime and fertilizer must be added to meet the needs of the particular plant. A SOIL TEST is the best way to learn how to help your grass, shrubs, trees, and garden grow well.  

Routine Soil Test.................................$13.00 per sample:
Includes pH, Lime Requirement, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, and Manganese. Bring TWO cups of dry soil in a zip-lock bag. The lab cannot process samples that are less than this. Dig down 4-6 inches and collect soil from many spots to get a good representative sample. Below is additional information on how to collect your soil.  

 


Water Testing

Rarely a homeowner on county water will have concerns and have their water tested. But if your home has a well you should have that water tested annually. Only YOU are responsible for the safety of your well water.  All well water samples should be collected after a period of 6-12 hours with NO water usage. Collect the sample in a clean container from the first draw of water out of the kitchen faucet or from the faucet used most often for drinking. Bring us approximately 2 cups of water. 

Extension recommends that you perform an annual Basic test and Bacteria test.

Water Sampling Instructions

  • Basic Water Test...................................$27.00 per sample:
    pH and Water Hardness, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Aluminum, Chromium, Manganese, Copper, Cadmium, Iron, Zinc, Sodium, Nickel, Magnesium, Boron, Molybdenum, and Silica
  • Bacteria Test........................................$36.00 per sample (client responsible for overnight shipping or delivery to UGA lab):
    The most common microbiology test checks for the presence of E. coli and total coliform bacteria. This test requires a special test kit with sample instructions available at the Extension office. This test is recommended annually on home wells. Disinfecting your well water through shock chlorination.
  • UGA offers many other water tests. For a list of tests and lab costs (additional shipping fees will apply if it is sent from the Extension office) can be found HERE.

 

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