An apparatus and method which accurately quantifies the percolation rate of soils, or other materials. This invention unlike prior arts measures the time elapsed for water to drop in a percolation test hole between two fixed points. The elevation of the water is electronically detected which provides signaling to control circuitry that starts and stops an electronic timer and other peripheral circuitry to automate testing. The information gathered is typically used for the design of wastewater and storm water disposal systems.