Asbestos in Water Testing
Banner photo: Hans Reniers / Unsplash
Professional asbestos sampling for drinking water, environmental water and other water types. New Zealand sample collection by Accurate Consulting, supported by specialist analysis at Cohlabs TEM’s NATA-accredited laboratory in Australia.
Specialist testing to support informed decisions
Accurate Consulting provides asbestos-in-water sampling services for water suppliers, infrastructure owners, councils, property managers, environmental consultants and private clients throughout New Zealand. Our service combines local sample collection with specialist transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis undertaken by Cohlabs TEM in Australia.
Each investigation is planned around the water source, sampling environment and intended use of the results. We establish the sampling requirements and analytical scope before work begins, providing a coordinated service from initial enquiry through to laboratory reporting.
Drinking-water investigations
Targeted sampling to investigate asbestos in drinking-water supplies and distribution systems.
Environmental and other waters
Sampling for environmental water, runoff, process water and wastewater, with laboratory suitability assessed for the proposed sample type.
Specialist laboratory analysis
TEM analysis through Cohlabs TEM, whose NATA-accredited services include drinking-water asbestos analysis by US EPA Method 100.2.
Asbestos in water: the New Zealand context
Asbestos-cement pipework forms part of New Zealand’s legacy water infrastructure. Where asbestos in water is a concern, a properly designed investigation can establish whether asbestos structures are present in the samples collected and quantify them within the selected method’s reporting limits.
A research study published in 2022 detected asbestos fibres in targeted samples from Christchurch’s water supply. These findings support the value of site-specific investigation; they do not establish the condition of every New Zealand water supply. Read the published study.
Sampling locations, collection conditions and analytical counting criteria are important to the interpretation of results. A targeted assessment provides evidence for a defined investigation; it should not be treated as a universal assessment of an entire supply or network.
A coordinated sampling and analysis service
- Define the investigation. We review the water source, project objectives, proposed sampling locations and any client specifications.
- Establish the scope. Sampling arrangements, laboratory method, reporting requirements and timescales are agreed before collection.
- Collect and submit samples. Accurate Consulting undertakes sample collection in New Zealand and coordinates submission to Cohlabs TEM in accordance with the agreed laboratory requirements.
- Provide analytical results. Laboratory results are supplied for the agreed scope. Any additional technical interpretation or project reporting is defined in the quotation.
NATA-accredited analysis through Cohlabs TEM
Cohlabs TEM is a NATA-accredited laboratory specialising in asbestos identification and quantitative analysis using transmission electron microscopy. Its published accredited services include asbestos analysis in drinking water using US EPA Method 100.2.
This method quantifies asbestos structures longer than 10 micrometres, with concentrations reported in million fibres per litre (MFL). Where an investigation requires assessment of a different size range or another water type, the analytical approach and applicable accreditation scope are confirmed with the laboratory before sampling.
Accurate Consulting is responsible for sample collection in New Zealand; Cohlabs TEM undertakes the laboratory analysis in Australia. The laboratory’s accreditation applies to the activities within its accredited scope.
Explore Cohlabs TEM’s drinking-water analysis service
Asbestos analysis addresses a specific analytical question. Results must be considered alongside the sampling plan, the method’s counting criteria and reporting limits. This service does not constitute a comprehensive drinking-water quality assessment or certification of potability.
Sampling, analysis and reporting: frequently asked questions →
Discuss your asbestos-in-water investigation
Contact our team to discuss your sampling requirements and obtain a project-specific quotation. Please provide the water type, site location, purpose of the investigation and any required completion date.
Telephone: 09 574 5883
Email: info@accurateconsulting.co.nz
The quotation will confirm the agreed scope, sampling arrangements, analytical requirements, fees and anticipated turnaround, including sample transport.