Asbestos in Water Testing FAQs

Accurate Consulting undertakes sample collection in New Zealand and coordinates laboratory submission. Cohlabs TEM performs the analysis in Australia. Accurate remains the local point of contact for the agreed service.

The service covers drinking water and other water types, including environmental water, runoff, process water and wastewater. Laboratory suitability, sample preparation and analytical requirements are assessed for the proposed water type before the scope is agreed.

Cohlabs TEM’s published drinking-water service uses transmission electron microscopy under US EPA Method 100.2. This quantitative method assesses asbestos structures longer than 10 micrometres. The applicable method, reporting basis and analytical limits are confirmed as part of the agreed scope.

Results depend on the counting criteria applied during analysis. A concentration reported for structures longer than 10 micrometres is not equivalent to a count that includes shorter structures. Where shorter-fibre assessment is required, this must be specified and agreed with the laboratory before analysis.

Results describe the samples analysed within the agreed method and its reporting limits. Interpretation should take account of the sampling location, collection conditions, analytical sensitivity and investigation objectives. Additional interpretation or project reporting can be included in the agreed scope.

An asbestos result alone does not establish overall drinking-water quality. It does not assess microbiological contamination or other chemical parameters. A wider assessment of suitability for drinking requires an appropriate programme of testing and interpretation.

The sampling plan is developed around the investigation objectives, water type, site conditions and laboratory requirements. Accurate Consulting collects samples under the agreed arrangements. Please contact us before collecting or dispatching samples independently.

Cohlabs TEM is a NATA-accredited laboratory and identifies drinking-water asbestos analysis by US EPA Method 100.2 among its accredited services. Accreditation applies to the specific activities within the laboratory’s scope. The applicable status is confirmed for other water types or modified analytical requirements; it does not automatically extend to Accurate Consulting’s sample collection.

Fees and turnaround are confirmed by quotation, taking account of the site location, sample numbers, water type, analytical requirements and transport arrangements. Please identify any project deadlines at the enquiry stage.

Provide the site location, water source or sample type, purpose of the investigation, approximate number of sampling points and required timescale. Include any client specification or reporting requirement that the results must address.