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## Water: Laboratory Certification You are here: Water Science & Technology Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Safe Drinking Water Act Analytical Methods and Laboratory Certification 

# Safe Drinking Water Act Analytical Methods and Laboratory Certification

Public water systems must demonstrate that their water meets health based standards by periodically monitoring for the presence of specific contaminants. Approved analytical methods must be used when analyzing water samples to meet federal monitoring requirements or to demonstrate compliance with drinking water regulations. EPA reviews and approves methods that can be used. Laboratories that analyze these compliance samples must be certified by EPA or the State. EPA carries out a program to ensure that laboratories are certified as qualified to conduct analyses on drinking water samples. Basic Information – This page provides information on the programs carried out to ensure quality of drinking water analyses. Analytical Methods – This page provides information on methods approved by EPA for drinking water analysis. Laboratory Certification – This page provides information on EPA’s certification program and provides links to state certification officers. Expedited Method Approval – This page provides information on how EPA will approve new methods outside of the traditional rule-making process. Methods Home Basic Information Analytical Methods Laboratory Certification Expedited Method Approval Water Home Drinking Water Education & Training Grants & Funding Laws & Regulations Our Waters Pollution Prevention & Control Resources & Performance Science & Technology

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## Water: Laboratory Certification You are here: Water Science & Technology Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Basic Information about Analytical Methods and Laboratory Certification under the Safe Drinking Water Act 

# Basic Information about Analytical Methods and Laboratory Certification under the Safe Drinking Water Act

On this page Laboratory Role Water System Monitoring Frequency Analytical Method Drinking Water Method Developers EPA Method Approval Processes Laboratory Certification Requirements Water System Sampling Results Laboratory Fraud 

## Laboratory Role Laboratories analyze public water systems’ (PWSs) water samples and provide the PWSs with information on the quality of their water. Water sample types analyzed and purposes of analysis: Source water samples are analyzed to check for contamination and determine general water quality characteristics that influence the treatment processes. Process water samples are analyzed to provide key information relevant to treatment optimization. Finished water samples are analyzed to verify the water meets health-based and aesthetic standards and periodically check for contaminants that are not regulated in drinking water. Top of page 

## Water System Monitoring Frequency Monitoring schedules differ according to the type of contaminant, the type of source water used to produce drinking water, and the population served by the public water system. Each regulation outlines the requirements that systems must follow. EPA’s Quick Reference Guides provide a simple overview of the monitoring requirements associated with most regulations. EPA’s Drinking Water Quick Reference Guides Top of page 

## Analytical Method An analytical method is a procedure that determines the concentration of a contaminant in a water sample. Analytical methods generally describe: How to collect, preserve, and store the sample. Procedures to concentrate, separate, identify, and quantify contaminants present in the sample. Methods Home Basic Information Analytical Methods Laboratory Certification Expedited Method Approval Water Home Drinking Water Education & Training Grants & Funding Laws & Regulations Our Waters Pollution Prevention & Control Resources & Performance Science & Technology

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### A-Z Index Advanced SearchBasic Information about Analytical Methods and Laboratory Certification under the Safe Drinking Water Act | Laboratory Certification | US EPA

http://water.epa.gov/scitech/drinkingwater/labcert/basicinformation.cfm [9/5/2012 2:15:43 PM] Quality control criteria the analytical data must meet. How to report the results of the analysis. In general, an analytical method: Is applicable to routine analyses of samples. Is suitable for measuring the drinking water contaminant in the concentration range of interest. Provides data with the necessary accuracy and precision to demonstrate compliance or meet monitoring objectives in a wide variety of drinking water matrices. Includes instructions for all aspects of the analysis from sample collection to data reporting. Incorporates appropriate quality control criteria so that acceptable method performance is demonstrated during the analysis of samples. Top of page 

## Drinking Water Method Developers EPA obtains analytical methods from a variety of sources. Many methods are developed by EPA or other governmental organizations. Consensus method organizations such as Standard Methods and ASTM, International often provide methods that are suitable for drinking water analyses. Methods may also be developed by university, commercial or public water system laboratories, and by commercial vendors.

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## EPA Method Approval Processes When a monitoring requirement for a contaminant is established, EPA approves at least one analytical method by specifying it in the regulation. Additional methods for the contaminant may be approved by issuing another regulation or by publishing an action in the Federal Register

. Expedited Method Approval Drinking water methods must be approved by EPA before they can be used to analyze samples to meet federal monitoring requirements or to demonstrate compliance with drinking water regulations. New drinking water methods may be submitted to EPA for evaluation under EPA’s Alternate Test Procedure (ATP) program. The ATP program evaluates methods that are alternatives to the test procedures that are listed in the drinking water regulations. ATP program Top of page 

## Laboratory Certification Requirements Laboratories analyzing drinking water compliance samples must be certified by U.S. EPA or the State. Certified laboratories must successfully analyze proficiency testing samples, use approved methods, and successfully pass periodic on-site audits. Laboratory Certification Program Top of page 

## Water System Sampling Results Each year by July 1 you should receive in the mail a short report (consumer confidence report or drinking water quality report) from your water supplier that tells where your water comes from and what is in it. You can also contact your local supplier if you have questions about their results of testing. If you want to have your water tested, EPA recommends you use a lab certified by your state. See if your report is posted on-line State Laboratory Certification Officers Top of pageBasic Information about Analytical Methods and Laboratory Certification under the Safe Drinking Water Act | Laboratory Certification | US EPA

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## Laboratory Fraud EPA recommends that state laboratory certification programs and certified labs develop fraud detection programs to ensure that the public can have confidence in drinking water analytical results. If you suspect fraudulent activity related to drinking water analysis, notify:

your State or Regional points of contact , or contact EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA)

. If the suspected fraud involves EPA staff, programs or contracts, contact EPA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG)

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## Water: Laboratory Certification

You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more. You are here: Water Science & Technology Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Drinking Water Analytical Methods 

# Drinking Water Analytical Methods

Water systems must use EPA-approved analytical methods when analyzing samples to meet federal monitoring requirements or to demonstrate compliance with drinking water regulations. Approved methods are listed in the Code of Federal Regulations after publication in a final rule or as part of an expedited approval. Approved methods are developed by EPA, other government agencies, universities, consensus methods organizations, water laboratories, and instrument manufacturers. Analytical Methods Approved for Drinking Water Compliance Monitoring Sources of Drinking Water Methods Technical Notes on Drinking Water Methods Related Links 

## Analytical Methods Approved for Drinking Water Compliance Monitoring The following documents list all of the methods that are currently approved by EPA for the analysis of drinking water samples. Each document focuses on the methods that are applicable to a specific monitoring requirement. When a method can be obtained by direct download from the Internet, the report identifies the link. EPA will update these tables periodically. Inorganic Contaminants and Other Inorganic Constituents (June 2011) (PDF) (59 pp, 780K) Radionuclides (June 2011) (PDF) (23 pp, 125K) Organic Contaminants (June 2011) (PDF) (25 pp, 522K) Disinfection Byproduct Rules (June 2008) (PDF) (22 pp, 96K) Total Coliform Rule (June 2008) (PDF) (18 pp, 101K) Ground Water Rule (June 2008) (PDF) (10 pp, 606K) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (June 2008) (PDF) (10 pp, 62K) Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (June 2008) (PDF) (20 pp, 80K) Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule – Cycle 2 Recommended Methods for Secondary Drinking Water Contaminants (June 2011) (PDF) (30 pp, 513K) Top of page 

## Sources of Drinking Water Methods Sources of Approved Analytical Methods for National Drinking Water Regulations (June 2008) (PDF) (6 pp, 30K) This table provides information on how to obtain copies of approved methods cited in the tables above that are not available on the Internet. Analytical Methods Developed by EPA’s Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water Analytical Methods for Chemical Contaminants Developed by EPA’s Office of Research and Development Analytical Methods for Microbial Contaminants Developed by EPA’s Office of Research and Development

Top of page Methods Home Basic Information Analytical Methods Laboratory Certification Expedited Method Approval Water Home Drinking Water Education & Training Grants & Funding Laws & Regulations Our Waters Pollution Prevention & Control Resources & Performance Science & Technology

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## Technical Notes on Drinking Water Methods In October 1994, Technical Notes on Drinking Water Methods (EPA/600/R-94/173) was published as a joint effort of the Office of Water and the Office of Research and Development. This publication was prepared to add modifications, clarifications, options or improvements to methods that had previously been approved and published. EPA elected to describe these changes in this document and thereby allow the public to use these changes more immediately. This document is available through EPA’s digital publications National Environmental Publications Internet Site (NEPIS) database

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## Related Links Clean Water Act Analytical Methods EPA Test Methods Collection National Environmental Methods Index (NEMI) National Methods and Data Comparability Board Top of pageLaboratory Certification Program | Laboratory Certification | US EPA

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## Water: Laboratory Certification

You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more. You are here: Water Science & Technology Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program 

# Laboratory Certification Program

EPA’s Office of Water implements the Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program in partnership with EPA Regions and States. Laboratories must be certified by EPA or the State to analyze drinking water samples for compliance monitoring. Certified laboratories must successfully analyze proficiency testing samples annually, use approved methods, and successfully pass periodic on-site audits. EPA recommends that consumers use State certified laboratories for water testing. On this page State Certification Programs Laboratory Certification Manual Certification Officer Training Proficiency Testing Studies Other EPA Laboratory Approval Laboratory Certification Bulletins Laboratory Fraud 

## State Certification Programs Contact your State Certification Program for a list of certified laboratories and to answer technical questions. Questions may also be directed to the Safe Drinking Water Hotline. State Certification Programs Safe Drinking Water Hotline

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## Laboratory Certification Manual The Manual describes the Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Program implementation procedures, laboratory procedures, and technical criteria laboratories must meet to analyze drinking water compliance samples. Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water, Fifth Edition (PDF) (209 pp, 4M) EPA 815-R-05-004, January 2005 Supplement to the Fifth Edition of the Manual for the Certification of Laboratories Analyzing Drinking Water (PDF) (9 pp, 59K) EPA 815-F-08-006, June 2008 Order a hardcopy of the manual through EPA’s digital publications National Environmental Publications Internet Site (NEPIS) database

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## Certification Officer Training EPA conducts chemistry and microbiology Certification Officer Training courses. Training attendees: Methods Home Basic Information Analytical Methods Laboratory Certification Expedited Method Approval Water Home Drinking Water Education & Training Grants & Funding Laws & Regulations Our Waters Pollution Prevention & Control Resources & Performance Science & Technology

Water Infrastructure What You Can Do Analytical Methods &

Laboratories Applications & Databases Climate Change & Water Contaminants of Emerging Concern Drinking Water Monitoring & Assessment Research & Risk Assessment Surface Water Standards & Guidance Wastewater Technology Share 

### A-Z Index Advanced SearchLaboratory Certification Program | Laboratory Certification | US EPA

http://water.epa.gov/scitech/drinkingwater/labcert/index.cfm [9/5/2012 2:16:19 PM] Must be nominated by their Regional Certification Officer to attend the training. Should be experienced professionals. Should have at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience in the discipline they will certify. Should have recent laboratory experience in the discipline they will audit.

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## Proficiency Testing Studies Certified laboratories must successfully analyze proficiency testing (PT) samples annually for each method that they desire certification. State Certification Programs may: Require laboratories to participate in a specific private sector PT program and have the results sent to the State by the PT study provider. Elect to serve as PT study providers themselves. Permit a laboratory to participate in any accredited PT study and have the results sent to the State. Many States use PT providers accredited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-American Society for Quality (ASQ) National Accreditation Board/ACLASS. The NELAC Institute (TNI) selected A2LA and ACLASS as PT Provider Accreditors. The NELAC Institute (TNI) American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board/ACLASS

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## Other EPA Laboratory Approval EPA implements laboratory approval programs for contaminants not covered under State certification programs. This includes the program for Cryptosporidium monitoring under the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule and the program for analyses under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule – Cycle 2. Laboratories that analyze source water samples for Cryptosporidium under the Safe Drinking Water Act must be approved by EPA. Cryptosporidium Laboratory Quality Assurance Program Laboratories that analyze samples for the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule – Cycle 2 must be approved by EPA. UCMR 2 Laboratory Approval Program

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## Laboratory Certification Bulletins EPA publishes Laboratory Certification (LabCert) Bulletins periodically. The bulletins contain information of interest to drinking water laboratories and drinking water laboratory certification officers. Disclaimer: The information contained in these bulletins may be dated and was current at the time

of publication. Please contact your State Certification Programs to answer technical questions. Questions may also be directed to the Safe Drinking Water Hotline. March 2003 Bulletin (PDF) (10 pp, 61K) January 2002 Bulletin (PDF) (11 pp, 63K) March 2001 Bulletin (PDF) (15 pp, 93K) January 2000 Bulletin (PDF) (15 pp, 113K)Laboratory Certification Program | Laboratory Certification | US EPA

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## Laboratory Fraud EPA recommends that state laboratory certification programs and certified labs develop fraud detection programs to ensure that the public can have confidence in drinking water analytical results. If you suspect fraudulent activity related to drinking water analysis, notify:

your State or Regional points of contact , or contact EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA)

. If the suspected fraud involves EPA staff, programs or contracts, contact EPA’s Office of Inspector General (OIG)

.

Top of pageExpedited Method Approval Process | Laboratory Certification | US EPA

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## Water: Laboratory Certification

You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more. You are here: Water Science & Technology Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Expedited Method Approval Process 

# Expedited Method Approval Process

EPA can use an expedited process to announce the approval of new drinking water analytical methods in the Federal Register. The process provides laboratories and water systems more timely access to new alternative testing methods than the traditional rulemaking process. Expedited Method Approval Requirements Expedited Method Approval Federal Register Notices Methods Approved Under the Expedited Process 

## Expedited Method Approval Requirements There are several requirements that must be met before a new method can be approved using the expedited process. Public water systems must be required by federal regulation to monitor for a contaminant that is an analyte in the new method. Drinking water regulations must list at least one approved method for the contaminant (i.e., a method that was approved using the rulemaking process). A comparison of the new alternative method to the approved method(s) must show the new method to be equally effective in determining the concentration of the contaminant. New methods may be submitted for evaluation under the Alternate Test Procedure (ATP) program. A new method can be considered for approval using the expedited process, if it has performance characteristics that fall within the range of performance characteristics obtained by the methods listed in regulation for the same contaminant.

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## Expedited Method Approval Federal Register Notices June 28, 2012 Notice - EPA approves 10 methods

Fact Sheet on the June 28, 2012 Federal Register Notice (PDF) (2 pp, 445K) June 24, 2011 Notice - EPA approves 11 new methods

Fact Sheet on the June 24, 2011 Federal Register Notice (PDF) (2 pp, 45K) June 8, 2010 Notice - EPA approves 12 new methods | PDF Version (8 pp, 98K)

Fact Sheet on the June 8, 2010 Federal Register Notice (PDF) (2 pp, 23K) November 10, 2009 Notice – EPA approves 25 new methods | PDF Version (11 pp, 110K) August 3, 2009 Notice – EPA approves six new methods | PDF Version (14 pp, 72K) June 29, 2009 - National Primary Drinking Water Regulations: Minor Correction to Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule and Changes in References to Analytical Methods | PDF Version (7 pp, 83K) June 3, 2008 Notice – EPA publishes first list of methods approved under the expedited process | PDF Version (18 pp, 1.1M) April 10, 2007 Notice – Announcement of EPA’s plan to implement the expedited process Top of page 

## Methods Approved Under the Expedited Process Appendix A to Subpart C in 40 CFR 141 (June 28, 2012) (PDF) (21 pp, 218K) Methods Home Basic Information Analytical Methods Laboratory Certification Expedited Method Approval Water Home Drinking Water Education & Training Grants & Funding Laws & Regulations Our Waters Pollution Prevention & Control Resources & Performance Science & Technology

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