Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance Test Result Interpretation Need help interpreting results? <a title=\"Test Result Interpretation Page\" href=\"/content/sok-wcm/en/deq/divisions/state-environmental-laboratory-services/technical-assistance/test-result-interpretation.html\">View our Test Result Interpretation Page</a>.</p>\n"}}" id="text-2a922a9a7b" class="cmp-text"> Need help interpreting results? View our Test Result Interpretation Page . Customer Feedback Please help us to know how we’re doing and how we can improve! Submit your anonymous feedback here: <a href=\"https://forms.office.com/g/1QtSVUHfxU\" title=\"Customer Feedback Form\">Customer Feedback Form</a>.</p>\r\n"}}" id="text-03e85267a0" class="cmp-text"> Please help us to know how we’re doing and how we can improve! Submit your anonymous feedback here:  Customer Feedback Form . Myths The Little Black Box A common misconception about most laboratories is that the laboratory puts one sample in a box and obtains immense amounts of data within an hour. Unlike our beloved TV shows and movies, that is not the case. Every sample must be treated uniquely based on its matrix and the type of analysis requested. Samples take time to prepare before they can be analyzed, require a very specific time to analyze, followed by quality assurance review by analysts and managers. For example, a bacteriological analysis may take close to 24 hours to complete, however [PFAS/metals/organics] analysis could take up to several weeks depending on the requirements of the test method.</p>\r\n"}}" id="text-ea5f2d5a3a" class="cmp-text"> A common misconception about most laboratories is that the laboratory puts one sample in a box and obtains immense amounts of data within an hour. Unlike our beloved TV shows and movies, that is not the case. Every sample must be treated uniquely based on its matrix and the type of analysis requested. Samples take time to prepare before they can be analyzed, require a very specific time to analyze, followed by quality assurance review by analysts and managers. For example, a bacteriological analysis may take close to 24 hours to complete, however [PFAS/metals/organics] analysis could take up to several weeks depending on the requirements of the test method. PWS Regulators The SELS does not regulate or enforce drinking water compliance. Nor do we work with other agencies or divisions if a PWS is out of compliance or receives hits on samples. SELS works in the same capacity as other laboratories in which we only report results to Drinking Water Watch. However, we will notify customers if MCL violations affect acute health as a service we provide.</p>\r\n"}}" id="text-46a18c6721" class="cmp-text"> The SELS does not regulate or enforce drinking water compliance. Nor do we work with other agencies or divisions if a PWS is out of compliance or receives hits on samples. SELS works in the same capacity as other laboratories in which we only report results to Drinking Water Watch. However, we will notify customers if MCL violations affect acute health as a service we provide. Private Citizen Questions How can I tell if the water in my home is safe to drink?