Behind every glass of clean water is an invisible army of scientists, sophisticated equipment, and rigorous testing protocols. Our SANAS-accredited laboratory is the guardian of water quality, conducting thousands of tests each month to ensure the water reaching your tap meets the highest safety standards.
What Makes Water Safe?
Safe drinking water must meet strict criteria defined by South African National Standards (SANS 241). These standards specify acceptable limits for a wide range of parameters including microbiological content, chemical composition, and physical characteristics like taste, colour, and odour.
Key Testing Categories:
- Microbiological: E. coli, total coliforms, and other pathogens
- Chemical: pH levels, chlorine residual, heavy metals, nitrates
- Physical: Turbidity, colour, taste, and odour
- Organic compounds: Pesticides, industrial chemicals
- Radioactive: Natural and anthropogenic radioactivity
Inside the Laboratory
Our laboratory houses state-of-the-art analytical equipment operated by qualified scientists. From atomic absorption spectrometers that detect trace metals to sophisticated microbiological incubators, each instrument plays a vital role in our comprehensive testing regime.
Sample collection follows strict protocols to ensure integrity. Trained samplers collect water from various points throughout our system—from raw water in dams, through treatment works, in distribution networks, and at consumer taps. Each sample is carefully labelled, transported, and processed according to accredited methods.
The Testing Process
When samples arrive at the laboratory, they're logged into our tracking system and assigned to appropriate analysts. Time-sensitive tests, particularly microbiological analyses, begin immediately. Other tests may be scheduled based on priority and laboratory capacity.
"Every test we conduct is a promise to the community—a promise that the water they drink is safe. We take that responsibility seriously."
— Laboratory Manager, Amatola Water Scientific Services
Results are reviewed by senior scientists before being reported. Any results outside acceptable limits trigger immediate investigation and, if necessary, corrective action. Our quality assurance programs include regular proficiency testing and inter-laboratory comparisons to ensure accuracy.
SANAS Accreditation
Our laboratory holds accreditation from the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) to ISO 17025 standards. This internationally recognised accreditation demonstrates our technical competence, quality management systems, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Maintaining accreditation requires regular assessments, documented procedures, trained personnel, and calibrated equipment. It's a demanding standard that provides assurance to regulators, municipalities, and consumers that our results are reliable and trustworthy.
Blue Drop Certification
The Blue Drop certification program, administered by the Department of Water and Sanitation, recognises excellence in drinking water quality management. Amatola Water has consistently achieved Blue Drop status for our water treatment works, reflecting our commitment to providing safe, high-quality drinking water.
Your Water Quality Questions
We welcome questions about water quality from the communities we serve. Our scientists are happy to explain our testing programs, discuss results, and address any concerns. Transparency is fundamental to the trust we build with our customers.
