Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory
Homeowner samples
- Arsenic
- Hardness
- Iron and Manganese
- Lead
- Nitrate / Nitrite
Listed on the official state certified laboratory list.
On the ADEM list of certified bacteriological and chemical drinking water laboratories (revised April 7, 2026). ADEM does not publish the certified parameter list; call for the analytes offered. Call first to confirm the lab accepts samples from private well owners and to ask about bottles, drop-off hours and pricing.
Bacteria samples need a sterile bottle from the lab. Chemistry samples usually take a clean container the lab supplies.
Skip softeners and filters. Remove the aerator, run the water 3 to 5 minutes, then fill without touching the inside of the cap.
Bacteria samples are time-sensitive. Use a cooler with ice packs and hand it in or ship it the same day.
Compare results with EPA drinking water limits. If anything is over, our problem pages explain what it means and how to treat it.
Homeowner samples