Water quality testing during drought essential for food safety
27 August 2025
Emily Scott, Engagement Officer Horticulture Standards, Maffra
Horticulture growers should take appropriate action to ensure that produce impacted by weather events or drought conditions is safe for consumption.
Weather events can include dust storms, floods, strong winds or rainfall.
These events can physically damage produce and/or contaminate it with dirt, chemicals or animal faeces carried by wind or water. It is recommended that growers keep records of key weather events that impact their farm, including rainfall records and periods of strong wind.
It is important to note that weather events and sources of contamination may not always occur at the growing site, but rather in the larger catchment area, which can impact water quality.
The drought conditions currently impacting significant parts of Victoria can affect water quality.
More frequent water testing is recommended during these times.
Where to get water samples tested in Victoria
Use a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory, listed on the NATA webpage. Search the term ‘Analysis for microorganisms fresh waters’ and enter your location to find a suitable service.
Sampling request
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common bacterium and is a reliable indicator of microbial contamination of water and should be the key test requested. E. coli is expressed as colony-forming units per 100 ml (cfu/100ml).
Ask the lab about their recommended sampling protocol, and if they can provide sterile sampling bottles and sample submission paperwork.
If the risk of surface water contamination is high – for example, due to proximity to livestock and wildlife – testing for additional foodborne pathogens (e.g. Salmonella species, Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga toxigenic E. coli) should also be requested, to ensure water is safe for use.
Sampling costs
As a guide, the average cost of a single sample test is $50 to $100 for generic E.coli. If submitting multiple samples or testing for additional pathogens (see sampling tips), costs will increase.
Sampling tips
- Water for testing should always be sampled at the point of use, after allowing the water to run for a minute or 2.
- Water samples should be kept cool and delivered for testing within 24 hours of collection, including during transportation to the laboratory.
- Keep appropriate testing records.
Further information, including understanding test results:
- Fresh Produce Safety Centre (FPSC) grower guides
- Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) Info Bites and Safe Horticulture Guide
- Safe Leafy Vegetable Project and Factsheet: Microbial food safety risk management in leafy vegetables
- Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) contamination of leafy vegetables and risk management
Find more information about available drought support visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Media contact: Makayla Rimington
Phone: 0473 914 662