Services | Water Analysis

Ever wonder what’s in your water?

An accurate water test is the first step to protecting plant, animal and human health.

How do common chemicals and minerals affect crops and livestock?

Crops can suffer from exposure to irrigation water that contains high levels of soluble salts (i.e. sodium, calcium, magnesium or potassium) or other compounds such as sulfates or nitrates. For example, high sodium levels can reduce water filtration in the soil, leading to poor plant health.

Poor water quality can also lead to health problems for livestock, ranging from dehydration and diarrhea to decreased weight gain and fertility problems. Water quality is difficult to determine based on visual inspection and water testing is necessary to determine the purity and safety of your water source.

Homes and businesses need quality water too!

Ward Laboratories serves customers in a broad range of industries! Our water testing kits are available for those needing to test household water for contaminants or to ensure water quality for specialized industries, like breweries. We test for a broad range of contaminants as well as coliform bacteria. We can also test for non-toxic compounds that may impact the taste, color or odor of your drinking water.

Not sure where to start? Check out these options.

W-1. Irrigation Water Quality

$28.60 USD

Water quality directly impacts the health of your plants and your crop yield. We’ll check to make sure all the mineral and chemical compounds in your irrigation water are within safe and healthy ranges for optimal plant health.

W-4. Livestock Suitability

$27.50 USD

Your animals’ drinking water can have an enormous impact on their health. Proper water testing ensures that your livestock is receiving pure, safe drinking water and encourages healthy weight gain and productivity.

W-501. Brewer’s Test

$35.75 USD

Cheers to the perfect brew! Ensure a tasty, consistent final product by starting with a water test from Ward Laboratories.

To simplify your testing procedure, we recommend purchasing an optional user-friendly kit, including prepaid postage, a clean sample bottle, and necessary packaging with your water analysis package.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does testing cost?

Prices effective January 1, 2024. All prices are subject to change without notice.
All prices are in USD.

Download the 2024 Water One-Pager

Agricultural Water Analysis
W-1 IRRIGATION WATER QUALITY $28.60
  Bicarbonate, Boron, Calcium, Carbonate, Chloride, Magnesium, Nitrate, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate, Total Hardness (CaCO3), Total Alkalinity (CaCo30), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Electrical Conductivity, Adj. SAR, pH, Est. Total Dissolved Solids, Cation/Anion Balance  
W-101 SUB-SURFACE IRRIGATION $79.50
  Bicarbonate, Boron, Calcium, Carbonate, Chloride, Magnesium, Nitrate, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate, Iron, Manganese, Total Hardness (CaCO3), Total Alkalinity (CaCO3), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Electrical Conductivity, Adj. SAR, pH, Est. Total Dissolved Solids, Iron Bacteria, Acid Titration Curve, pHc, Cation/Anion Balance  
W-2 NITRATE AND SULFATE $14.00
W-3 NITRATE $8.25
W-4 LIVESTOCK SUITABILITY $27.50
  Bicarbonate, Calcium, Carbonate, Chloride, Magnesium, Nitrate, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate, Total Hardness (CaCO3), Total Alkalinity (CaCO3), Electrical Conductivity, pH, Est. Total Dissolved Solids, Cation/Anion Balance  
W-810 HYDROPONIC FERTILIZER TEST $68.50
  Ammonium Nitrogen, Bicarbonate, Boron, Calcium, Carbonate, Chloride, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nitrate, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate, Total Nitrogen, Total Phosphorus, Zinc, Electrical Conductivity, pH, Cation/Anion Balance  
Household & Commercial Water Analysis
W-5 HOUSEHOLD COMPLETE MINERAL TEST $35.75
 

Bicarbonate, Calcium, Carbonate, Chloride, Fluoride, Iron, Magnesium, Nitrate, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate, Total Hardness (CaCO3), Total Alkalinity (CaCO3), Electrical Conductivity, pH, Est. Total Dissolved Solids, Cation/Anion Balance

For an additional fee, you can order a convenient kit that includes the Household Complete Mineral Test, prepaid postage, a clean sample bottle, and necessary packaging. To order the kit, click here.

 
W-501 BREWERS TEST $35.75
 

Bicarbonate, Calcium, Carbonate, Chloride, Iron, Magnesium, Nitrate, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Sulfate, Total Hardness (CaCO3), Total Alkalinity (CaCO3), Electrical Conductivity, pH, Est. Total Dissolved Solids, Cation/Anion Balance

For an additional fee, you can order a convenient kit that includes the Brewers Test, prepaid postage, a clean sample bottle, and necessary packaging. To order the kit, click here.

 
W-7 HOUSEHOLD COLIFORM BACTERIA* $23.65
  Coliform, E. Coli  
W-903 WINE WATER TEST  
  Iron, Manganese, Aluminum, Silica, Chloride, Calcium, Magnesium, Total Hardness (CaCO3), Turbidity, pH $59.40
INDIVIDUAL WATER ANALYSIS
  ALUMINUM $8.25
  AMMONIUM $8.25
  BORON $8.25
  CALCIUM & MAGNESIUM (HARDNESS) $16.50
  CARBONATE / BICARBONATE $9.65
  CHLORIDE $8.25
  COPPER $8.25
  FECAL BACTERIA $22.85
  FLUORIDE $8.25
  IRON $8.25
  IRON RELATED BACTERIA $22.85
  MANGANESE $8.25
  MOLYBDENUM $8.25
  NITRITE $8.25
  ORTHO PHOSPHORUS $8.25
  pH $8.25
  POTASSIUM $8.25
  SILICA $8.25
  SODIUM $8.25
  SULFUR $8.25
  TOTAL CARBON $9.65
  TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS $11.85
  TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON $9.65
  TOTAL NITROGEN $9.65
  TOTAL PHOSPHORUS $8.25
  TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS $11.85
  TURBIDITY $8.25
  ZINC $8.25
Heavy Metals
  ARSENIC $23.65
  BARIUM $23.65
  CADMIUM $23.65
  CHROMIUM $23.65
  COBALT $23.65
  LEAD $23.65
  NICKEL $23.65
  SELENIUM $23.65
  STRONTIUM $23.65
  VANADIUM $23.65

How do I take a sample?

Click here for everything you need to know about sample types and sampling procedure!

Does Ward accept samples from any location?

Yes, we accept samples from producers all over the world! If submitting a water sample from outside the US, please label the sample “For Laboratory Testing.”

Which analysis do I need?

It depends on what question you are wanting to answer. For homeowners, we recommend the Household Complete Mineral Analysis and in some situations, the Household Coliform Bacteria test. For craft brewers, we recommend the Brewers Test. For irrigators, we recommend the Irrigation Water Quality Analysis. For livestock producers, we recommend the Livestock Suitability Analysis.

My water tastes funny. What should I do?

Off tasting water can have a number of causes. Mineral imbalances, bacterial issues, or combinations of both may cause strange odors or tastes from the water. We recommend starting with a Household Complete Mineral Analysis to check components like hardness, sulfur, and iron. When submitting a sample, please include in the comments of your submittal sheet information about how your water tastes, smells, or looks.

Do you test brewed beer?

Yes, we often test brewed beer products for mineral content to ensure that the correct flavor profile will exhibit.

Do I need a special kit to test my water?

No, not at all! We offer testing kits as a convenient option to our customers, but they are by no means required. You may send your sample in any clear, plastic bottle, following the directions for your test. Please download a submittal form and include it with your sample.

Please note, bacteria samples must arrive at the lab within 24 hours of taking the sample to ensure accurate results and are only accepted Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 3 pm.