Standard Drinking Water Test: The Standard Drinking Water Test checks your water for both bacteria and key chemical parameters in a single sample, giving you a clear picture of water quality in one test. It’s the test we recommend when you’ve just moved into a property, have a private water supply, or aren’t sure what might be affecting your water. Got questions? We’ve answered the most common ones below. ↓
The Standard Drinking Water Test is approved by Uisce Éireann and based on European Union drinking water regulations.
Check our easy-to-use water testing kit in action in this video.
What’s Included in a Standard Drinking Water Test?
The Standard Drinking Water Test checks your water for bacterial contamination and chemical water quality issues in a single sample. Here’s exactly what’s tested:
Microorganisms
If your water tests positive for either of the following, we’ll notify you within 24 hours:
E. coli
Coliforms
Physical Parameters
pH
Total hardness
Alkalinity
Conductivity
Langelier Index (approximate indication of saturation of calcium carbonate)
Chemicals and Minerals
Ammonia
Nitrates
Manganese
Iron
Dissolved solids
This video explains why we test for the parameters listed above.
Who Needs a Drinking Water Test?
Whether you’re moving into a new home, own a private well, manage a group water scheme, or simply want peace of mind about your tap water, the Standard Drinking Water Test gives you a clear answer. It’s especially useful if:
You’ve just bought or moved into a property and don’t know the water history
Your water looks, tastes, or smells unusual but you’re not sure why
You’re a private well owner checking your water meets EU drinking water standards
You want a routine annual water quality check for peace of mind
Why Choose Southern Scientific?
Southern Scientific is an INAB-accredited laboratory (ISO 17025, Reg. 194T), carrying out 240,000+ samples every year for 2,000+ clients across Ireland, including local authorities, Uisce Éireann, group water schemes, and Bord Bia customers. With 100 onsite field experts and 4 offices across 3 provinces, we’re set up to get your sample tested quickly and accurately, wherever you are. Your Standard Drinking Water Test is approved by Uisce Éireann and assessed against EU drinking water regulations.
You’re not limited to posting your sample back. Either drop it off in person, or book a home/office visit with one of our specialists if you’d rather not handle the logistics yourself.
What's The Process?
When to take your sample
Take your water sample as close as possible to your courier collection time, being the same day or immediately beforehand. This helps preserve sample integrity and ensures the most accurate results. Full instructions on correct sample collection are provided in the water sampling guidelines included with your sample kit.
To make sure your water sample reaches our laboratory in the best possible condition for testing, please take note of the following collection schedule.
Courier Service
Our courier partner only offers next-day collection, and our laboratory can only receive samples Monday to Thursday. Samples arriving on a Friday would sit over the weekend before testing begins, which will compromise sample integrity. Because of this, you can book your collection on any of the following days:
Book Friday → collected Monday (take your sample on Monday)
Book Monday → collected Tuesday
Book Tuesday → collected Wednesday
Book Wednesday → collected Thursday
Bookings are not available on Thursdays, as this would result in a Friday collection, which our lab cannot accept.
Please note, we cannot be held responsible for delays caused by the courier service once your sample has been collected.
Sampling Steps
You can keep your water safe and ensure peace of mind for your family in 3 simple steps:
(1) Order your standard drinking water test and we’ll post it to you.
(2) Follow the clear instructions, collect your water sample and return it to us by currier.
(3) Your results will be emailed 10 working days after we receive your sample. We’ll let you know if we detect e.coli or coliforms within 24 hours.
Please note: Samples need to be returned for arrival at our laboratory within 24 hours of taking the sample, otherwise the microbiological results (and pH) may be compromised. We are aware that some customers are experiencing delays currently with An Post deliveries. Please note this is the customer’s responsibility, over which Southern Scientific has no control.
This video gives you a quick and easy guide on how to take a water sample at home.
FAQs
Why Should I Test My Drinking Water?
You should test your drinking water for the following reasons:
Harmful bacteria and chemical pollutants are undetectable without testing
Polluted water can cause harm to your health and other people’s
Private wells should be tested every year for bacteria and every 3 years for chemicals
If your business uses water you need to protect your customers from harm
If your business’s water makes people sick it could result in legal costs and reputational damage
Understanding the chemical composition of your drinking water can help you manage your water system
Chemicals in water can damage expensive manufacturing and other machinery
Testing and understanding your drinking water can save you money in the long term
Is a lab water test better than a DIY testing kit?
Home test strips can give a rough read on a couple of parameters, but they can’t match the accuracy of laboratory analysis. Our Standard Drinking Water Test is carried out in an INAB-accredited lab (ISO 17025, Reg. 194T) using calibrated instrumentation, so you get results you can actually rely on for compliance, a house purchase, or peace of mind.
What’s the difference between the Standard and Comprehensive Drinking Water Test?
The Standard test covers the core bacteria and chemical parameters most households need for a general check. The Comprehensive test goes further, for situations that call for a wider chemical profile.
What To Do if You Need an Emergency Bacteria Test?
You can pick up and drop off your water sample from one of our laboratories, or arrange a courier service. You can also arrange for a home/office visit from one of our specialists to take the sample for you. We will give you the results the next day.
What if My Results Show a Problem?
Your report will clearly flag any parameters outside the recommended range, so you know exactly what’s been detected. From there, you can talk to one of our specialists about next steps. Call us on +353 66 97 63588 or email us [email protected]. We’re happy to talk you through your results.
