University of Georgia
Water Testing
The question of whether or not to have your water tested is a serious one. It concerns your health and the health of your family. Your water should be safe to drink and acceptable for all other household uses. In addition to illness, a variety of less serious problems such as taste, color, odor and staining of clothes or fixtures are symptoms of water quality problems. Even water that appears problem-free may not necessarily be safe or acceptable.
The Fayette County Extension Service, through the University of Georgia Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratories, offers a wide variety of water quality tests.
Routine tests for household wells, lead, nitrates, pesticides, minerals, pH and petroleum products are among the many tests that can be performed.
Costs for the tests are dependent upon which test is selected and payment is cash only.
Not everyone needs to test their water and it is impractical and unnecessary to test for all possible contaminants. The University of Georgia publication Testing for Water Quality provides a few guidelines for deciding whether or not to have your water tested, and if so, what tests would be appropriate for your situation.
For more information please contact us at 770.460.5730 - Extension 5412.
Water Sample Collection Instructions
To collect a water sample for testing we recommend that all samples be collected in a clean glass or plastic container. All samples with the exception of lead should be collected from the kitchen faucet or the faucet used most often for drinking. Fill the container with at least two cups of water. This technique will help assure that the analysis represents the quality of water that you are drinking.
When testing for lead, a first draw water sample must be collected. It is recommended that there be no water usage for a period no less than 6 hours and no more than 12 hours. The GA-EPD recommends, that either early in the morning or evenings upon returning home, are the best sampling times to ensure that the necessary stagnant water conditions exist. A clean quart sized container should be used for sampling and filled completely.
After collection you may bring your sample to the Fayette County Extension Service. Results in most cases will return in approximately 7- 10 business days along with applicable recommendations for any problems discovered.
Extension Service
Administrative Complex - Suite 209
140 Stonewall Avenue, West
Fayetteville, Georgia 30214
770.460.5730 - Extension 5412
E-mail :extension@admin.co.fayette.ga.usDirections to Extension Service