Water laboratories

Plant health and water laboratories are relocating

From 21 October, you can submit samples, make courier deliveries, and ask about water testing, plant pathology, and entomology at the Combined Science Services Sample Reception. It's located in the big green building off Bleezer Avenue.

To get directions, view the location on the map PDF (494.0 KB) or call 08 8999 2347 or 0401 115 803.

The department operates 2 water laboratories; a water chemistry and water microbiology laboratory at the Berrimah Farm premises in Darwin and a water microbiology laboratory located at the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) in Alice Springs. The AZRI laboratory also operates a sample forwarding service to Darwin for water chemistry testing.

The laboratories provide services to the Power and Water Corporation, government agencies, private enterprise and members of the public.

The services available are limited to a specific range of analyses in microbiology and chemistry on potable, wastewater and environmental water samples.

The Darwin and Alice Springs water laboratories are accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities. For information about the scope of accreditation, please click on the accreditation numbers in the table below.

The laboratories provide advice and assistance with:

  • water quality monitoring
  • water sample collection
  • water sample transport logistics

The laboratories also function as a referral service for water quality issues; directing enquiries to the appropriate government or private agency.

Laboratory location Accreditation number Field of testing
Alice Springs (water microbiology)
Phone: 08 8951 8110
15104 Bacteriological

Darwin (water chemistry and microbiology)
Phone: 08 8999 2194 or 08 8999 2347

15104 Physical, chemical and bacteriological testing of water

Visit the Northern Territory Government website for more information on:

For advice about collecting and submitting samples (including submission forms), please review the sample submission guide PDF (792.3 KB).

Before collecting or submitting any samples, contact the laboratories.

Work is performed on a fee-for-service basis and is available to government, corporate and private clients. Prices are subject to change and administration fees for handling and transport of samples may apply. You must pay in advance unless you have a current credit arrangement with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

For services, fees, terms and conditions, refer to the sample submission guide PDF (792.3 KB).

The following guide contains all information on services, fees, terms and conditions, submission forms and factsheets.

Sample submission guide PDF (792.3 KB)


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