Irrigation Water Sampling Guide

Water Sample Submission Form 

Sampling Supplies:

• Water Bottles – Use only clean plastic bottles. Glass bottles are NOT recommended.
• Sample Entry Forms – Please be sure all essential information is completed

Amount Needed: At a minimum, 120 ml (about 4 oz or ½ cup) of water per sample.

Procedure:

1. Always use a clean plastic bottle.
      a. Rinse the bottle and the lid several times with the water to be tested.
2. To reflect the water quality at the time of application, collect sample from the pumping station or within the irrigation system.
3. If collecting irrigation system samples, run water for two to three minutes in order to purge static water from the system before collection.
4. If sampling from a system of ground water irrigation wells, sample each individual well separately. This is important if pumping into a holding pond.
5. If collecting from a pond, collect water from the pumping station. Avoid sampling water from the side of the irrigation pond, where sediment may act as a contaminant.
6. Fill the plastic bottle and eliminate all head space.
   a. Laboratory requires at least 120 ml (about 4 ounces) of water per sample.
   b. Be sure the lid is tightly secured so that samples do not leak during transit
7. Fill-out all necessary paperwork completely
8. Ship sample to AgSource Laboratories – If possible, collect and ship samples the same day.