Water Sampling, Submissions, Pricing
The Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory offers analytical testing and science-based recommendations to help clients make informed resource management decisions. Services include comprehensive testing of soil, water, plant tissue, manure, compost, and other agricultural materials. These fee-based services are available to homeowners, agricultural producers, landscape professionals, consultants, government agencies, and University faculty and staff.
Water Sampling Instructions
In order to get the most accurate results, water samples need to be collected properly. This guide will go over some basics when collecting water samples. The CSU Soil, Water, and Plant Testing Laboratory (SWPTL) offers water suitability tests for household drinking water, livestock drinking water, and irrigation waters. Water testing protects the health of people, livestock, and crops and identifies contaminated or polluted waters.
Read Water Sampling Instructions
Tools
- Clean plastic bottles (12 oz. to 16 oz.). The bottle should be durable and seal tightly. Please do not mail samples in GLASS BOTTLES or PLASTIC BAGS. Water sampling bottles are available at many Colorado State University Extension offices. Also, bottles may be obtained directly from the laboratory by emailing soiltestinglab@colostate.edu or calling 970 491-5061. You will be responsible for the shipping cost of the bottles
- Permanent marker
- Cooler (insulating material) and/or icepacks
Sample Collection
To collect a sample for irrigation, livestock or household drinking water follow these steps:
- Label all sample bottles with your name and collection date, time, and site.
- Select a faucet and run the water for five to ten minutes. This flushes out the water that is standing in the plumbing. Samples from lake, streams, and ponds should be taken from below the surface.
- Rinse the bottle three time with water from the faucet by filling it about one third full, screw the cap and shake the bottle few times. Dump all the water and repeat this procedure two more times to completely rinse the bottle.
- After rinsing the bottle tree time, fill the bottle to the top and screw the cap tightly to prevent leakage.
- Refrigerate the sample until you are ready to send (mail) or drop it at the laboratory
Prepare Sample for shipping
- Fill out submission form
- Place bottle(s) in a plastic bag
- Place bottle(s) and submission form in a sturdy box
- Ship samples with insulating material or an icepack. When shipping samples, collect samples
later in the afternoon and ship them the same day via overnight delivery to allow for samples to
arrive at the laboratory within 30 hours from collection and within temperature requirements. - Seal the box with packing tape and mail to the address in the submission form.
Payment
Payment is expected at the time of sample(s) submission. Purchase orders are accepted for city offices, landscape companies, crop and environmental consultants, schools and universities.
With the exception of existing accounts, all other sample submissions must be accompanied with a check or money order made payable to Colorado State University for the total amount due.
For information about purchase orders or payment, contact the SWPTL at soiltestinglab@colostate.edu or 970 491-5061.
Dropping or Mailing Address:
Soil Water and Plant Testing Lab
Terra Building T 3-16
4780 National Western Drive
Denver, CO 80216
Water Analysis Price List
| Test Code | Price per sample | Description | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W1 | $87.00 | Household Drinking Water Suitability: pH, Soluble Salts (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Carbonate, Bicarbonate, Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Nitrate (NO3), Nitrate-N (NO3-N), Nitrite (NO2), Nitrite-Nitrogen (NO2-N), Phosphorus (P), Sulfate (SO4=), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu) | ||||||||||
| W2 | $87.00 | Irrigation Water Quality: pH, Soluble Salts (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Carbonate, Bicarbonate, Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Nitrate (NO3-), NO3--N, Nitrite (NO2), Nitrite-N (NO2-N) Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Sulfate (SO4=), Chloride (Cl-), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR) | ||||||||||
| W3 | $82.00 | Livestock Water Sustainability: pH, Soluble Salts (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Carbonate, Bicarbonate, Alkalinity, Total Hardness, Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Nitrate (NO3), Sulfate (SO4=), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn) | ||||||||||
| W4 | $40.00 | Nitrate-N (NO3-N) and Ammonium (NH4+) | ||||||||||
| W5 | $210.00 | Heavy Metals: Aluminum (Al), Arsenic (As), Barium (Ba) , Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni), and Selenium (Se) | ||||||||||
| W6 | $45.00 | Individual Heavy Metal | ||||||||||
| W7 | $25.00 | Individual Cation such as Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na) | ||||||||||
| W8 | $25.00 | Individual Anion such as Nitrate-N (NO3-N), Sulfate (SO4=) Chloride (Cl-), Fluoride (F-), Phosphate (PO4-3), Bromite (BrO₃⁻) | ||||||||||
| W9 | $45.00 | Metals such as Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B) | ||||||||||
| W10 | $25.00 | Individual Nutrient or Mineral | ||||||||||
| W11 | $30.00 | Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | ||||||||||
| W12 | $25.00 | Total Suspended Solids (TSS) | ||||||||||
| W13 | $25.00 | Total Organic Carbon (TOC) | ||||||||||
| W14 | $45.00 | Total Alkalinity and Total Hardness | ||||||||||
| W15 | $25.00 | Fluoride (F) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I have my water tested?
Water testing helps identify contaminants that may affect the safety, taste, odor, or quality of your water. Regular testing can help ensure your water is safe for drinking and household use, livestock consumption, and irrigation.
What type of water can be tested?
We can test a variety of water sources, including private wells, household drinking water, irrigation water, livestock water, pond water, and recreational water sources such as pools and hot tubs.
How often should I test my water?
Private well owners should test their water at least once a year for nitrates. Additional testing may be recommended if there are changes in taste, odor, appearance, or nearby environmental activities.
How do I collect a water sample?
Follow the collection instructions carefully (Water Sampling Instructions – Soil Testing Lab).
Use clean plastic bottles (12 oz to 16 ounces). The bottle should be durable and able to seal tightly.
Where can I find water sample bottles?
Water sampling bottles are available at many Colorado State University Extension offices. Bottles may also be obtained directly from the Soil, Water and Plant Testing Laboratory by emailing soiltestinglab@colostate.edu or calling 970-491-5061. Bottles can be picked up during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please note that customers are responsible for any shipping costs associated with bottle requests.
Can I use a glass bottle to collect my water sample?
No. Water samples should be collected in clean plastic bottles that are durable and can be tightly sealed. Glass containers may break during shipping or handling.
Should I refrigerate my water sample before shipping and delivery?
Samples should be kept cool and protected from direct sunlight whenever possible. Refrigerate samples until they are ready to be mailed or delivered to the laboratory. To help maintain an appropriate temperature during transport, include insulating material and/or an ice pack with the shipment. Samples should be delivered or mailed to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection.
How much water do I need to collect?
The required sample volume is 12 to 16 ounces. Please use clean plastic containers and follow the collection instructions carefully (Water Sampling Instructions – Soil Testing Lab) to avoid contamination and ensure accurate test results.
How much does water testing cost?
Costs vary depending on the tests requested. Visit our website for current pricing (Water Sampling Instructions – Soil Testing Lab)
How can I get my sample to the laboratory?
Samples may be mailed to the laboratory or dropped off in person during business hours (Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm). Please follow the sample submission instructions and include payment if mailing your sample.
How do I pay for water testing?
Payment is due when samples are submitted. Mailed samples must include a check or money order payable to Colorado State University for the total amount due. Samples dropped off in person can be paid for by Visa, Mastercard, or Discover credit/debit card. Purchase orders are accepted from city offices, landscape companies, crop and environmental consultants, schools, and universities.
How will my report be sent to me?
If an email address was provided with your sample submission, your water test report will be sent by email from Colorado State University quickbooks@notification.intuit.com. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive it. If no email address was provided, the report will be sent by regular USPS mail.
How long will take to get my test results back?
Results will be available within 7 to 10 business days of sample receipt.
What if my results exceed drinking water standards?
The laboratory report will identify any exceedances. You may need to contact a water treatment professional or your local health department for guidance.
Can the laboratory recommend a water treatment system?
The laboratory can explain test results but does not recommend or endorse specific treatment products or vendors.