Soil Testing (Lawn & Garden Testing)
Just about everyone wants a green, healthy lawn. A green healthy lawn adds value to your home and provides increased enjoyment in your family. Or, maybe you enjoy growing large, healthy garden produce. To help your lawn or garden do its best, you should first determine the condition of your lawn or garden’s soil & the nutrients it needs before buying lime and fertilizer.
A laboratory soil analysis is the only practical way to determine your soils lime and fertilizer needs.
You take the sample AFTER pick up your Lawn & Garden Diagnosis kit at the District office. Take the sample and send it into the lab for diagnosis. Soil test packages start at $18 for the basic package (potassium, phosphorus, organic matter, pH, soluble salts, lime and fertilizer recommendation). Invoice for payment will be sent with your invoice.
AgSource Labortories – The Soil Doctor
Private Water Testing
Just as you check your furnace or smoke detector batteries seasonally, you should also have an annual water checkup.
Why is it a good idea to have my water well checked annually?
An annual checkup by a qualified water well contractor is the best way to ensure problem-free service and quality water.
Preventive maintenance usually is less costly than emergency maintenance. By testing regularly you can prolong the life of your well and related equipment.
You should also be testing your water whenever there is a change in taste, odor, appearance, or when the system is serviced. Private water users should test at least yearly for bacteria and other contaminants. Even if your water is safe, yearly testing will enable you to have a record of your water’s prior history, so that if a change occurs, you will know. In addition, should anyone damage your water supply, you will have proof of your water quality prior to the damage. Water sampling is done by the City of Rockford Environmental Laboratory. Water sampling kits can be picked up at several outreach sites throughout the County, one of which being the District office.
Water samples MUST be dropped off at the City of Rockford Environmental Laboratory, located at 1111 Cedar St., in Rockford, IL. Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Samples are NOT accepted on Fridays.
Sampling questions should be directed to the City of Rockford Environmental Laboratory at (779) 348-7151.
City of Rockford Environmental Laboratory
Other pick-up test kit sites throughout Winnebago County:
- Cherry Valley Township
- Durand Village Hall
- Farm Bureau
- Pecatonica Village Hall
- Rockton Township
- Roscoe Township
- Winnebago County Sewer and Water Conservation District
