Accreditation
The Water Microbiology Laboratory is NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited under ISO/IEC 17025. Regular audits by NATA ensure that the Laboratory meets all requirements, from our Quality System to our Testing Methods, under this International Standard.
Sample Containers and Collection
The laboratory accepts water samples for the tests listed in the table below. Restrictions on testing water samples, based on Australian Standards for Water testing AS/NZS 2031-2012, apply.
Water samples should be submitted using the correct submission form and suitable sample bottles. Please contact the laboratory prior to sampling for a supply of collection kits (e.g. sterile bottles with bacterial preservative and collection guidelines).
The client is responsible for sample collection and submission (including any freight costs) of samples to laboratory. NRE Tas has used due care and diligence in undertaking all relevant tests but is not responsible for any error that has occurred in collecting the samples. Note: Samples are tested as received.
Reports, Submissions and Invoices
Reported results relate only to the items tested.
Refer to the guidelines for information regarding submissions, reports and feedback.
AHL LabFact Submissions Reports Samples Feedback (PDF 59Kb)
Please contact the Laboratory if you wish to discuss your report. Your invoice will be sent within 30 days of the test being performed. Note: Samples are tested as received.
Important documents for submitting a sample
AHL LabFact Water Sampling Guidelines (PDF 171Kb)
Water Microbiology Laboratory Fee Schedule (PDF 146Kb)
Water Microbiology Advice Note (form) (PDF 118Kb)
WMICF-055 Additional Samples Water Micro (PDF 148Kb)
Microsoft Word Version
Water Microbiology Advice Note (form) (DOCX 52Kb)
WMICF-055 Additional Samples Water Microbiology (DOCX 49Kb)
Rainwater Tank Guidelines
Refer to the Tasmanian Government Department of Health website for a copy of Guidance on use of rainwater tanks.
Types of Tests
Please note - Chemical testing of water is not undertaken by the Water Microbiology Laboratory.
Potable (suitable for drinking)
Mon to Thurs
9 am to 5 pm
| Collected as per the:
AHL LabFact Water Sampling Guidelines (PDF 171Kb)
| Samples should be collected into sterile containers, placed on ice and delivered to the laboratory within 4 hours of collection to ensure testing within guidelines.
|
Full Potability
Mon to Tues
9 amd to 5 pm
| Collected as per
AHL LabFact Water Sampling Guidelines (PDF 171Kb)
| Samples should be collected into sterile containers, placed on ice and delivered to the laboratory within 4 hours of collection to ensure testing within guidelines.
|
Environmental water and effluents
Mon to Thurs
9 am to 5 pm
| Collected as per the:
AHL LabFact Water Sampling Guidelines (PDF 171Kb)
| Samples should be collected into sterile containers, placed on ice and delivered to the laboratory within 4 hours of collection to ensure testing within guidelines.
|
Swimming pools and
spa baths
Mon to Wed
9 am to 3 pm
| Collected as per the:
AHL LabFact Water Sampling Guidelines (PDF 171Kb)
| Samples should be collected into sterile containers, placed on ice and delivered to the laboratory within 4 hours of collection to ensure testing within guidelines.
|
Recreational water, including beach
Mon to Thurs
9 am to 5 pm
| Collected as per the:
AHL LabFact Water Sampling Guidelines (PDF 171Kb)
| Samples should be collected into sterile containers, placed on ice and delivered to the laboratory within 4 hours of collection to ensure testing within guidelines.
|
Salmonella or Legionella
Contact the laboratory
| Contact Laboratory to discuss
| |
Marine Heterotrophic Colony Count
Contact the laboratory
| Contact Laboratory to discuss
| |
Measurement Uncertainty
As an ISO 17025 compliant, NATA-accredited facility, the Water Microbiology Laboratory is required to inform customers of our ability to provide Measurement Uncertainty estimations with results.
Measurement Uncertainty (MU) can be provided, when requested by our customers, if relevant to the validity of a result and when it may affect compliance to a specification limit.
In most cases the MU estimate will not significantly affect your results as the possible dispersion of the 'true' value is not great. However, if your test is required for compliance to a specification then MU may be important if the result is near to the specification.
Please contact the laboratory to discuss your needs and the costs associated for this service.
Feedback
In a continued effort to improve our service to customers and clients the Water Microbiology Laboratory welcomes your comments. Please email us at the address below.