Water Testing
Water is perhaps the most precious of our resources; our families, our pets, and even our plants all need water to live healthy lives. With water being so important, it’s vital that we understand how safe our water really is. Heavy metals, minerals, and even microorganisms can all be found in a glass of seemingly clear water. Water testing is the only way to ensure the reliability of your water source.
Extension offers a number of water testing options to meet your needs. Some of our most common tests:
- Basic Water Test ($22): pH, Hardness, P, K, Ca, Al, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, SiO2, Na, Zn.
- Expanded Water Test ($62): pH, Hardness, P, K, Ca, Al, B, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, SiO2, Na, Zn, plus Anions, Soluble Salts, & Alkalinity.
- Home Loan Closing ($85 +shipping): W42 (Pb)+W6 (Nitrate)+W7 (Nitrite)+W35 (Total Coliform/E. coli) These four tests are commonly required for home closings. Ask your lending agency for specific details. Home Loan Closing kits can be picked up at our offices and must be shipped overnight to the lab. We do not accept these samples at our offices.
- Microbial (Total coliform/ E. coli) ($36 + overnight shipping): Time-sensitive test requiring a special bottle. Kits can be picked up at our offices and must be shipped overnight to the lab. We do not accept these samples at our offices.
Many other specific tests are available. It usually takes 2-3 weeks from date of submission to receive test results.
Contact us
If you’re interested in water testing services, please call our offices. You will be sent the pertinent forms as well as social distancing guidelines.
- For the East Point office call: 404-613-4920.
- For the Sandy Springs office call: 404-613-7670.
- For the Camp Truitt - College Park office call: 404-762-4085.
- Please note that our Atlanta History Center location does not currently accept soil, water, or plant samples. Please contact the North Fulton office for testing services in that area.
For general questions or more information about water testing in Fulton County, please contact 404-613-4920. Please call the drop-off location of your choice before coming, to ensure expedited service.
Extension Publications
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Your Household Water Quality: Odors in Your Water (C 1016) Homeowners sometimes experience unpleasant odors in their household water. In many cases, the exact cause of the odor is difficult to determine by water testing; however, this publication provides a few general recommendations for treating some common causes of household water odors.
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Understanding Laboratory Wastewater Tests: I. Organics (BOD, COD, TOC, O&G) (C 992) For most people a complete understanding of the standard methods required to accurately complete critical wastewater analytical tests is not necessary. However, a fundamental understanding of the theory behind and working knowledge of the basic procedures used for each test, and the answers to commonly asked questions about each test can be a valuable tool for anyone involved in generating, monitoring, treating or discharging process wastewater.
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Disinfecting Your Well Water: Shock Chlorination (C 858-4) Shock chlorination is the process by which home water systems such as wells, springs, and cisterns are disinfected using household liquid bleach (or chlorine). Shock chlorination is the most widely recommended means of treating bacterial contamination in home water systems. This publication contains guidelines for safely and effectively using shock chlorination -- a standard treatment for sanitizing your well system.