Package 1
Bacteria Test in Water
A focused check for bacterial indicators in your well or drinking water.
From $90 CAD
- Total Coliform — presence/absence
- E. coli — presence/absence
Metals and general water chemistry are not included.
Water testing packages
Know your water.
Choose the right test.
Compare five packages for well and drinking water testing in Nova Scotia. From a focused bacteria test to broader chemistry analysis, Precision Water Testing helps you take the next step with clear package choices and local sample drop-off.
Water testing packages for Nova Scotia
The same Packages 1, 2, 3, 4A and 4B available through The Water Shed Water Testing portal. Compare what is included, then visit the package page to check current options and start your order.
Package 2
Total Metals in Water
Understand the metals in your water, including arsenic, uranium, lead and manganese.
From $160 CAD
- 24 metals, including arsenic and uranium
- Iron, manganese, lead, copper and more
Bacteria and the additional chemistry panel are not included.
Package 3
Metals and Bacteria Water Test
Bring two key checks together with one package for bacteria and metals.
From $250 CAD
- All Package 1 bacteria tests
- All 24 metals in Package 2
For hardness, pH and additional chemistry, compare Package 4B.
Package 4A
Comprehensive Water Chemistry Analysis
Get a more detailed picture of your water chemistry to inform conversations about water quality and treatment.
From $335 CAD
- All 24 metals in Package 2
- Hardness, pH, alkalinity and dissolved solids
- Minerals, nitrate, nitrite and other chemistry parameters
Bacteria testing is not included. Choose 4B to add it.
Package 4B
Complete Water Quality Analysis
Combine our broad chemistry panel with bacterial testing in the most extensive of these five packages.
From $425 CAD
- Everything in Package 4A
- Total Coliform — presence/absence
- E. coli — presence/absence
Covers the listed parameters; no package tests for every possible contaminant.
Starting prices and listed turnaround options checked against the portal on October 6, 2026. Confirm current pricing, availability, applicable taxes, shipping charges and your reporting deadline on the linked package page or with our team. Rush service is subject to confirmation.
Which water test do I need?
Start with the question you want your results to answer. Each package measures a defined set of parameters, so a broader package is useful only when it matches your needs.
- Bacteria only? Start with Package 1.
- Arsenic, uranium or other metals? Compare Package 2, or Package 3 to include bacteria.
- Hardness, minerals and general chemistry? Compare Package 4A, or Package 4B to include bacteria.
For a property sale, mortgage or compliance requirement, confirm the required tests and sampling process with the requesting organization first. Our team can help you match the request to a package.
See what is measured
24 metals — Packages 2, 3, 4A & 4B
- Aluminum
- Antimony
- Arsenic
- Barium
- Beryllium
- Boron
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Cobalt
- Copper
- Iron
- Lead
- Manganese
- Molybdenum
- Nickel
- Selenium
- Silver
- Strontium
- Thallium
- Tin
- Titanium
- Uranium
- Vanadium
- Zinc
Additional chemistry — Packages 4A & 4B
- Conductivity
- pH
- Turbidity
- Total dissolved solids (TDS)
- Bicarbonate, carbonate, hydroxide and total alkalinity (as CaCO₃)
- Ammonia (as N)
- True colour
- Total organic carbon (TOC)
- Hardness (as CaCO₃)
- Calcium-to-magnesium ratio
- Nitrate + nitrite (as N)
- Nitrate (as N)
- Nitrite (as N)
- Chloride
- Fluoride
- Sulfate (as SO₄)
- Sodium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
Package names describe the listed scope. If you need another parameter or a specific accredited method, contact us before ordering.
Your test. A convenient local drop-off.
Our laboratory is in Dartmouth. The Water Shed network connects you with nine sample depots, including Kentville and Truro. Pick up the correct kit, follow its collection instructions, and check sample acceptance hours before you travel.
Find your sample depotReady to get started?
Choose your package above, then follow the portal’s order and sample submission steps.
Start your water testQuestions? (902) 334-8378Water testing package FAQs
Which water testing package do I need?
Choose Package 1 for Total Coliform and E. coli, Package 2 for metals, or Package 3 for both. Package 4A adds general water chemistry to the metals panel. Package 4B combines that chemistry panel with bacteria testing. If testing is required by a lender, municipality or another organization, confirm its required parameters and sampling process before ordering.
What is the difference between Package 4A and Package 4B?
Package 4A includes metals, minerals and general water chemistry, such as hardness, pH and alkalinity. Package 4B includes everything in 4A plus Total Coliform and E. coli testing. Package 4A does not include bacteria.
Which packages test for arsenic and uranium in well water?
Arsenic and uranium are included in the 24-metal panel in Packages 2, 3, 4A and 4B. Package 1 tests only for the listed bacteria indicators.
How much does water testing cost?
The Water Shed Water Testing portal lists starting prices of CAD $90 for Package 1, $160 for Package 2, $250 for Package 3, $335 for Package 4A and $425 for Package 4B. Check the linked package page for current pricing, turnaround options, applicable taxes and any shipping charges.
How long do water test results take?
The portal lists standard turnaround of 5–7 business days for Packages 1–3 and 10+ business days for Packages 4A–4B. Listed rush options are 2–3 and 4–5 business days respectively. Confirm availability and the expected reporting date before collecting or submitting a time-sensitive sample.
Can I drop off a water sample in Kentville or another Nova Scotia community?
Yes. The Water Shed network has nine sample depots, including Kentville and Truro. Precision Water Testing is based in Dartmouth; partner depots are collection points rather than laboratories. Check current sample acceptance hours and the kit instructions before collecting your sample.