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Hall County
UGA Extension Office

Soil & Water Testing

Soil Testing
Let's begin with a soil test. So many times clients come in our office with questions about their lawn, garden, trees, etc. and we always suggest that we start with the basic soil test. Here is a link that will assist you gathering your sample. Soil testing in Georgia. It is not necessary to come by and pick up the bags first. Bring your dry sample in a ziplock bag, cup or any kind of container, and we will transfer it over to a UGA soil bag before shipping. We will need at least 2 cups of dry soil. One sample is sufficient for each lawn. The cost per sample for the basic soil test is $8.00 (cash or check made payable to Hall County Extension Office) and results can either be mailed or emailed. It usually takes about 10 to 12 days to receive your results.

Here is a tip to help dry your soil quicker: Place your wet soil in a shallow pan and place on the dashboard of your vehicle with the windows rolled up in the sunshine. It will dry it out quickly.


Water Testing
Water testing is important for monitoring water quality for people who get their water from a well.

When you pour yourself a glass of water to drink, it may appear clean, taste good and you may expect it to be safe. However, many sources of water we assume are safe can contain dissolved minerals, organic compounds or even live organisms at harmful concentrations. Contaminated water used for drinking and cooking may affect your health. Also, high concentrations of certain minerals in your water can result in quality issues such as unpleasant taste and odors or staining of bathroom fixtures and/or laundry.

The quality and safety of drinking water is of great concern to many Americans today because of an increased interest in health and environmental quality. This new focus on water quality has led many Americans to consider testing their water.

To have your water tested, please take a first draw sample in the morning and bring in 4 oz of the water for the Basic Water Test. The cost per sample for the basic water test is $22.00 (cash or check made payable to Hall County Extension Office) and results can either be mailed or emailed. It usually takes about 10 to 12 days to receive your results.