Toowoomba Region's Mt Kynoch Water Treatment Plant houses a comprehensive water analysis facility. Testing is conducted on a fee-for-service basis.
Contact details
07 4688 6270
labservices-adminstaff@tr.qld.gov.au
Laboratory location
1 Shuttlewood Ct, Mount Kynoch
Sample drop-off days
Samples are accepted on different days depending on the type of test. Find out the sample drop-off days here.
Any upcoming public holidays will impact sample drop off days. Call us on 07 4688 6270 to discuss.
Fees
We accept:
We are unable to accept cash or cheques.
Credit application
Applying for water testing
Before submitting the 'Water or waste water analysis submission analysis' form, ensure you understand all collection requirements.
Apply now
Estimated result times
For standard tests, we endeavour to achieve a 10 day turnaround.
This time can be extended due to increased workloads or circumstances beyond our control. Receiving your report may take longer if you don’t have access to email or fax, as postage can add to delays. If your results have not been received within the 10 day period, call us on 07 4688 6270 for follow up. It is helpful if you can provide your batch number if known.
We've listed our most common packaged services. Many other services are available, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Bore water - drinking / domestic use
Sample collection information
- Samples accepted: Monday to Thursday, 8.15am - 2.30pm.
- Any upcoming public holidays will impact sample drop off days. Call us on 07 4688 6270 to discuss.
- Samples should be less than 12 hours old when received at the laboratory.
- Bottles required:
- 1 litre plastic bottle with plastic lid.
- 1 Laboratory Services sterile 500ml container with sodium thiosulphate. Please email labservices@tr.qld.gov.au or call 07 4688 6270 to organise a bottle.
Test details
This test is used to assess the suitability of bore water for human consumption. It involves the following.
Chemistry testing of:
- pH
- conductivity
- total hardness
- temporary hardness
- total alkalinity
- bicarbonate alkalinity
- carbonate alkalinity
- hydroxide alkalinity
- residual alkalinity
- molybdate reactive silica
- total iron
- total manganese
- calcium
- magnesium
- sodium
- potassium
- sulphate
- chloride
- nitrate
- phosphate
- free carbon dioxide
- total dissolved ions
- total dissolved solids
- figure of merit
- saturation index
- sodium adsorption ratio.
Microbiology tests of:
- Heterotrophic Plate Count
- Total Coliforms
- Enterococci
- E.coli.
Heavy metal tests of:
- arsenic
- cadmium
- chromium
- copper
- nickel
- lead
- zinc.
Heavy metal tests are outsourced to a subcontracted laboratory.
Rainwater tank - drinking
Sample collection information
- Samples accepted: Monday to Thursday, 8.15am - 2.30pm.
- Any upcoming public holidays will impact sample drop off days. Call us on 07 4688 6270 to discuss.
- Samples should be less than 12 hours old when received at the laboratory.
- Bottle required: 1 Laboratory Services sterile 500ml container with sodium thiosulphate. Please email labservices@tr.qld.gov.au or call 07 4688 6270 to organise a bottle.
Test details
This test is used to assess the suitability of a water supply for human consumption, based on the bacteriological requirements of the NHMRC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. It includes:
- heterotrophic plate count
- total coliforms
- Enterococci
- E.coli.
Bore water for irrigation/livestock
Sample collection information
- Samples accepted: Monday to Friday, 8.15am - 2.30pm.
- Any upcoming public holidays will impact sample drop off days. Call us on 07 4688 6270 to discuss.
- Samples are recommended to be less than 24 hours old when received.
- Bottle required: 1 Litre plastic bottle with plastic lid. This should be in a bottle that has only had water in it previously. Rinse with sample water first.
Test details
This test is used to assess the suitability of bore water for irrigation and/or livestock use. It may also be used to determine water treatment requirements. It's suitable for bore and surface waters. The test involves the following.
Standard chemical analysis:
- pH
- conductivity
- total hardness
- temporary hardness
- total alkalinity
- bicarbonate alkalinity
- carbonate alkalinity
- hydroxide alkalinity
- residual alkalinity
- molybdate reactive silica
- total iron
- total manganese
- calcium
- magnesium
- sodium
- potassium
- sulphate
- chloride
- nitrate
- phosphate
- free carbon dioxide
- total dissolved ions
- total dissolved solids
- figure of merit
- saturation index
- sodium adsorption ratio.
Microbiological pool analysis
Sample collection information
- Samples accepted: Monday to Thursday, 8.15am - 2.30pm.
- Any upcoming public holidays will impact sample drop off days. Call us on 07 4688 6270 to discuss.
- Samples should be less than 12 hours old when received at the laboratory.
- Bottle required: 1 x sterile 500ml container with sodium thiosulphate. Please email labservices@tr.qld.gov.au or call 07 4688 6270 to organise a bottle.
Test details
This test is used to assess the quality of pool water. It includes:
- heterotrophic plate count
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- e.coli.
Industrial effluent analysis
Sample collection information
- Samples accepted: Monday to Thursday 8.15am - 2.30pm.
- Any upcoming public holidays will impact sample drop off days. Call us on 07 4688 6270 to discuss.
- Samples are recommended to be less than 12 hours old when received.
- Bottle required:
Test details
This test is used to assist in assessing the suitability of industrial effluent to licensing requirements. Tests performed:
- total recoverable hydrocarbons (outsourced to subcontracted laboratory)
- total oil and grease (outsourced to subcontracted laboratory)
- biochemical oxygen demand
- chemical oxygen demand
- suspended solids
- total phosphorus
- total nitrogen
- conductivity
- E.coli
- pH.
To ensure water test results are accurate, you must carefully avoid contaminating samples with bacteria from skin, soil, surfaces, or even the air.
You can help minimise risk of contamination of a water sample by:
- using sterile containers
- not rinsing out the bottle
- not touching the neck of the sample container, or the inside of the cap or stopper
- not putting the cap down on any surface
- replacing the cap immediately after the container has been filled
- keeping the sample container capped until immediately before filling
- avoiding breathing, sneezing or coughing over the open sample container or near the sampling point.
How to collect a sample from a tap
- Collect a sterile container from our laboratory. To organise, email labservices@tr.qld.gov.au or call 07 4688 6270 to organise a bottle.
- Run the tap for two to three minutes (or as long as necessary to flush out the line) before collecting the sample.
- If possible, disinfect the tap by either:
- Sodium hypochlorite solution. Liquid pool chlorine or chlorine based bleaches such as Sno-White are also suitable.
- Swab or spray the outside of the tap and as much of the inside as possible with sodium hypochlorite solution. Leave for two to three minutes to allow the sodium hypochlorite to disinfect the tap. After disinfection, run water from the tap to waste for a sufficient period (at least one minute) to ensure that all the sodium hypochlorite is removed from the tap before sampling.
- Flaming. This is suitable for metal taps only, not chrome plated.
- Turn off the tap. Flame the tap thoroughly, starting at the nozzle and working back to the body of the tap until the water held in the nozzle boils.
- After flaming, run water from the tap until it is cool. Be careful not to touch the nozzle of the tap after disinfection.
- Fill the sample container, at a constant flow, taking care to avoid splashing or sample aeration.
- Fill container to the base of the container neck. Do not overflow the bottle.
How to collect a sample without a tap
- Collect a sterile container from our laboratory. To organise, email labservices@tr.qld.gov.au or call 07 4688 6270 to organise a bottle.
- Hold the bottle near its base and plunge it, neck downward, below the surface.
- Turn the bottle until the neck points slightly upward and the mouth is directed towards the current.
- If there is no current, create a current artificially by pushing the bottle forward horizontally in a direction away from the hand.
When sampling from a boat, pontoon etc., samples should be obtained from the upstream side.
If samples cannot be delivered to the laboratory within one hour of collection, they should be transported to the laboratory in an iced cooler. Ideally samples should:
- be held at 4°C (plus or minus 2°C)
- not be frozen
- be delivered to the laboratory within six hours of collection (12 hours is acceptable if stored at correct temperature).
These are explanatory resources which may help you interpret your water testing report.
Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria are bacteria that contain chlorophyll, which allows them to photosynthesise much like plants and algae, hence their historical identification as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria are naturally present in surface waters but may rapidly reproduce and 'bloom' when conditions are favourable e.g., sufficient sunlight, still water, sufficient nutrient levels, leading to degradation of water quality e.g., fish kills, taste and odour compound production and potential toxin production by certain species.
These cyanotoxins pose a risk to livestock, wildlife and human health. Monitoring cyanobacterial levels in bodies of water can be valuable in predicting the presence of, and potential for, harmful toxic blooms.
Main toxins
- Cyclic peptides - microcystins and nodularin:
- Microcystins cause damage to the liver and are possibly carcinogenic.
- Nodularin affects animals in the same way as microcystin and is just as dangerous to human health.
- Alkaloids - neurotoxins and cylindrospermopsin:
- Neurotoxins produced by cyanobacteria include anatoxin a, anatoxin a-s and the saxitoxins. Of the neurotoxins, only saxitoxins have been routinely detected in Australian waters.
- Cylindrospermopsin is a general cytotoxin that blocks protein synthesis. The major effects are damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, stomach, adrenal glands, the vascular system and the lymphatic system. Acute symptoms are kidney and liver failure.
Testing
We provide counts and can provide feedback on recommendations to do further toxin testing in line with the ANZ Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality for use with livestock or the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for drinking water sources.
Learn about available cyanobacteria testing options
Maximum safe levels
| Cyanotoxin |
Human consumption biovolume (mm3/L) |
Livestock (µg/L) |
| Cylindrospermopsin |
0.2 |
|
| Microcystin |
0.2 |
2.3 |
| Saxitoxin |
1.5 |
|
Disinfection by-products
Disinfection by products are chemicals that can be formed as a result of the chlorination process.
Common by-products
- Trihalomethanes (THMs) can be present in treated water when disinfectants, particularly chlorine react with carbon from natural organic matter such as leaves, soil and sediment. They form slowly and can be exacerbated by a slow turnover time of stored water.
- Oxyhalides are commonly produced as disinfection by-products following the chlorination of water using hypochlorite. Common oxyhalides include chlorate, chlorite and bromate.
Influencing factors
Factors that influence the formation of disinfection by-products include the chlorine dose, the concentrations and types of natural organic matter that are present, temperature, pH and detention time. Chlorate can be produced in association with the degradation of concentrated sodium hypochlorite solutions.
The most common source of chlorate is as a contaminant of liquid hypochlorite.
Maximum safe levels
- Chlorate – 0.8mg/L.
- Chlorite – 0.8mg/L.
- Bromate – 0.02mg/L.
- THM - 0.25mg/L.
These levels are based on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (AWDG) health limits.
Heavy metals
Drinking water contaminated with heavy metals can result in major health issues. It's important to note that some of these heavy metals are essential for healthy biochemical function, however metals such as lead, mercury, chromium and arsenic can be toxic when ingested.
Some metals, like mercury, are only likely to be present as the result of human activity, and some, such as lead, or arsenic, can occur naturally or as the result of human activity.
Learn about available heavy metal testing options.
Maximum safe levels
- Arsenic (As) – 0.01mg/L.
- Cadmium (Cd) – 0.002mg/L.
- Chromium (Cr) – 0.05mg/L.
- Copper (Cu) – 2mg/L and 1mg/L aesthetic guideline.
- Lead (Pb) – 0.005 mg/L.
- Nickel (Ni) – 0.02mg/L.
- Zinc (Zn) – 3mg/L aesthetic guideline only.
These levels are based on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (AWDG) health limits.
Microbiology
We offer analysis for Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC), E. coli, total coliforms, enterococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Clostridium Perfringens.
High counts in:
- HPC and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa counts may indicate the formation of a biofilm which can harbour other pathogens. These are also an indication of general cleanliness of the system.
- Total coliform counts may indicate possible environmental or faecal contamination of a treated water supply. Presence is expected in untreated supplies; however high numbers may contribute to a biofilm.
- E. coli and/or Enterococci in a drinking water sample may indicate faecal contamination and signifies the potential presence of viral, protozoan or bacterial pathogens. E. coli, Enterococci should be absent (i.e., <1 CFU or MPN/100mL) in water intended for human consumption.
Testing
The three main tests we offer are:
1. Microbiological unchlorinated drinking water analysis
- Recommended for unchlorinated drinking water supplies such as tanks and bores.
- Determines the suitability of a water supply for human consumption based on the bacteriological requirements of the NHMRC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
- Contains:
- Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)
- total coliforms (MPN)*
- E. coli (MPN)
- Enterococci.
2. Microbiological chlorinated drinking water analysis
- Recommended for chlorinated drinking water supplies.
- May be used to assess drinking water supplies to determine compliance to the NHMRC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.
- Contains:
- Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)
- total coliform
- E. coli.
3. Microbiological pool analysis
- Recommended for pools and spas.
- May be used to determine the quality of the water in pools and spas.
- Contains:
- Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC)
- E. coli
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Learn about available testing options.
Maximum safe levels
- HPC – no guideline value has been set, but after filtration and disinfection numbers would be expected to be low.
- Total coliforms - no guideline value has been set, but after filtration and disinfection numbers would be expected to be <1 CFU/100mL.
- E. coli - <1 CFU or MPN/100mL. Most Probable Number (MPN) gives greater resolution for non-chlorinated supplies (equivalent to CFU/100mL)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa – no guideline value has been established for this microorganism; however, numbers would be expected to be low in treated drinking water. It's found in pools where disinfection has not been effective.
- Enterococci - <1 CFU/100mL.
Pesticides
Traditionally organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides (OC/OP) have been a concern, however, legislation to reduce the use of these chemicals has been successful in reducing this to lower than the detection levels in most waterways.
In the Condamine and SEQ catchments only atrazine and glyphosate have been identified as >95% species protection and >50% of the health limit in the AWDG.
Pesticide types
- Atrazine: is a herbicide for the control of weeds and grasses in agricultural crops. The main source of public exposure to atrazine and its metabolites is residues in food and drinking water. Residue levels in food produced according to good agricultural practice are generally low. Agricultural use of atrazine may potentially lead to contamination of source waters through processes such as run-off, spray drift or entry into groundwater.
- Glyphosate: is a non-selective post-emergence herbicide used in the control of weeds in agriculture industry, forestry and public service areas including the aquatic environment. The main sources of public exposure to glyphosate and its metabolites are the use of home garden products, and residues in food. Residue levels in food produced according to good agricultural practice are generally low. Agricultural use of glyphosate may potentially lead to contamination of source waters through processes such as run-off, spray drift or entry into groundwater.
Maximum safe levels
- Glyphosate -1mg/L.
- Atrazine – 0.02mg/L.
These levels are based on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (AWDG) health limits.
Standard chemical analysis
We offer standard chemical analysis as a general suite for assessing water quality of bore and surface water supplies used for irrigation or stock and can also assess water quality of water used for domestic use against the NHMRC Drinking Water Guidelines.
Standard chemical analysis involves:
- conductivity
- pH
- total hardness
- total alkalinity
- metals (cations) – iron, manganese, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium
- major anions – chloride, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, carbonate, hydroxide and bicarbonate
- silica
- free carbon dioxide
- Total Dissolved Ions (TDI)
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- figure of merit
- saturation index
- sodium adsorption ratio.
Learn about available testing options.
Significance to water quality
- Conductivity: is a measure of the ability of water to pass an electrical current. Because dissolved salts and other inorganic chemicals conduct electrical current, conductivity increases as salinity increases. It can be used as an indicator of suitability for stock and irrigation as well as palatability to humans.
- pH: is a quantitative measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water.
- Hardness: is the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. Hard water is high in dissolved minerals, largely calcium and magnesium. It is an indicator of the waters potential to cause scaling and can have an impact on infrastructure.
- Iron: is useful as an indicator of the water’s potential to cause orange staining.
- Manganese: can produce a metallic taste in the water and is harmful to human health at higher levels.
- Nitrate: can be harmful to human health particularly babies.
- Alkalinity: is the buffering capacity of a water body; a measure of the ability of the water body to neutralize acids and bases and thus maintain a stable pH level.
- Free CO2: is carbon dioxide that exists in the environment and is normally present in water in the form of a dissolved gas.
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): comprise inorganic salts, principally calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulphates and some small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in water.
- Silica: can cause scaling at high levels.
- Saturation index: is a tool for determining if your water is corrosive or scaling.
- Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR): is one indicator of irrigation suitability. It relates to the amount of sodium relative to calcium and magnesium in water. When the SAR is >3, the water is sodic, and can increase the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of the soil. SAR should be interpreted in conjunction with sodium content.
- The combination of conductivity, TDS, and SAR allows us to determine the possible uses of the water.
Maximum safe levels
|
Parameter
|
Health limit (mg/L)
|
Aesthetic limit (mg/L)
|
|
pH
|
|
6.5-8.5 pH units
|
|
Hardness
|
|
200
|
|
Iron
|
|
0.3
|
|
Manganese
|
0.05
|
0.1
|
|
Sodium
|
|
180
|
|
Chloride
|
|
250
|
|
Nitrate
|
50
|
|
|
Sulphate
|
|
250
|
|
Silica
|
|
80
|
|
TDS
|
|
600
|
These levels are based on the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (AWDG) health limits.
Understanding the water analysis report
Details on measurement uncertainty - chemistry
The below Measurement Uncertainty (MU) estimates have been provided for when interpreting results on regulatory or other acceptance criteria.
| Test |
Test number |
MU ± |
| Alkalinity (total) |
QP-KYN-015 |
6.89% |
| Aluminium |
QP-KYN-134 |
8.60% |
| Arsenic |
QP-KYN-134 |
6.30% |
| Bicarb |
Calculated |
N/A - result calculated |
| Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) |
QP-KYN-007 |
20% |
| Bromide |
QP-KYN-114 |
14.06% |
| Cadmium |
QP-KYN-134 |
8.70% |
| Calcium |
QP-KYN-134 |
6.3% |
| Carbonate |
Calculated |
N/A - result calculated |
| Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) |
QP-KYN-086 |
17.90% |
| Chloride |
QP-KYN-114 |
3.11% |
| Chlorine (free or total) |
QP-KYN-028 |
26% |
| Chromium |
QP-KYN-134 |
7.80% |
| Cobalt |
QP-KYN-134 |
6.70% |
| Colour (true) |
QP-KYN-088 |
12.54% |
| Conductivity |
QP-KYN-002 |
2.51% |
| Copper |
QP-KYN-134 |
7.30% |
| Dissolved oxygen |
QP-KYN-006 |
1.81% |
| Fluoride |
QP-KYN-114 |
10.40% |
| Hardness (calcium) |
Calculated |
N/A |
| Hardness (temp) |
Calculated |
N/A |
| Hardness (total) |
Calculated |
11.3% |
| Iron |
QP-KYN-134 |
7.00% |
| Lead |
QP-KYN-134 |
5.90% |
| Magnesium |
QP-KYN-134 |
9.40% |
| Manganese |
QP-KYN-134 |
6.40% |
| Mercury |
QP-KYN-134 |
7.80% |
| Nickel |
QP-KYN-134 |
7.50% |
| Nitrogen - ammonia |
QP-KYN-103 |
0.82% |
| Nitrogen - kjeldahl |
Calculated |
N/A |
| Nitrogen - nitrate |
QP-KYN-114 |
4.09% |
| Nitrogen - nitrite |
QP-KYN-114 |
3.83% |
| Nitrogen - oxidised |
Calculated |
N/A |
| Nitrogen - total |
QP-KYN-101 |
1.42% |
| Oxidation reduction potential |
QP-KYN-132 |
39mV |
| pH |
QP-KYN-001 |
0.06 pH units |
| Phosphate (ortho) |
QP-KYN-090 |
0.02 to 0.3mg/L 0.02mg/L, >0.3mg/L 5.9% |
| Phosphorus (total) |
QP-KYN-101 |
1.36% |
| Potassium |
QP-KYN-134 |
9.80% |
| Selenium |
QP-KYN-134 |
9% |
| Silica |
QP-KYN-090 |
1 to 3mg/L +/- 0.4mg/L, >3mg/L 12.9% |
| Sodium |
QP-KYN-134 |
10.6% |
| Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) |
Calculated |
N/A |
| Sulphate |
QP-KYN-114 |
3.07% |
| Suspended solids (non-filterable residue) |
QP-KYN-009 |
17% |
| Tin |
QP-KYN-134 |
7% |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) |
Calculated |
N/A |
| Total solids |
QP-KYN-120 |
TBA |
| Turbidity |
QP-KYN-126 |
7.35% |
| Zinc |
QP-KYN-134 |
8.3% |
Details on measurement uncertainty - microbiology
The below Measurement Uncertainty (MU) estimates have been provided for when interpreting results.
* = This is the current estimate
TBA = The measurement uncertainty is not yet finalised. If you require this, please contact us on 4688 6270 for an estimate.
NR = The measurement uncertainty is not relevant. The regulatory requirements are for nil detection.
# = The test is not accredited with NATA.
| Test |
Test number |
Matrix |
u o,rel(%) |
| Clostridium perfringens spores |
QP-KYN-100# |
Potable |
TBA |
|
|
Sewage / effluent |
TBA |
| Coliphages - Male-specific |
QP-KYN-099# |
Sewage / effluent |
13.51* |
| Coliphages - Somatic |
QP-KYN-098 |
Sewage / effluent |
14.73 |
| E.coli (CFU) |
QP-KYN-110 |
Potable |
NR |
|
|
Pool / spa |
NR |
| E.coli (MPN) |
QP-KYN-105 |
Sewage / effluent |
11.91 |
|
|
Environmental |
12.11* |
| Enterococci |
QP-KYN-057 |
Environmental |
14.08* |
| Heterotrophic plate count |
QP-KYN-051 |
Potable |
TBA |
|
QP-KYN-051 |
Environmental |
TBA |
|
QP-KYN-051 |
Pool / spa |
TBA |
| Pseudomonas aeruginosa |
QP-KYN-106 |
Potable |
14.84 |
|
QP-KYN-106 |
Pool / spa |
14.28* |
|
QP-KYN-106 |
Environmental |
16.84 |
| Total coliforms |
QP-KYN-110 |
Potable |
NR |
|
QP-KYN-110 |
Pool / spa |
NR |
| Total coliforms (MPN) |
QP-KYN-105 |
Environmental |
15.18 |
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines
We test against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council. If a result does not conform to the guidelines, this will be advised at the end of the report. We're happy to accept any enquiries you may have regarding the results and we can be contacted during office hours 8.15am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
If you wish to improve or control your water quality, we recommend contacting a water treatment specialist.
We don't conduct health testing in our laboratory.
Other water guidelines:
NATA scope of accreditation
Our laboratory is accredited with National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA). To view the scope of our accreditation, please visit the NATA website and locate Toowoomba Regional Council Laboratory Services.