Water sampling is used to test for pH, salinity, nutrient levels and microbe activity.

There are five simple steps to water testing:

1. Make sure you have a clean container

2. Run the irrigation system

3. Collect the sample

4. Clearly label

5. Send or deliver

You must make sure that the container you are using to collect your water sample is clean and free from contamination. Triple rinse the container from the water source you will be sampling.

Some laboratories prefer you to use containers supplied by them so that their results are not compromised.

The irrigation system you will be collecting from will need to be run for at least 15 minutes to remove any impurities. This ensures that the water being collected is a true representation of the water being put on the turf.

Hold the mouth of the container in the path of the stream of water and fill the container up until there is no air space at the top. Seal the container securely.

Label the container clearly with the:

• name of the business

• exactly where the sample was collected from

• date collected

• name of the sampler.

Remember that there may be other samples from the same business so the location is critical.

It's a good idea to use a waterproof marker so that the label cannot rub off.

The container should be sent or delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible to protect the quality of the sample.

Micro-organisms in the water could change the chemical makeup of the sample, therefore interfering with the reliability of the testing.