Davey Water Testing Service - Mail-In Lab Kit - Chemical or Biological NZ

Davey Water Testing Service — Mail-In Lab Kit

Find out exactly what's in your water — with lab results emailed directly to you.

This is a mail-in water testing service run through the Davey lab in Auckland. Order online, receive your sample bottles, fill them at your tap or tank, and return them using the prepaid ticket included in the kit. Your results are reviewed by a person and emailed to you with a plain-language explanation of what they mean.

Available in two options — chemical and mineral testing only, or chemical and mineral plus biological testing. If you're on tank water, bore water, or any unchlorinated supply and you drink from it, the biological option is the one to choose.

Choose Your Test

Chemical & Mineral Test

Tests for the parameters that affect taste, odour, staining, scale, and appliance wear. The right starting point if you're investigating a water quality issue or want to understand your supply before choosing a filtration system.

Parameters tested: pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, Iron, Manganese, Silica, Nitrate, Aluminium, Sulphate, Copper, TDS, Chloride, Sodium, Conductivity, Turbidity, Colour, UVT.

Chemical + Biological Test

Everything in the chemical and mineral test, plus E. coli and Total Coliforms. If you're on tank water, bore water, or a private supply and you drink from it, this is the test you need. E. coli and Total Coliforms are the standard indicators of biological contamination in drinking water.

Parameters tested: All of the above, plus E. coli and Total Coliforms.

How It Works

1. Order online and select your test type
2. Receive your sample bottle(s) and prepaid return ticket
3. Fill the bottles at your water source following the included instructions
4. Post them back to the Auckland lab using the prepaid ticket
5. A member of the lab team reviews your results
6. Receive your results by email with a plain-language explanation

If your results show a problem, get in touch — we can advise on the right filtration or treatment solution for your supply.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Lab location: Auckland, NZ
• Lab type: Davey lab (non-accredited)
• Method: Mail-in
• Result delivery: Email
• Reviewed by: Lab team member
• Includes: Sample bottle(s), prepaid return ticket, lab analysis, emailed results

Frequently Asked Questions

Which test should I choose?

If you're on mains water and investigating taste, staining, or scale — the chemical and mineral test is the right starting point. If you're on tank water, bore water, or any private supply that you drink from, choose the chemical plus biological test. E. coli and Total Coliforms are the standard indicators of whether your water is biologically safe to drink.

What does non-accredited mean?

The Davey lab is not an IANZ-accredited testing facility. For most residential purposes — understanding your water quality and choosing the right filtration — the results are useful and actionable. If you need results for a regulatory, legal, or compliance purpose, an accredited lab test is required.

How do I collect the sample correctly?

Instructions are included with the kit. Follow them carefully — incorrect sampling can affect results. In most cases this means flushing the tap before collecting, using the bottle provided, and posting the sample promptly.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results arrive by email with a plain-language explanation of each parameter. If anything is outside normal range, get in touch and we'll help you understand what it means and what your options are.

Can I use these results to choose a filtration system?

Yes — this is one of the most common reasons people use this service. UVT (UV transmittance) is particularly useful if you're considering UV disinfection, as it tells you whether your water is suitable for UV treatment without pre-treatment. Iron, manganese, and hardness results help size and configure the right filtration setup.

Is this suitable for bore water testing?

Yes. Bore water quality varies significantly and is one of the most common reasons to test. The chemical plus biological option is strongly recommended for bore water supplies used for drinking.

Do I need to be home to receive the kit?

The kit is posted to you — standard NZ delivery. No signature required in most cases.