How to Test Water

Testing water for contamination and physical properties can help assess the potential impact on human health, aquatic life and the quality of any receiving waters, in addition to the suitability of water for use, e.g. drinking water. Knowing how to test water, including best practices and the most cost effective approaches, will ensure the laboratory results of your water testing and the conclusions made are as accurate as possible.

The most cost effective way to test your water is to utilise our water testing kits. Sample containers and a sampling guide are provided, allowing this approach to offer fast, affordable and accurate UKAS & MCERTS testing of water samples.

How to Take Water Samples

You've received your water test kit or purchased suitable water sample containers and are ready to get started, but need to know how to take water samples.

Sampling Strategy - This involves identifying where and when to take samples (e.g. tap water, surface water, groundwater), what you're testing for (e.g. nutrients, metals, bacteria, hydrocarbons), and why. A good rule of thumb: samples should be representative of the water source being assessed.

Depending on your testing objective, sampling could involve a single point location—such as a drinking water outlet or irrigation intake—or comparative locations upstream and downstream of a discharge point to assess impact. In regulated settings, sampling before and after water treatment processes can help verify effectiveness. Strategic selection of location and timing is critical to ensure results reflect true conditions and risks.

Sampling Best Practices

Health & Safety - This is critical when sampling potentially contaminated water. Use appropriate PPE and avoid contact with skin or inhalation of volatile vapours.

Representative Sampling - To ensure laboratory testing reflects the true condition of the water, avoid disturbing sediment unless specifically required, use sterile containers for microbiological tests, and fill volatile sample containers fully to reduce air gaps. Samples should be kept cool during transport and avoid temperature extremes where possible.

How to Test Water For Contaminants & Nutrients

The identification of water contamination—from heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pathogens and nutrient overload—is essential in assessing human health and environmental risk.

Bacteria (e.g. E. coli, Coliforms) - Microbiological contamination poses a significant risk to health, especially in drinking water sources. These pathogens can result from sewage ingress, failing septic systems or runoff from agricultural operations. Samples intended for bacteria testing should be collected using sterile containers and processed quickly to ensure viable results.

Nutrients (e.g. Nitrate, Phosphate) - Agricultural runoff can elevate nutrient levels in watercourses and lakes, leading to eutrophication, algal blooms and oxygen depletion. These nutrients may originate from fertiliser application, livestock waste or disturbed soil. Nutrient testing is particularly important for assessing ecological health and planning mitigation strategies.

Physical Properties (e.g. Turbidity, Conductivity, pH) - These indicators help characterise the condition and usability of water. High turbidity can interfere with aquatic life and signal sediment runoff; conductivity relates to dissolved salts and pollutants; and pH provides insight into chemical balance. Monitoring physical properties is essential for both environmental and regulatory evaluations.

Trade Effluent - Wastewater discharged from industrial or commercial processes may contain elevated levels of pollutants including chemicals, oils and organic waste. Sampling trade effluent is important to determine compliance with discharge permits and protect sewer networks, aquatic ecosystems and downstream users. A risk assessment of effluent discharge can help assess whether regulatory thresholds are exceeded or mitigation is needed.

Understanding Water Test Results

Following sample collection and laboratory testing, understanding the results is critical. Water test results should be evaluated based on the intended use—e.g. drinking, irrigation, ecological impact—to determine whether contamination levels exceed acceptable thresholds.

Our water testing services include detailed analysis and clear interpretation of results, tailored to your goals and site requirements. If you're unsure what to test for or how, let us know your objectives and we'll recommend the most suitable tests, provide sampling guidance, and ensure accurate reporting.

Meet Our Water Testing Consultants

Louis Turner, Technical Director - Having graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Environmental Science, Louis is recognised for his technical leadership and precision in environmental consultancy. Louis provides strategic oversight across all service areas, ensuring projects meet the highest standards of compliance, accuracy, and environmental responsibility. Louis manages water testing initiatives, applying rigorous sampling and laboratory analysis to assess water quality and contamination risks. His technical oversight ensures compliance with environmental regulations and provides clients with actionable insights to supporting both regulatory compliance and safeguard public health.

Joe Turner, Operations Director - Providing practical expertise and a client-focused approach, Joe ensures that every project is delivered quickly, efficiently, and without unnecessary hassle. He has successfully managed a wide variety of project types across the consultancy, bringing a wealth of operational knowledge and a reputation for keeping projects on track. Joe's leadership guarantees a smooth process for clients, from initial enquiry through to final reporting. Joe manages water testing services, ensuring sampling and laboratory analysis are carried out to the highest standards. His operational oversight guarantees timely, dependable reports on water quality and contamination risks, supporting regulatory compliance and safe development.

Richard Turner, Director - With over 30 years of experience in site development, he provides invaluable insight into pragmatic solutions that balance costs, practicalities, and client objectives. Richard has a detailed understanding of building regulations and a clear sense of what is and isn't possible on site, making him a trusted advisor for developments of all sizes. Richard manages water testing services with an emphasis on practicality and compliance, ensuring that results are not only accurate but also directly inform safe, cost effective development decisions.

Contact Us

Contact us for an informal discussion about your requirements or, if your requirements are more complex, a more formal consultation may be necessary. Following initial consultation we can provide an outline proposal detailing how we can help and the costs involved. If you're looking for more information about our services or our company then complete the below contact form and we will endeavour to respond to your enquiry in a timely manner, alternatively, give us a call on 0800 433 2906 and our experienced consultants can provide actionable advice and guidance.

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