Laboratory System

EBMUD'S full-service environmental laboratory analyzes samples for the water and wastewater systems. The data generated protects public health and the environment. The Laboratory is certified by the California Department of Public Health to analyze samples in a variety of matrices including drinking water, wastewater, and hazardous wastes. Functional areas include:

Biology

Performs a variety of microbiological, toxicological, and physical analyses in drinking water and in wastewater. Tests for coliform bacteria are conducted daily on samples collected throughout the water distribution system. Specialized analyses include:

• Bioassays
• Microscopy for plankton in drinking water reservoirs and wastewater process control
• Flavor profile analysis
• Molecular and immunoassay techniques

Inorganic Chemistry

Performs all the traditional ‘wet chemistry’ analyses and all metals analyses for the District. The section is equipped to analyze for trace level metals in a variety of matrices using analytical techniques that include:

• Cold vapor atomic spectrometry
  
• Inductively coupled plasma 
  
• Inducted coupled plasma/mass spectrometry

Organic Chemistry

Analyzes for volatile and semivolatile organic compounds using these analytical techniques:

• Gas chromatography
• Gas chromatograph/mass spectrometery
• High performance liquid chromatography
• High resolution-gas chromatography/mass spectrometery

Quality Assurance and Client Services 

In addition to analyses, the Laboratory supports EBMUD with:

• Analytical research to support operational needs
• Analytical project management services
• Quality assurance with a dedicated and independent Quality Assurance Officer.