Charles Hertz

Utility laboratories commonly receive water samples with unknown contamination. Using nontargeted analyses to screen samples can provide clarity about potential problems and contaminants. Water utilities, regardless of size, greatly benefit from the ability to screen for unknowns, helping them identify potential contaminants in samples collected from their source waters and systems.

While sample collection to monitor drinking water quality is a routine practice, water utilities must be prepared to address emergencies stemming from contamination. Having a plan for collecting and analyzing water samples during emergency response or other unusual circumstances better ensures actionable results. Guidance is available to help laboratories prepare to support a utility's emergency response.