Why is it important for water testing laboratories to get accredited? The process of getting accreditation for water testing can be arduous and is definitely not for the fainthearted. But when it comes to water quality, no price is ever too heavy to pay.
In 2022, over 1.7 billion people worldwide were exposed to the worst form of microbial contamination in drinking water; that is contamination with feces (WHO Report). In the following year (2023), a study conducted by the EPA found that 33% of 3,700 water systems tested positive for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as ‘forever chemicals.’ That indicates that approximately 70 million people are consuming water contaminated with these toxic chemicals. These statistics underscore the urgent need for stringent protocols and standards in water testing.
Fortunately, many water testing laboratories around the world now prioritize accreditation. This goes a long way in ensuring that water consumed by humans and animals is of the highest possible quality. However, a few unscrupulous labs continue to operate and entice customers through cheaper services. While this may seem cost-effective, the effects are usually detrimental to public health and safety.
Is Lab Accreditation Worth the Effort?
Accredited laboratories provide the rigor that is required to ensure water safety. While labs that are not accredited can take shortcuts or be negligent about their process, accredited labs have to follow strict testing protocols. In other words, there’s always a third eye watching. And the ultimate beneficiary of this is the end consumer, which is basically all of humanity.
Why is Water Testing Important?
Safe drinking water is a basic human right. Unfortunately, most of the water that we drink comes from sources that are at high risk for contamination. Testing ensures that drinking water is free from any form of contaminants that may pose a risk to human health.
Water is usually tested for the following contaminants:
- Microbiological: bacteria, viruses, protozoa
- Chemicals: heavy metals, minerals, pesticides, and industrial chemicals
- Physical: temperature, turbidity, smell, and taste
These contaminants can cause a host of health problems, ranging from gastrointestinal issues to severe health complications such as cancers. Heavy metal contamination (cadmium, arsenic, and mercury) has been linked to renal and cardiovascular complications. For water to be considered safe for drinking, it should be free (or have permissible amounts) of any form of contaminants.
Proper water testing is essential for identifying the presence and levels of contaminants. This provides a basis for ensuring that contaminated water is restored to a quality that meets the established health and aesthetic standards.
Water testing is not limited to drinking water. Instead, it extends to surface and groundwater, waste water, and even recreational water bodies (such as swimming pools). Beyond impacting human health, water testing minimizes the environmental and societal risks associated with water contamination. As such, accurate water testing by accredited labs is an indispensable tool for safeguarding public health at all levels.
Standards and Regulations For Water Testing Labs
Water testing labs may require various types of accreditation to ensure their testing processes meet recognized standards of quality and reliability. Many countries have national or regional accreditation organizations that assess the competency of testing laboratories. For example, in the U.S., water testing labs can be accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) or the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) Institute (TNI) or by the EPA. In the European Union, labs may seek accreditation from bodies such as the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) or the German accreditation body, DAkkS. States may establish their own accreditation or certification processes to oversee water testing labs.
ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation: One of the most important standards is ISO/IEC 17025, which outlines the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. This standard ensures that water testing laboratories have the necessary equipment, qualified personnel, and robust quality control procedures to produce accurate and consistent results.
EPA Certification: In the United States, water testing labs must often be certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or authorized state agencies to conduct specific tests on drinking water and wastewater. This certification ensures that the lab meets EPA requirements for testing and reporting results related to public health standards.
Benefits of Accredited Laboratories in Reliable Water Testing
Non-accredited laboratories may offer cheaper water testing services, but they often lack the rigorous protocols, technical standards, and oversight required for reliable results.
Here are some of the benefits of accredited water testing laboratories:
- They follow stringent protocols, guaranteeing accurate and reliable data. This is essential for public health and safety.
- They comply with international standards, and this provides a global standard for water safety.
- Accredited labs undergo regular proficiency testing which ensures that they maintain high standards of quality.
- By reducing adverse outcomes related to water safety, accreditation helps laboratories build public trust.
How a LIMS for Water Testing Labs Supports Lab Accreditation
A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is crucial for water testing labs seeking ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation or EPA certification. A LIMS for water testing labs automates sample tracking, data entry, and reporting, ensuring accurate, traceable records that are essential for accreditation. By tracking every sample from collection to final results, a LIMS ensures that testing procedures are consistently followed, helping labs adhere to required testing protocols. Additionally, a LIMS for water testing labs maintains detailed logs of test methods, schedules equipment calibration, manages staff training, and streamlines quality control measures, all of which are vital for demonstrating compliance during audits.
Conclusion
The benefits of accredited water testing labs are evident and undeniable. Accreditation is the only way to guarantee public health safety and ensure that public trust is maintained. Though the process of accreditation is rigorous and demanding, it is worth every effort in the end. A LIMS goes a long way in helping labs meet various requirements of ISO 17025 accreditation, EPA certification, and state and local regulations. By deploying a water LIMS, labs can not only achieve the accreditation they aim for but also enhance their efficiency.