Pesticide Water Testing Guide
Guide to testing water for pesticide residues, helping farms decide when to test, how to sample and how to read results. Work through the steps in order and keep notes on what you find along the way.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideSoil, Water & ConservationFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Decide why testing is needed
- List pesticides used nearby
- Contact a lab about the right test
- Get proper bottles and instructions
- Collect the sample per the lab
- Keep sample cool and labeled
- Ship within the lab's timeframe
- Review results with an adviser
- Record findings and actions
How to use this guide
Read the steps once through before you start, then keep the page nearby while you work. Use the notes lines to add what your own setup needs.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with CDC and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the crop planting calendar. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy Farm Water Use Report Finds Cows Drinking With Suspicious Enthusiasm, and farming farm stories.