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Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning environmental laboratories and the analyses they perform. If you have a question that is not answered here, please go to the Technical Assistance Page and email a Nevada Laboratory Certification Officer or you can call us at 775-687-9507.
Q. What is the difference between microbiological, chemical and radiochemical analyses ?
A. Microbiological testing is for the detection and identification of microorganisms that could adversely affect human health. Chemical testing is for the detection and quantification of numerous organic and inorganic chemical contaminants. Radiochemical testing is for the detection and quantification of contaminants that exhibit radiation. Combined, there are more than 100 chemical, radiochemical and microbiological contaminants regulated under federal, state and local laws.
Q. How can I get my water tested?
A. If the test is to satisfy your own curiosity analyses by a certified laboratory is not required. Any laboratory with the analytical capability can conduct the analysis. Consult your local phone directory for commercial laboratories in your area. If the analysis is required for monitoring compliance with the Safe Drinking Water, Clean Water or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Acts, or any other federal, state or local laws, a Certified Laboratory should conduct the analysis using only USEPA approved methods of analyses.
Q. What is compliance monitoring?
A. Compliance monitoring is how regulatory agencies ensure that industry and public water systems do not exceed the allowable limits for pollutants (contaminants) discharged into receiving waters or distributed to consumers as drinking water. Compliance monitoring is accomplished through the analysis of compliance samples at regular intervals.
Q. What should I have my water tested for?
A. Drinking water compliance samples are analyzed for numerous contaminants regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the requirements for regulated contaminants, approved methodologies and frequency of analyses can be found in 40CFRPart141. Non-drinking water or "Clean Water" compliance samples are analyzed for numerous contaminants regulated under the Clean Water Act (CWA), the requirements for regulated contaminants and approved methodologies can be found in 40CFRPart136. Frequency and type of analysis for contaminants regulated under the CWA are specified by the individual discharge permits.
Non-compliance samples should be analyzed for specific contaminants depending upon the nature of the problem. For Drinking Water, contact the Bureau of Health Protection Services at 775-687-4650, for non-potable or Clean Water, contact the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection at 775-687-4670. These state agencies have water quality professionals on staff who can assist you. Additional assistance with drinking water can be obtained from the USEPA sponsored Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
Q. My water tastes (smells) funny, who do I call?
A. If it is drinking water supplied by a public utility, or is drawn from a private well, you should call the Bureau of Health Protection Services at 775-687-4650. If it is water from a river, stream, pond or any other surface or ground water source, call the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection at 775-687-4670.
Q. How much does it cost to have a sample analyzed?
A. The cost of analyses are dependent upon the contaminant(s) being analyzed; prices vary greatly. Call several laboratories and compare prices before you arrange for analyses.
Q. Can samples be collected in any container?
A. No, certain analyses require special containers and preservatives. Most laboratories will provide the proper container, preservative(s) and sampling instructions.
Q. Do I need to hire a certified laboratory to analyze my well water pending a real estate transaction?
A. Yes the laboratory must be certified for drinking water analyses. Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS445A.863) states that an analysis required pursuant to NRS 445A.800 to 445A.955, inclusive, or required by a lender as a condition precedent to the transfer of real property must be performed by a laboratory that is certified in accordance with the standards adopted by the state board of health pursuant to this subsection.
Additional assistance can be obtained from the USEPA sponsored Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.
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