Irrigation Water Analysis

Depending on the quality of your water source, your water may be more or less suitable for the crop you are irrigating. By knowing what is in your water, you can adjust your other inputs accordingly.

Continuous use of a poor quality water source may have detrimental effects on plant and soil structure. We recommend water testing in conjunction with soil and plant (either sap or dry tissue) testing to help you to obtain a complete picture of the plant, soil and water relationship.

This is particularly important when you are working new land, using a new water source, changing crops or changing key farm management practices.

Hydroponic Drip & Drain Testing

Hortus Analytical Services can help you to keep your hydroponic system’s nutrient solution properly balanced with our customised Drip and Drain testing.

Regular testing of your solution keeps your hydroponic system balance and in turn, ensures maximum yield from your plants. Our agronomists can review your test results and provide recommendations for adjustments to your solution to optimise your results.

We recommend setting up a regular testing schedule with us. You can also save by prepaying for your scheduled tests on a monthly or quarterly basis.

In between nutrient testing, you will want to continuously monitor your pH level and Electrical Conductivity. We supply reliable pH testers, calibrated in our laboratory, and EC meters.

Is my water safe to drink?

We test bore, tank, river, creek and dam water to ensure it is safe to drink. There are 4 types of tests we recommend to get the full picture of your water:

  • Nutrient content and general water quality, reported against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
  • Microbial Indicators – including an E.coli test
  • Chemical Residue – 67 common organo-phosphates and organo-chlorides
  • Heavy Metals

Whether you have one or all of these tests done is your own personal choice, however we recommend all 4 in order to answer the question “Is my water safe to drink?”

It is important that any water running into your home is tested – even if you don’t intend to drink it. Water being used in bathrooms and laundries can all too easily end up being consumed or inadvertently entering the body when splashed on the face etc.

Will my water cause scaling, corrosion or discolouration of my bathroom?

Our General Water Quality and Nutrient testing includes a test of the Langlier Saturation Index (LSI). The LSI provides a rating of water on a scale of corrosive to scaling. This will provide you with an indication of the effect your water may be having on your plumbing, bathroom tiles or pool surface.

Most plumbing specialty stores are familiar with LSI ratings and can then advise you on what you need to do to avoid damage.