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Heard County
UGA Extension Office

Water Test

If you are uncertain which water test you need or how to draw water for analysis, please call the Heard County Extension Office at 706-675-3513 for guidance.

Splashing water droplet

  • The W2 - expanded water test, the most common test, is $60.00 per sample, plus shipping. The expanded water test will test for (W1-Basic, W3-Anions, W11-Soluble Salts, & W18-Alkalinity). The test will take approximately 5-7 business days upon receipt at the lab. 16 oz. (500mL) of water is needed for the expanded water test and needs to be the first draw of the morning from the source most often used (usually the kitchen sink). Use a sterilized jar (no residue of previous contents) or a regular water bottle will work as well. Please do not use a jar that has contained pickles, vinegar, or salsa. 
 
  • The W1 - basic water test is $20.00 per sample, plus shipping. The basic water test will test for pH and Hardness, Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), Aluminum (Al), Boron (B), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni), Silica (SiO2), Sodium (Na), and Zinc (Zn). This test will take approximately 2-3 business days upon receipt of the lab. 4 oz. (125mL) of water in a sterilized jar or a regular water bottle is needed for the basic water test. Please do not use a jar that has contained pickles, vinegar, or salsa.

 

  • The W35 - Bacteria water test is $36.00 per sample, plus shipping.  The bacteria water test includes Total Coliform / E. coli (Colilert ®.  Bacteria water test requires a sample in a special bottle. This test is for drinking water, irrigation water, GAP Program - The kit is available through the Extension office and includes a sampling bottle, instructions and registration form. Follow the instructions and ship the test to the lab overnight. (This sample requires being shipped overnight, the consumer must take to the shipping of their choice. Shipping cost is an additional cost.)

 

  • The W33B - Home Loan Closing Water test is $85.00 per sample, plus shipping. If you would like this test rushed an additional fee of $55.00 is charged. The home loan closing water test includes 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. The normal turnaround time is 5-10 business days upon receipt at the lab. (The W35 portion of the test requires being shipped overnight , the consumer must take to the shipping of their choice. Shipping cost is an additional cost.)
 
  • The W33C - Well test is $120.00 per sample, plus shipping. The well test includes W2 (expanded water test) + W32 (total Nitrate and Nitrite) + W42 (lead and arsenic). 16 oz. (500mL) of water is needed for the well test and needs to be the first draw of the morning from the source most often used (usually the kitchen sink). Use a sterilized jar (no residue of previous contents) or a regular water bottle will work as well. Please do not use a jar that has contained pickles, vinegar, or salsa. *When testing a well that has not been used for a lengthy period of time (such as a foreclosed home), you should flush the system prior to testing by running all faucets for 2-3 hours. After flushing the system, follow the directions above to collect a proper sample.

 

  • There are many other water tests besides the ones listed above, call the office if you did not find one that fits your needs.

*Expanded and Basic Water samples are accepted at the Heard County Extension Office Monday through  Thursday between the hours of  8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. and  5:00 p.m.

*Bacteria Water tests required to reach the lab within 24 hours, check to make sure when the lab will be open.

* W33B - Home Loan Closing Water Tests are required to reach the lab within 24 hours, check to make sure when the lab will be open.

(We DO NOT Ship water samples on Fridays. Shipping costs are an additional fee for all water samples)