Water Systems for Small Communities

A Puzzle Guide for Local Officials
Bulletin 910

Water Testing Laboratories

Todd Kelleher, Division of Drinking and Groundwater, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency
Karen Mancl, Professor Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University

Water testing is an involved procedure. Special equipment, training, and protocols are necessary to maintain reliable results. Some water systems operate their own water testing laboratory. Most small systems, however, have difficulty justifying the training and facilities necessary to keep a lab certified. Fortunately, certified laboratories operate all over Ohio to conduct the necessary water tests for public water supplies.

Certified labs must undergo a quality assurance/quality control (QAQC) review by Ohio EPA staff to ensure that they generate reliable data. The review examines how they do water tests, that they are following test procedures, and that their results are accurate.

1. Laboratory plans for Certified labs are submitted to Ohio EPA to assess that a lab has appropriate equipment and adequate bench space.
2. On-site surveys review the analyst's credentials and performance. Laboratory records and quality control procedures are also reviewed. If deficiencies were noted, a check for corrections is included in the review.

   Certifications can be up to 3 years. Shorter times may be granted to labs if problems are noted.

3. Unannounced surveys are conducted based on concerns about data or if the lab has a history of problems.

Ohio EPA maintains a list of certified labs that is updated quarterly. The list shows each lab and the tests they are certified to conduct, but does not include prices. Water systems should shop around to get the most competitive prices.

The most up-to-date lab list is sent to public water systems each year with their list of monitoring requirements. The list is also posted on the web at www.epa.state.oh.us/ddagw/pubs.html#certlabs.

Examples of Cost

New water wells must be tested before they can be used as a community water supply.

Lab 1	$743.40
Lab 2	$1,451.00
Lab 3	$769.00
Average	$987.80

A new surface water supply requires testing every 3 months over a year before it can be used as a community water supply. Testing averages $4,000.

Compliance monitoring for a wide range of contaminants is done on a yearly basis. In the first year these costs average $1,300.

It is important to establish a working relationship with a testing lab. Labs can be certified for different tests. They may be able to subcontract with another certified lab if your system requires additional tests. This simplifies a water system's billing and record keeping.