What is the best water lab for your needs? Should you use a local, national or even an international water lab? What are the factors to consider when choosing a lab for water quality testing?
As a water filtration company we are constantly looking for ways to improve our water quality testing. We’ve used over 50 different water labs across the globe to ensure that our products work as intended in each local country, city and location. This means searching for and identifying the best water lab in each country which can be hard.
To help you make an informed decision, here are six key factors to consider when selecting the best water lab for your needs.
Also read our article about the top water quality test labs in the US, Germany, United Kingdom and Spain. More to be added soon.
1. What do you need to test for?
What are the common water concerns in the area you live or possible risks for your property? Do you want to test for lead, nitrate, bacteria, PFAS, copper, THMs, microplastics or some other contaminants? The lab you choose needs to be able to provide a report on all the contaminants that you are concerned about at a reasonable price. Different labs specialise in different services.
2. Water Lab Accreditation and Certification
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a water lab is their accreditation and certification. Look for labs that are accredited by organizations such as the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These accreditations ensure that the lab meets strict quality standards and follows proper testing procedures. Additionally, check if the lab has any certifications specific to the type of testing you need, such as certification for testing drinking water or wastewater.
3. Range of Services Offered by Water Testing Labs
When choosing a water lab, it’s important to consider the range of services they offer. Some labs may specialize in certain types of testing, such as testing for contaminants in drinking water, while others may offer a wider range of services, including testing for wastewater, soil, and air quality. Consider your specific testing needs and make sure the lab you choose offers the services you require. It’s also a good idea to choose a lab that can provide additional services, such as consulting or data analysis, to help you interpret your results and make informed decisions.
4. Turnaround Time and Availability
Another important factor to consider when choosing a water lab is their turnaround time and availability. You want to make sure that the lab can provide results in a timely manner, especially if you need the results for regulatory compliance or to make important business decisions. Additionally, consider the lab’s availability and responsiveness to your needs. Will they be able to accommodate rush orders or provide support if you have questions or concerns about your results? Make sure to ask about their turnaround time and availability before making your final decision.
5. Quality of Equipment and Technology
The quality of equipment and technology used by a water lab is another important factor to consider. Make sure the lab uses up-to-date and reliable equipment to ensure accurate and precise results. Outdated or poorly maintained equipment can lead to inaccurate results, which can have serious consequences for your business or regulatory compliance. Additionally, consider if the lab has any specialized equipment or technology that may be necessary for your specific testing needs.
6. Customer Service and Support
When choosing a water lab, it’s important to consider the level of customer service and support they offer. Look for a lab that is responsive to your needs and can provide clear communication throughout the testing process. This includes providing updates on the status of your samples, answering any questions you may have, and offering support in interpreting the results. A lab with excellent customer service can make the testing process much smoother and less stressful for you and your team.
How do you read a water quality report?
Read our article about how to read a water quality report.
Disclaimers about water quality testing
A single sample lab test is not necessarily an accurate measure of the tap water quality. Water quality may vary over time depending on pipe corrosion, season, chlorine content and other factors.
Summary about choosing the best water lab
In conclusion, identifying the right water testing lab is a nuanced process, deeply intertwined with the specific needs of your water filtration business or household. The ideal lab should have appropriate accreditations and certifications, offer a comprehensive range of services, ensure swift turnaround times, employ advanced equipment and technologies, and provide exceptional customer service. Furthermore, it's critical to remember that a single lab test may not offer a comprehensive depiction of overall water quality due to the potential for temporal variations. Factors such as seasonal changes, pipe corrosion, and fluctuating chlorine content can alter water quality over time. Therefore, routine testing and vigilant monitoring are recommended to assure consistently safe and high-quality water.
If you are uncertain about your tap water quality then use a high quality water filter such as EcoPro by TAPP Water. Stay safe, stay hydrated!