Types of Water Tests
Ward Lab in Kearny, Neb., analyzes water samples for mineral content. It also tests for specific chemical properties that indicate general water quality and have an impact on agricultural production.

Recommendations provided in the water analysis report indicate whether a water supply needs to be modified to serve its intended purpose – livestock, poultry or fish production; irrigation; aquaculture; attracting waterfowl; and source water for hydroponics.

Although a mineral analysis indicates trends in water quality, its purpose is not to evaluate safety for human consumption. It does not detect the presence of organic pesticides or living organisms, such as coliform bacteria. For information on testing water for human consumption in Oklahoma, contact the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality at (405) 702-1027. If you live in Texas, contact the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality at (800) 447-2827.

Taking a Representative Sample
Take samples of water to be used for agricultural purposes under the conditions in which the water will be used. You may want to take samples at several processing stages or time periods.

• Wells – Before sampling water from new wells or from wells recently treated with chemicals, run water for one to two hours. Running the water five to 10 minutes before sampling is usually sufficient for established wells. Longer times may be necessary if wells have not been used recently.

• Rivers or streams. Sample from the middle of the stream at mid-depth. Avoid collecting surface or bottom residues.

• Lakes or ponds – Take a sample where the water is at least 3 feet deep. Use a boat, tube, life vest, dock or a stick to collect the sample. Avoid stirring up the silt. After rinsing with pond or lake water, turn the container upside down and go down about 1 foot (up to your elbow) and then turn it over underwater to fill it. Bring the container up to the surface and cap it tightly with a plastic lid.

• Hydroponic systems – Flush lines sufficiently to ensure that the sample is representative of a thoroughly mixed supply solution.

• Nutrient solutions – Sample after diluting the nutrient concentrate for application and making any other necessary adjustments. The sample should have the same concentration as the solution being fed to the plants.

Noble's service area

Packaging and Mailing Information
Use permanent ink or pencil when filling out the information sheet(s) and labeling water containers. Ink from standard ball point and marker pens dissolves when wet.

  Water Sample Entry Form

Complete all appropriate blanks on the information sheet(s) and write legibly. Be consistent from year to year in how you list your name, farm name and/or address. Testing takes approximately four to five working days to complete from the time we receive your shipment.

Place information sheets inside the shipping container with the samples and keep a copy for your records. It is a good idea to place information sheets inside a sealed plastic bag to keep them clean and legible. However, never use glass containers to transport and ship samples. If you are located in Noble's service area (a 100-mile radius of Ardmore, Okla.), water sample bottles are available by contacting the Noble's Ag Services and Resource Department at (580) 223-5810.

Do not send cash or check. Water Testing is free to Noble cooperators. For those who are not cooperators, Noble does not charge for its services, but our contract laboratory Ward Lab in Kearney, Neb., charges for testing analysis. Ward Lab testing cost is located in the Water Sample Entry Form.

Mail samples and information sheet to:   Ag Testing   Noble Foundation   2510 Sam Noble Pkwy   Ardmore, OK 73401