Independent UK laboratory testing for private water supplies. Compare chemistry tests and separate bacteria testing, with clear, practical results.
Understand the water from your private supply with independent UK laboratory testing and clear, practical results. Compare tests for metals, minerals and selected chemical contaminants, and separate testing for bacteria.
Samples analysed in a UK laboratory.
Explained in plain English, not just a number.
Independent testing, with no treatment to sell you.
Unsure what you need? Talk to the team first.
Compare tests & prices
Chemistry and bacteria tests answer different questions. Depending on your supply and intended use, you may need both or additional testing.
A chemistry and physical analysis of your private supply, covering metals, minerals and selected chemical parameters measured in the laboratory.
Does not include bacteria. If your supply is used for drinking, ask us which tests are appropriate.
ÂŁ105.00In stock
A microbiology panel of six analytical tests for specified bacteria and indicator organisms. Sampling and transport requirements differ from chemistry testing.
Excludes chemistry and does not detect every pathogen.
ÂŁ280.00In stock
Not sure which test fits your supply?
Tell us how the water is used and whether it serves drinking water, and we'll help you choose.
What's included
The two tests cover different things. The full published panels are shown below, with the main exclusions kept in view.
Metals, minerals and selected chemical parameters measured in the laboratory.
Exclusion: this panel does not include bacteria or microbiology.
Six analytical tests for specified bacteria and indicator organisms (these are tests, not six separate pathogens).
Exclusions: this panel does not include chemistry, and it does not detect every pathogen.
Neither test, nor the two combined, is a complete drinking-water safety or regulatory assessment.
They do not cover every possible contaminant — for example pesticides, PFAS, viruses, parasites or turbidity are not included. For a formal requirement, confirm the required panel with us first.
Why test
A private supply is not monitored in the same way as a mains supply. Testing gives you independent laboratory evidence about the water you actually sampled.
Water can look, smell and taste fine and still carry things you cannot see. Laboratory analysis measures what appearance cannot tell you.
The source, surrounding land use, storage and any treatment can all affect a private supply. Testing samples the water as it reaches you.
Taking over a supply, noticing a change, or reviewing treatment are all sensible points to test and keep a record.
How it works
Chemistry and microbiology have different sampling and transport requirements. If you have a deadline, check timing with us before ordering.
Decide between chemistry, bacteria or both, and where you'll take the sample. Ask us if you're unsure.
Each kit has its own collection and return instructions. Chemistry and bacteria sampling differ, so follow the steps for your kit exactly.
View your laboratory results and use them to decide on any further checks. Contact us if timing is critical.
Understand your results
Your results show what was measured and put each figure in context, so you can see what the sample indicated and where further investigation may help. Results relate to the sample and the parameters tested at that time.
Speak to the teamWhat was measuredThe parameters tested in your sample
The contextWhat each result means for that test
Further investigationWhether any follow-up may help
Formal requirements
Our standard self-sampling service is intended for your own information. If you need results for a council, mortgage, landlord or commercial requirement, confirm the required panel and sampling arrangements with us before ordering.
Yes. Both borehole and well supplies can be sampled for our chemistry test and, separately, for our bacteria test. Tell us how the water is used so we can help you choose.
No. The Well Water Test is a chemistry and physical analysis (metals, minerals and selected chemical parameters). Bacteria are measured by the separate Bacteria Water Test.
Each kit comes with its own collection and return instructions. Chemistry and microbiology have different sampling and transport requirements, so follow the steps for your specific kit. If anything is unclear, contact us before sampling.
There is no single universal frequency — it depends on your supply, its history and how the water is used. Many people test when taking over a supply, after a noticeable change, or when reviewing treatment. We're happy to discuss what makes sense for your situation.
No. A result relates to the sample you took and the parameters tested at that time. It cannot rule out every contaminant or guarantee future water quality, and the panels do not cover everything.
Discuss the findings with us and, where relevant, a suitably qualified professional. Depending on the result, further sampling or investigation may be the sensible next step.
Chemistry and bacteria answer different questions, and drinking-water suitability depends on your supply and situation. Rather than assume, tell us about your supply and intended use and we'll help you choose. Neither test, nor the two combined, is a complete drinking-water safety assessment.
Current prices are shown on the comparison cards above and on each product page, which always reflect live pricing. The chemistry and bacteria tests are priced separately.
Turnaround depends on the test and laboratory schedule. If you have a deadline, contact us before ordering so we can confirm current timing for the service you need.
It depends what you want to learn. Sampling before treatment shows the raw supply; sampling after treatment shows what reaches the tap. If you're assessing treatment, you may want both. Ask us and we'll advise on the sampling point.
The standard self-sampling service is intended for personal information. For a council, mortgage, landlord or commercial requirement, confirm the required panel and sampling arrangements with us before ordering, as professionally collected samples may be needed.
Choose your private water supply tests. Compare chemistry and bacteria testing, or ask us which is right for your supply.
The Water Professor — Independent water testing. Clearer answers.
