Environment Canterbury laboratory performs water testing for private individuals, other councils, consultants and industry as well as Environment Canterbury sections for environmental purposes. The Environment Canterbury laboratory provides a comprehensive range of biological, chemical and metal tests for drinking water, groundwater, effluents, sea water and river water.
Environment Canterbury's laboratory gets accreditation
Environment Canterbury's analytical laboratory has been reassessed for IANZ (International Accreditation New Zealand) accreditation following the earthquakes and our subsequent move to the NIWA premises and has passed the assessment. We remain fully IANZ accredited to continue providing a high level of service to our internal and external customers. The laboratory carries out microbiological and chemical analyses for a wide group of clients ranging from individuals wanting their own water supplies tested to companies and councils in the Canterbury region.
Quality and confidentiality of your tests
The Environment Canterbury laboratory is based in Christchurch with a drop-off depot in Timaru. It is a Ministry of Health recognised laboratory and an IANZ (International Accreditation New Zealand) registered lab, assuring all tests meet the international laboratories standards in the ISO Guide 17025.
All tests are fully confidential. Results will only be sent to the client and will not be sent to any other party including other Environment Canterbury sections unless otherwise instructed by the client.
Drinking water quality tests
The Environment Canterbury laboratory has developed a comprehensive suite of tests for drinking water quality which meet Code of Compliance standards. The suite consists of 2 microbiological and 18 chemical analyses and costs $132.00. These tests comply with the Drinking-Water Standards for New Zealand 2005 (Revised 2008) and will give a good overview of the quality of your water in relation to these standards.
As an alternative, you can also do the more limited suite for drinking water quality consisting of Total Coliforms and Escherichia Coli (E. Coli)* for $28.00.
We can also test drinking water for nitrates (Nitrate Nitrogen*). Contamination of drinking water by elevated nitrate levels is most common in shallow wells (less than 30 m) after heavy rain and snow but also occurs on other days in some Canterbury areas.
Find out more about nitrates in drinking water.
* The above analyses are included in the comprehensive drinking water suite of tests.
Water tests available and prices
View a comprehensive list of all tests that the Environment Canterbury laboratory can perform, including prices.
Some tests that the Environment Canterbury laboratory is not accredited for can still be done at the laboratory or can be subcontracted to another laboratory if accreditation is required.
Results
Analyses will be completed in 10 working days; results will be issued shortly thereafter. However, microbiological results may be available within 48 hours after receipt.
All tests and price lists
Prices in these tables include free sample bottles, loan of a chilly bin and detailed instructions. Prices quoted are excluding GST and exclude any freight of sample bottles to you and back to the Environment Canterbury laboratory if applicable. Sample bottles can be collected free of charge from either the Christchurch or Timaru offices.