Microbiological safety
Indicator organisms, E. coli, coliforms, enterococci, heterotrophic counts and risk-led pathogen panels.
World time
Labs & Testing / Water systems
Water Quality Laboratory
Defensible water evidence from source, treatment and distribution through point of use.
Purpose and scope
Evidence designed for the decision.
COHSEW structures water testing around the question being answered: public-health protection, process control, commissioning, incident response or regulatory verification. Sampling locations, preservation, holding times, methods and decision criteria are agreed before collection so the result remains fit for purpose.
Scope noteAvailability, recognised methods and accreditation status must be confirmed for the exact laboratory, location, test and sample type before use.
Specialist capabilities
A connected technical programme.
Panels are selected after the question, sample matrix, applicable limits, required sensitivity and reporting purpose are understood.
Chemical profile
Major ions, nutrients, metals, organics and treatment-related analytes selected for the water system and intended use.
Operational parameters
pH, conductivity, turbidity, disinfectant residuals, colour, odour and other treatment-control indicators.
Water-safety verification
Risk-based sampling plans, chain of custody, trend review and escalation criteria aligned to a water-safety plan.
Samples and evidence
Defined matrices.
Controlled handling.
Correct container, identity, preservation, temperature, transport and holding time are agreed before collection.
01Drinking water02Ground and surface water03Process and manufacturing water04Wastewater and effluent05Recreational water06Building water systems
The laboratory pathway
Define the water system and health question
Design representative sampling and preservation
Analyse with suitable sensitivity and quality controls
Compare results with the correct jurisdictional criteria
Authoritative framework
Primary guidance for quality and practice.
COHSEW summarises these sources; it does not reproduce standards or replace current national rules and competent professional judgement.
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