State-certified labTakes homeowner samples

Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory

Auburn, AL · Lee CountyUniversity lab

Call (334) 844-3958
WebsiteDirections
Certification
State certified
list checked September 30, 2026
Certificate
AU-SFWTL
Alabama program
Tests listed
5
Arsenic and more
Homeowner samples
Yes
Drop-off

About Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory

Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory is a university lab in Auburn, AL (Lee County). It is on the Alabama drinking water program's list of certified laboratories (certificate AU-SFWTL), and we last checked the list on September 30, 2026.

The lab takes samples from homeowners.

Before you go: Auburn University's Extension laboratory. The W1 Total Water Analysis (pH, hardness, nitrate, iron, manganese, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, zinc and other elements) is run for a small fee on samples dropped at any county Extension office or mailed to Auburn; the lab is not ADEM-certified and does not test for bacteria, so pair it with the county health department bacteria test. Results come with Extension's interpretation.

This profile is built from the official state list of certified drinking water laboratories, checked on September 30, 2026. Well Water Insider does not rate or endorse labs. Run this lab? Claim the profile to add prices, turnaround times, hours and a description.

Certification and services

State certified
Certification number
AU-SFWTL
Certified by
Alabama drinking water program
Certified for
Chemistry (not adem-certified; extension water test)
Lab type
University
Last verified
September 30, 2026

Listed on the official state certified laboratory list.

How to test your water here

How this lab takes samples, based on its listing. Call to confirm hours, bottles and prices.

Homeowner samplesYou can collect and drop off your own sample
Mail-in kitsNot listed, call to confirm
Walk-in drop offNot listed, call to confirm

Published lab fees in Alabama: $15 for a bacteria test and $25 for nitrate. County health department bacteria test ($30 more if staff collect it); nitrate is an Auburn University screening, not a certified test. Prices at this lab may differ.

  1. 1

    Call for the right bottles

    Bacteria samples need a sterile bottle from the lab. Chemistry samples usually take a clean container the lab supplies.

  2. 2

    Collect from a cold tap before treatment

    Skip softeners and filters. Remove the aerator, run the water 3 to 5 minutes, then fill without touching the inside of the cap.

  3. 3

    Keep it cold and deliver within 24 hours

    Bacteria samples are time-sensitive. Use a cooler with ice packs and hand it in or ship it the same day.

  4. 4

    Read the report against the standards

    Compare results with EPA drinking water limits. If anything is over, our problem pages explain what it means and how to treat it.

Tests this lab is listed for

From the state certification list and the lab's own listing. Ask which ones it runs for homeowners.

Arsenic

Natural in some bedrock, with no taste or smell. The EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L. Learn more

Hardness

Calcium and magnesium. You need this number to size a water softener. Learn more

Iron and Manganese

The cause of orange and black stains. EPA guidelines are 0.3 and 0.05 mg/L. Learn more

Lead

Usually from plumbing and older well parts. EPA says there is no safe level. Learn more

Nitrate / Nitrite

From fertilizer, manure and septic systems. The EPA limit is 10 mg/L as nitrogen. Learn more

Location

961 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36849

Lab address

Questions about Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory

Is Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory state certified?

Yes. It is on the Alabama list of laboratories certified for drinking water testing, last checked September 30, 2026.

What can Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory test well water for?

Its listing covers arsenic, hardness, iron and manganese, lead and nitrate / nitrite. Call to confirm prices and which tests it runs for private well owners.

Can I bring my own well water sample?

Yes, the listing says it takes homeowner samples. Get the right bottle from the lab first, especially for bacteria.

How do I contact Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory?

Call (334) 844-3958 and visit the lab's website. The address is 961 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36849.

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