Water testing laboratories perform important tasks that impact the public health. Therefore, receiving water testing laboratories education and training is essential to protect the public. Water laboratories test water for safety in various fields; some test water for safe drinking while others test water for safe swimming or for aquatic life.

Workers use many chemical equations and factors at water testing labs. Understanding the results and analyzing the water samplings require educated lab technicians who can decide correctly whether to deem water as safe or unsafe. When considering the options for water testing laboratories education and training, think about the following:

1. Consider formal training courses for working in a water testing laboratory.

2. Attend seminars geared toward information for a water testing lab.

3. Read articles written about and by water testing companies.

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Enroll in an educational course that discusses water testing

Formal training at an educational institute provides details and intensive training on collecting water samples, performing tests at laboratories, and analyzing test results. Learn to view water samplings under a microscope. Learn to distinguish safe zones from unsafe zones. Some courses also offer information about chemicals and additives to clean water.

I recommend: Ohio Water offers water testing courses and training. Pharma Opportunities conducts courses pertaining to water testing laboratories for pharmaceutical use.

Enroll in a seminar or other water testing training resource

Seminars offer information on new concepts. They often focus on and relay details of particular aspects of water testing laboratories. Seminars can offer training updates. The advantage of seminars is that they are shorter than courses and often power-packed with much information in a small amount of time. They offer water quality testing labs an opportunity to train employees.

I recommend: Ameri Water offers seminars in water testing for medical use. Medical laboratory technicians learn about water testing in the laboratory. They learn how to recognize contaminated water. American Water Works Association conducts seminars for utility districts and others discussing water laboratory testing.

Read professional articles to learn more about water testing laboratories and water analysis

Articles are another way to gain water testing laboratories education and training. Articles feature new ideas and upcoming trends. Reading professional articles is a great way to enhance education learned from water testing courses and seminars. Articles also often feature water analysis services and water testing.

I recommend: WWD Mag features an article discussing organic quality water testing at water test labs. WPQ Mag offers an article about a new tool by the Water Quality Association.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When gaining water testing laboratories education and training, discover methods that one should follow within the lab to prevent contamination of the samplings. Lab technicians should protect water samplings to ensure that they remain in the same state as when collected. Temperature, air exposure, and more may all affect the water analysis results.

Water testing laboratories provide an array of analytical services to evaluate compliance with both federal and state water quality standards (WQS). The Clean Water Act, which the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees, stipulates water quality criteria for both drinking water and wastewater. States have similar WQS for drinking water and wastewater. Since municipalities typically handle wastewater testing, homeowners and businesses frequently enlist water quality testing labs to analyze drinking water.

Measure the usefulness and quality of any water testing lab by evaluating how many EPA or state water analysis criteria the lab assesses. For drinking water, make sure the water testing lab analyzes all the chemicals and other human health criteria the EPA mandates. Consider only the water testing companies that test and analyze for the established criteria, whether drinking water or wastewater. As you consider using water testing laboratories, keep these factors in mind:

1. Determine what certifications, accreditations and proficiencies the water testing laboratory possesses on both state and federal levels.
2. Ascertain how many EPA water analysis criteria the water testing companies measure.
3. Evaluate the data validation and reporting capabilities of the water test labs.

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Refer to EPA and state lists of certified water testing laboratories

The EPA works closely with each state to implement clean water standards. Each state water quality certification officer in turn readily provides the names and contact information of certified water quality testing services, both in the state or outside of it.

I recommend: The EPA has an index cataloging each state's certified laboratories for testing water. DMOZ, an online open directory project, keeps an active, ongoing list of water quality testing labs.

Use state lists to find water testing company certifications and analytical parameters

When you reach a lab, ask about analysis turnaround times, quality assurance/quality control and corrective action methods. In some cases, you may need to go outside your state to get the water analysis services you need.

I recommend: Arizona updates its list of commercial drinking water testing laboratories every 24 hours. North Carolina lets website visitors query by contaminant types for certified water testing labs.

Find laboratories for testing water that have accreditation from national organizations

The NELAC Institute (TNI) monitors performance of water testing laboratories via a national accreditation program. TNI, which evolved from the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC), reviews laboratory procedures and standards for its accreditation program, which goes beyond state certification. Founded in 1937, the American Council of Independent Laboratories (ACIL) defines standards of conduct for member laboratories and allied organizations.

I recommend: NELAC sorts lists of accredited labs with notations on water testing labs. ACIL has a laboratory referral service with descriptive paragraphs and direct online links to water testing laboratories.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Contact a client service representative and arrange for a virtual or in-person tour of the candidate water testing laboratories you are considering.

Water-testing laboratories help keep our drinking water safe from bacteria and other pollutants. The Safe Drinking Water Act regulates the testing of public water supplies. Private well owners should also do routine testing. Here are a few of the most common tests that water-testing laboratories run:

1. The most general routine check done by a laboratory is for Coliform bacteria.

2. The pH of a water sample is a good measure, particularly for the lakes and rivers that are the original sources of drinking water.

3. It is also important to know the nitrate levels of your water supply.

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Safe Drinking Water Act

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), created in 1974, protects public water supplies and their sources, such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs.

I recommend: The Environmental Protection Agency is your best source for specific information on the SDWA.

pH

The pH of a liquid is a measure of hydrogen ions represented by a number between zero and 14. A high pH means that a liquid is alkaline, and a low pH means it is acidic. Water should be near seven, which is neutral.

I recommend: Water on the Web offers more information and a scale comparing the pH of various liquids.

Coliform bacteria

Tests often find Coliform bacteria, which are generally harmless, in the environment, but their presence in a water supply can mean that something has compromised the water's safety. E. coli is a well-publicized strain of Coliform bacteria that can sometimes be dangerous.

I recommend: Washington State Department of Health provides more detailed information on what it can mean when tests find the bacteria in a water supply.

Nitrates

Unsafe levels of nitrates can occur from natural or man-made causes. Infants are particularly susceptible to the dangerous effects of nitrates.

I recommend: Illinois Department of Public Health discusses nitrates and their health effects.

Dissolved solids

Water-testing laboratories measure the total dissolved solids as more of an aesthetic than risk factor. Dissolved solids are not a health hazard, but they can cause unpleasant taste and a buildup in water heaters.

I recommend: Wilkes University Center for Environmental Quality offers information on measuring dissolved solids.

Private wells

Many people, especially those in rural areas, depend on private wells for their water supply. Private wells are not subject to the same regulations as public water supplies. While most wells are safe and clean, regular testing ensures the water is uncontaminated.

I recommend: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers extensive information on private wells and ensuring their safety.

Water testing laboratories pricing and costs depend on the substances being tested for, the detection limits and how often the testing is done. The number of possible tests that may be performed on water is infinite for all practical purposes, so laboratories typically perform only a small number of specific tests on any given sample.

It is especially important to test drinking water, and cities routinely test their water supply for the most likely contaminants. These can take the form of undesired organisms, naturally occurring substances and industrial waste products. The following three categories represent common types of laboratories for testing water:

1. A state-certified water analysis laboratory. Each state has specific requirements for testing each type of impurity in drinking water.
2. A water testing laboratory for the home. These kits are relatively inexpensive and may be used by the end consumer.
3. A commercial water testing lab. These laboratories perform water testing for businesses and municipalities.
   

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Get prices on state-certified water analysis services

These laboratories must perform their sampling methodologies and quality assurance procedures according to specific guidelines. They typically perform their services for set prices.

I recommend: Accurate Testing Laboratory is certified in Washington and Idaho, and provides a standard price list for a variety of organisms. Clinical Laboratory of San Bernardino is certified in California and offers free sample pick-up in the San Bernadino area.

Find prices on a water quality testing laboratory for the home

Home water testing kits are designed to detect specific organisms. They are available at set prices from retailers and laboratory supply companies.

I recommend: Water Testing Labs of Maryland offers a variety of home testing kits with set prices for each kit. Microscopes.com provides laboratory supplies, including water testing lab kits, at a range of prices.

Research prices on commercial water testing labs

These laboratories typically perform a wide variety of water testing services for large businesses or government entities. They may also be involved in scientific research. Commercial water testing labs typically charge hourly rates for consulting services and set rates for specific tests.

I recommend: Anresco Laboratories provides specific pricing policies, including hourly rates for non-standard work. Arc Water Treatment Company of Maryland specializes in the detection of Legionella and provides flexible pricing on a case-by-case basis.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Water testing laboratories commonly perform a test known as turbidity, especially in rural areas. This is a measure of the cloudiness of the water and is a general indication of the concentration of suspended solids in the water. While solid particles may settle to the bottom of the container if they are large enough, sufficiently small particles will remain suspended indefinitely. It is important to note that turbidity may be a good indicator of the overall quality of the water, but it does not provide any information on the actual composition of the particles.