Service Overview

Water Microbiology Laboratory

• Tests drinking, recreational, dialysis and waste waters
• Detects microorganisms including Salmonella and thermophilic Campylobacter pathogens
• Tests for compliance with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines and various NSW Health guidelines.

Trace Inorganic Laboratory

Tests for compliance with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines for:

• Physical parameters (pH, turbidity, hardness, total dissolved solids and true colour)
• Nutrients (phosphorus, sulfate, nitrate and nitrite)
• Heavy metals (including but not limited to lead, mercury and arsenic)
• Fluoride in drinking water samples under the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1957.

Clinical & Environmental Toxicology Laboratory

The laboratory assists NSW Health testing of:

• water for pesticide residues, algal toxins, disinfection by-products and other organic contaminants, and
• e-cigarettes or vapes for nicotine and heavy metals.

Legionella Reference Laboratory

• Tests water from high-risk public healthcare facilities in NSW for total Legionella present
• Where required, determines if L. pneumophilia serogroups 1,2-14 or species are present
• Works with NSW Health to investigate Legionnaires' disease outbreaks in the community.