WETLAB BlogWestern Environmental Testing Laboratory

Water Quality Monitoring, Sampling Basics and How to Handle Customer Complaints

Last week we were lucky enough to participate in the 19th Annual Nevada Rural Water Training and Technical Conference in South Lake Tahoe, CA. This conference gives us a chance to reconnect with many of our existing clients as well as network and learn about what's going on with the rural water systems across the state of Nevada and how we can better serve them.

This year I was lucky enough to be able to do a presentation at the conference entitled "Water Quality Monitoring, Sampling Basics and How to Handle Customer Complaints". This presentation provides a quick summary of the basics of water quality monitoring (sampling, analysis and reporting), then goes into details on a few examples about sampling drinking water sources for Arsenic and Total Coliform/E. Coli (+/-). The second half of the presentation draws on my experience as a (former) customer service manager as well as information obtained from sources published by the American Water Works Association on how to integrate customer complaints as 'real-time' monitoring for your water system and ideas of how to effectively and efficiently handle complaints from customers.

If you would like a copy of the presentation, please email me at ginger@wetlaboratoy.com!

Method Detection Limits (MDL’s)

The Method Detection Limit (MDL) is defined as "the minimum concentration of a substance that can be measured and reported with a 99% confidence that the analyte concentration is greater than zero" (40CFR sec. 136 Appendix B). The MDL is used for various reasons in an analytical laboratory, with the primary reason being it is used to determine the reporting limits for each analyte that a laboratory analyzes for. Reporting Limits (RL's) are generally 3-5 times the MDL. On occasion a laboratory can report lower than the calculated MDL, however these results are always flagged as estimates and cannot not always be considered legally defensible data. MDL studies are also required as part of the process of maintaining certifications.

A MDL is initially established when a method is set up, a new piece of equipment is brought online or if there is a significant change in equipment or location (i.e. moving to a new location, significant maintenance or replacement of major parts). MDL's are confirmed on a regular basis according to method specifications (generally on an annual basis but for some parameters, such as anions, it is done twice a year). MDL studies are performed on a regular basis to assure that there is no loss of sensitivity on the equipment due to wear and tear or the constantly changing environmental conditions.

Do you have more questions about MDL's or questions about other laboratory terminology? Is there something that always confused you about laboratory services? Leave a comment and let us know what you want to know about!

Services and Qualifications

WETLAB’s objective is always to produce the highest quality data while providing our clients with superior customer service. Our client services staff is renowned for both meeting the testing needs of our clients’ and offering innovative and customized solutions. In response to the needs of many of our regional clients, we have developed niche products and services specific to Northern Nevada and Northern California.

WETLAB routinely provides comprehensive analytical support on a variety of matrices including:

• Wastewater
• Surface water
• Storm water
• Soil
• Wastes
• Rocks
• Groundwater
• Drinking water
• Sludge
• Filters
• Monitor wells
• Speciality Matrices (De-icing products, media, paint chips, etc.)

Compounds for which WETLAB provides services include:

• Metals
• Anions
• Low Level Nutrients
• MWMP Extractions
• Microbiology
• General Chemistry
• TCLP Compounds
• Priority Pollutants
• Mining Chemistry

If you would like a complete listing of parameters that we perform testing on, email us at ginger@wetlaboratory.com.

We perform testing to comply with the following programs in Nevada and California:

• NPDES
• RCRA
• SDWA
• CWA
• We also appear of the Bureau of Reclamation's Approved Vendor List

Our quality assurance program ensures that data is produced in an accurate, precise, legally defensible, timely and cost effective manner. Our Quality Assurance Plan provides the structure, policies and responsibility for the execution of quality assurance, quality control and quality assessment programs. We have also developed Standard Operating Procedures for all of the methods and procedures that are performed in our laboratories. If you are interested in receiving a copy of our Statement of Qualifications or Quality Assurance Plan, please email Ginger Peppard at ginger@wetlaboratory.com.