School & Nursing Water Test – Ensure Safe Water for Every Facility
Clean, safe water plays a vital role in every educational and care setting.
Whether it’s a school, college, or nursing home, water quality directly affects
the health and wellbeing of everyone inside. With
DryZone’s certified School & Nursing Water Test, you can be confident your
facility fully meets all HSE and EU Drinking Water Standards.
Our qualified engineers carry out on-site sampling across
Clare, Limerick, Galway, and Tipperary. In some test checks for lead, Legionella, bacteria, nitrates, and other common
contaminants often found in ageing or low-use systems. Within just
24 hours, you’ll receive a clear laboratory report with easy-to-understand
results and practical next-step recommendations.
Designed to suit facilities of every size, our testing service is both flexible
and affordable. From small rural schools to large healthcare institutions,
organisations across the region trust DryZone to deliver safe, compliant, and
transparent results. Protect your students, staff, and residents — and make sure
your water is safe for every use with a reliable
School & Nursing Water Test.

Why Water Testing Is Essential for Schools & Care Facilities
Even small traces of contamination can pose serious health risks for children, the elderly, or
anyone with a weakened immune system. In some Irish schools and nursing homes still use older
plumbing systems containing lead pipes, bacterial biofilms, or outdated disinfection systems.
- Lead and copper from ageing pipes and fittings
- E. coli and coliform bacteria from storage tanks or low-use taps
- Legionella growth in warm-water systems and showers
- High nitrate or nitrite levels from local sources
- Iron, manganese, or hardness affecting taste and staining
Regular water testing ensures compliance with
EU Drinking Water Standards and HSE guidelines,
protecting your facility from health and legal risks.
Key Risks in School & Care Facility Water Systems
Schools and care facilities often face unique water quality challenges. The table below highlights the most common risks and their potential impact.
| Potential Issue | Common Source | Possible Impact | Recommended Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Old plumbing or solder joints | Developmental delays in children, neurological issues | Lead analysis |
| Copper | Ageing pipes or fittings | Stomach irritation, metallic taste | Metals test |
| Legionella bacteria | Water storage tanks, low-use outlets | Respiratory infection (Legionnaires’ disease) | Legionella culture or PCR |
| E. coli / Coliforms | Poor tank hygiene or contamination from surface water | Gastrointestinal illness | Microbiological test |
| Nitrates | Groundwater or nearby agriculture | Risk for infants and elderly | Nitrate test |
| Low residual chlorine | Inefficient disinfection | Biofilm or bacteria regrowth | Chlorine level test |
Compliance Standards & Frequency Recommendations
Different facilities are subject to different testing schedules and standards. Here’s how often your water School & Nursing Water Test should be checked and which parameters matter most.
| Facility Type | Suggested Testing Frequency | Relevant Standards | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary & Secondary Schools | Every 6–12 months | HSE Drinking Water Guidelines, EPA Recommendations | Lead, copper, bacteria |
| Nursing Homes / Care Facilities | Every 6 months | HPSC Legionella Code of Practice | Legionella, microbiology |
| Childcare Centres / Nurseries | Twice per year | Irish Drinking Water Regulations (SI No. 122 of 2014) | Nitrates, coliforms, chlorine |
| Colleges / Boarding Facilities | Annually | Health and Safety at Work Act | Metals, Legionella |
| Public Buildings with Older Systems | After maintenance or water supply changes | EPA Audit Checklist | Lead, biofilm, residual chlorine |

Custom School & Nursing Water Test Solutions
Every school and care facility faces unique water challenges — from old lead pipes and ageing storage tanks to inconsistent disinfection or low water usage. That’s why DryZone offers
custom School & Nursing Water Test solutions designed around your facility’s exact needs.
Whether you need additional checks for Legionella, heavy metals, nitrates, or bacteria,
our experts will create a tailored testing plan to ensure full compliance with HSE and EU standards. We make the process simple, fast, and completely transparent —
giving you clear results and practical recommendations you can trust.
| Priority Concern | Why It Matters | Recommended Test |
|---|---|---|
| Lead contamination | Common in pre-1980 buildings; neurotoxic for children | Lead, Copper |
| Legionella bacteria | Grows in stored warm water and showers | Legionella culture test |
| E. coli / Coliforms | Indicates faecal or environmental contamination | Microbiological analysis |
| Nitrates / Nitrites | May enter water from soil or nearby agriculture | Nitrogen compound analysis |
| Chlorine / By-products | Affects taste and may irritate throat or skin | Chlorine, pH, TDS |
Optional Add-On Water Tests for High-Risk Facilities
For facilities with older plumbing, storage tanks, or complex systems, additional tests can be added for a more complete safety check.
| Additional Test | When to Include | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrosense PRO Ultra | Facilities with storage tanks or complex pipe networks | Rapid detection of Legionella DNA |
| Biofilm Formation Test | Old plumbing or irregular water use | Detects microbial buildup on surfaces |
| Turbidity & Colour Index | When water looks cloudy or off-colour | Indicates sediment, iron, or organic matter |
| Chlorine Demand Test | After maintenance or disinfection | Ensures effective sanitisation |
| pH and Conductivity | If corrosion or scaling observed | Helps diagnose pipe deterioration |
Protect Public Health with Confidence
- Comply with EU Drinking Water and HSE Guidelines
- Protect students, staff, and residents from hidden risks
- Identify contamination before it spreads
- Gain peace of mind with certified, documented results
Don’t take chances with the water quality in your school or care facility. Schedule a certified water safety test with DryZone to protect students, residents, and staff from hidden contamination risks.
A standard package will suit you best, or you can Create a Custom Test Plan
We provide ready-made school and nursing home water testing packages based on the most common needs in Ireland — from lead and copper checks to bacterial analysis.
You can also build your own testing plan by clicking “Request This Package” or “Get My Custom Quote” for a tailored solution that fits your facility.
SMART WATER DIAGNOSTIC
A fast, professional water check-up for your private well, mains supply, or household system. Find out if your water is safe to drink and use — without lab delays or hidden costs.
- Nitrates(NO₃) – dangerous for children and pregnant women
- Iron(Fe) – causes rust stains, metallic taste, and sediment
- Chlorides(Cl⁻) & Hardness(GH) – affect taste, plumbing, appliances
- Turbidity, Taste & Odour – what you feel and smell every day
- pH & Conductivity – for balance, corrosion, and filter selection
- Advanced indicators – oxidation-reduction (ORP), salinity
- Includes 11 essential water quality tests
- All tests done on-site, no sample delivery needed
- Professional interpretation of your results
- Clear advice on filtration, treatment, or what’s not needed
- Summary certificate report for personal or rental use
Ideal for homeowners, landlords, property buyers and private well users.
Get a professional summary with clear recommendations on filtration, treatment, and follow-up steps — based on your actual test results. Ideal for private wells and home system planning.
Helps you understand not just what’s in your water — but what to do about it.
We partner with INAB-accredited Irish laboratories to provide certified lab analysis on request. Turnaround: ~10-14 working days.
Perfect for property sales, schools, or legal disputes.

EXTENDED WATER QUALITY TEST
This package includes everything from Level 1, plus advanced microbiological tests, mineral balance, and water disinfection checks.
It’s the perfect choice if you rely on a private well, use filtration systems, or want to make sure your family drinks truly safe water.
Level up your water knowledge — and protect those who depend on it.
- Bacteria (E. coli, Total Coliforms) – detect contamination from wells, tanks, or plumbing
- Free & Total Chlorine – check disinfection efficiency and skin-safe levels
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) & Dissolved Oxygen (O₂) – vital for aeration and treatment planning
- Alkalinity (KH), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfates (SO₄²⁻) – assess mineral balance and scaling risk
- ➕ Includes all Level 1 tests:
- • Nitrates (NO₃) – harmful to children and pregnant women
- • Iron (Fe) – causes rust stains and metallic taste
- • Chlorides (Cl⁻) & Hardness (GH) – affect taste, pipes, appliances
- • Turbidity, Taste & Odour – what you feel and smell every day
- • pH & Conductivity – for corrosion control and filter decisions
- • Advanced indicators – oxidation-reduction (ORP), salinity
- 21 in-depth water quality tests — physical, chemical, bacterial and mineral balance
- Bacteria check (E. coli, coliforms) — spot dangerous contamination early and needs a UV lamp
- Chlorine & disinfection test — see if your water is protected, disinfection efficiency and skin-safe levels
- Gas & mineral balance — helps plan or adjust filters, aeration, softeners
- Real-world results on-site — no waiting, no sample shipping
- Simple report — clear for your records or to show tenants or inspectors
- Trusted for wells, B&Bs, rentals, farms — built for real Irish water problems
This is not a basic check — it’s the smart standard for homes that take water seriously.
Get a professional summary with clear recommendations on filtration, treatment, and follow-up steps — based on your actual test results. Ideal for private wells and home system planning.
Helps you understand not just what’s in your water — but what to do about it.
We partner with INAB-accredited Irish laboratories to provide certified lab analysis on request. Turnaround: ~10-14 working days.
Perfect for property sales, schools, or legal disputes.

FULL WATER SAFETY TESTS
For homes, rentals and businesses where water safety can’t be left to chance.
This is the most advanced test we offer — with bacteria, heavy metals, Legionella and all critical risks covered.
- Legionella spp. – required for B&Bs, vulnerable groups, showers and rental checks
- Heavy metals: Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn) – plumbing & health risk
- Nitrites (NO₂), Ammonium (NH₄) – pollution indicators, dangerous for kids
- Silica (Si) – scaling, clogging, filtration wear
- ➕ Includes all from Level 2 & Level 1:
- Full-spectrum testing for 30+ parameters
- Ideal for compliance, peace of mind, or resale
- Can be paired with an INAB-accredited certificate report
- Clear summary + add-on expert recommendations
- SWidely used by landlords, schools, B&Bs, clinics
If you’re renting, hosting or caring — this is the standard that protects you and others.
You don’t just check your water. You prove it’s safe.
Get a professional summary with clear recommendations on filtration, treatment, and follow-up steps — based on your actual test results. Ideal for private wells and home system planning.
Helps you understand not just what’s in your water — but what to do about it.
We partner with INAB-accredited Irish laboratories to provide certified lab analysis on request. Turnaround: ~8-12 working days.
Perfect for property sales, schools, or legal disputes.

What’s Included in a DryZone School & Nursing Water Test
Our water testing packages cover everything from essential bacteria and pH checks to advanced analysis for lead, copper, and Legionella risks. Compare the options below to find the right school or nursing water test for your facility — with fast, certified results and clear reporting.
| Package | Parameters | Turnaround | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 – Basic | Nitrates(NO₃), Iron(Fe), Chlorides(Cl⁻) & Hardness(GH), Turbidity, Taste & Odour , pH & Conductivity | Instant on-site results | Routine compliance check |
| Level 2 – Standard | Bacteria (E.coli, Total Coliforms), Free & Total Chlorine, Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Dissolved Oxygen (O₂), Alkalinity (KH), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfates (SO₄²⁻), Nitrates (NO₃), Iron (Fe), Chlorides (Cl⁻), Hardness (GH), Turbidity, Taste, Odour, pH, Conductivity, Oxidation-Reduction (ORP), Salinity. | within 24 hours | Annual or periodic testing |
| Level 3 – Extended | Legionella spp., Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Nitrites (NO₂), Ammonium (NH₄), Silica (Si). ➕ Includes all from Level 1 & Level 2 | within 24 hours | Full audit or pre-inspection check |
All sampling and testing are conducted on-site by certified equipment, with laboratory confirmation and PDF reports to your school or Nursing delivered within 24 hours.
Serving Clare, Limerick, Galway & Tipperary
- County Clare (Shannon, Ennis, Killaloe, Kilrush, Scarriff, Tulla, Newmarket‑on‑Fergus, Sixmilebridge, Bunratty, Clarecastle, Quin , Cratloe and more)
- County Limerick (including Limerick city and surrounding areas)
- County Galway (Gort & especially the southern and eastern areas)
- County Tipperary (Nenagh, Borrisokane, and nearby)
If you’re not sure whether we serve your area, just send us a message — we’ll do our best to assist.

FAQ – School & Nursing Water Test
Regular water testing helps identify hidden risks such as lead, copper, E. coli, and Legionella before they affect health. Children and elderly residents are more vulnerable to waterborne contaminants, making compliance with HSE and EPA standards essential for safe drinking water.
We recommend testing every 6 to 12 months, depending on the building’s age, plumbing condition, and water source. Facilities with storage tanks or previous contamination should schedule more frequent checks.
Essential tests include: Lead and copper (pipe corrosion), E. coli and coliform bacteria (microbial safety), Legionella (water system hygiene), and Nitrates and pH (chemical balance). DryZone also provides custom testing packages for specific risks.
While not always legally required, the HSE and EPA strongly recommend regular testing to demonstrate due diligence and compliance. Many inspections now require up-to-date water test reports as part of safety audits.
A DryZone technician visits your site to collect samples under certified chain-of-custody procedures. Tests are performed in an accredited laboratory, and you receive a detailed report with results, compliance levels, and next-step recommendations.
Sample collection usually takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of sampling points and test types.
1. Express On-Site Testing
Express testing is carried out immediately on-site.
Duration: 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number of parameters.
Results: Instant, available before we leave your property.
Microbiological tests (E.coli, coliforms) require incubation for up to 24 hours to allow bacterial growth before confirmation.
2. Laboratory Testing
For certified laboratory analysis, samples are transported to partner labs:
Chemical analysis: Results available within 3–6 working days.
Microbiology (culture-based methods): Takes 10–12 days, as deep culturing and colony growth are required for accurate identification of bacteria and Legionella species.
If any parameter exceeds Irish safety limits, your report will include clear corrective actions — such as system flushing, chlorination, or pipe replacement. DryZone can help you fix the problem, retest and verify that the issue is resolved.
Yes. You can build a custom testing plan including checks for Hydrosense PRO Ultra, biofilm, turbidity, or other site-specific parameters. Simply click Get My Custom Quote to request a tailored solution.
Absolutely. We provide water testing for both public mains and private wells, ensuring safe results for rural schools and care facilities.
Pricing depends on the scope of testing and sample locations. Standard packages start from €270, while custom testing is quoted individually. You can get an instant estimate via our Request a Quote
form.
