We are excited to announce the new Certification of Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) by EPA Method 553.2, granted by the State of Nevada last month, expanding our Sparks lab testing capabilities. The addition of HAA5, in conjunction with the Trihalomethanes (TTHM) certification, which we’ve held since 2022, further solidifies our position as a trusted partner in drinking water compliance testing.

Haloacetic Acids-5 (HAA5) is a group of five specific disinfection byproducts that can form when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic and inorganic matter in water during the water treatment process. The five specific acids included in HAA5 are monochloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, monobromoacetic acid, and dibromoacetic acid.

Importance & Benefits of Certification

1. Public Health Protection – Certified laboratories play a vital role in safeguarding public health, reliable information allows water treatment facilities to make informed decisions to mitigate health risks associated with disinfection byproducts, ensuring the safety of drinking water.
2. Regulatory Compliance – Ensures standards and methodologies are met when analyzing levels of HAA5 in water samples, accurate and reliable data are necessary for water treatment facilities to meet regulatory standards.
3. Credibility and Trust – When laboratories are accredited for HAA5 analysis, it instills trust in regulatory agencies, water treatment facilities, and the public. This trust is essential for maintaining the integrity of water quality monitoring and management.
4. Standardization of Processes & Sustainable Operations – Certification promotes the standardization of testing procedures, methodologies, and reporting. Consistent practices across laboratories ensure uniformity in HAA5 measurements, facilitating accurate comparisons and evaluations of water quality data.
5. Enhanced Water Quality Management – Certification contributes to the overall improvement of water quality management by establishing standardized testing procedures. This consistency allows for better monitoring, analysis, and decision-making regarding water treatment strategies.

Certification Process

1. Laboratory Accreditation – Accreditation ensures that the laboratory follows recognized standards and meets specific competency requirements.
2. Method Validation – demonstrating the accuracy, precision, and reliability of the chosen methodology in measuring HAA5 levels in water samples.
3. Quality Assurance and Control – implementing a robust quality assurance and control program that  includes regular calibration of equipment, proficiency testing, and adherence to standard operating procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.
4. Participation in Interlaboratory Studies/Proficiency Testing Programs – external validation helps confirm the laboratory’s analytical competency and proficiency in HAA5 analysis.

Criteria and Parameters in the Certification Process

1. Methodological Rigor – Demonstrate adherence to standardized procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.
2. Analytical Performance – Meet specific performance criteria, such as precision, accuracy, and detection limits, when analyzing HAA5 in water samples.
3. Compliance with Regulatory Standards – Demonstrate the ability to analyze HAA5 levels in accordance with regulatory standards, including the determination of compliance with established Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
4. Quality Management Systems – Implementation of a comprehensive quality management system that encompasses documentation, traceability, and continuous improvement processes to ensure the overall reliability of laboratory operations.

We look forward to better serving our clients and community with our new testing capabilities.