AWWA JAW34264

More and more water utilities are considering the use of an outside contract laboratory for all or part of their analytical needs. This article offers guidelines for utilities in selecting a contract laboratory. Utilities should look for a laboratory that has current certification, a familiarity with drinking water analysis, and an established quality control program. Cost is an important but not primary consideration, because costs can be contained without a loss of efficiency. A request for proposals and subsequent bids help to eliminate unsuitable laboratories. The authors explain the importance of building a partnership with the selected laboratory. In addition to advice, the article offers checklists, important questions to ask, a sample request for proposal to solicit contract laboratories, and a sample response. Includes tables.