University lab

Auburn University Soil, Forage and Water Testing Laboratory

Auburn, AL · Lee County

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

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.

Tests this lab is certified for

Arsenic
Hardness
Iron and Manganese
Lead
Nitrate / Nitrite

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.

How to submit a sample

  1. 1
    Call or check the website 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.

Other certified labs nearby