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What We Do 

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory’s mission is focused on ensuring the well-being of our environment and the health of our communities. We are dedicated to achieving that mission by:

• Providing Reliable, High-Quality Analytical Services
  Our commitment to excellence drives us to deliver accurate and dependable analytical services. We employ rigorous methodologies to ensure the reliability and high quality of our analytical results.
• Meeting the Needs of Our Customers 
  We understand that our clients, including government agencies, businesses, and individuals, rely on us for critical information. We are dedicated to meeting and exceeding their needs through responsive, efficient, and personalized services.
• Supporting the Mission of the DSHS Public Health Laboratory 
  Our work at the Texas DSHS Public Health Laboratory contributes to the broader mission of our organization. It also directly supports environmental monitoring and regulatory programs, aiding in the protection of public health and the environment.

Roles of the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory

Our responsibilities include several different environmental services, including but not limited to:

Chemical and Radiological Analyses of Drinking Water 

We conduct chemical and radiological analyses of drinking water in strict accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Act. Our work is a key part of ensuring that your drinking water is free from harmful contaminants.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the lead agency in charge of implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in Texas. The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory supports TCEQ’s role in monitoring and enforcing SDWA requirements. You may read more about the Public Water Supply Supervision Program at TCEQ’s website on Public Water System Chemical Sampling and Monitoring Frequency. We also support neighboring state laboratories during natural disasters, emergency events and upon request.

Environmental Monitoring and Regulatory Support

We support environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance through physical testing and chemical analyses of the organic and inorganic components in water. We also conduct radiological testing of vegetation, soils, air filters, etc., which contributes to the safe operation of nuclear power plants in Texas.

Metal Content Determination in Consumer Products 

We play a critical role in safeguarding consumers by analyzing the metal content in items such as consumer products, toys, jewelry, food, candy, and personal care products.

Radiological Analyses for Emergency Response

The Laboratory conducts radiological emergency response analyses. We maintain and staff a mobile laboratory that is equipped to assess radiological incidents swiftly and accurately, which contributes to public safety during emergencies.

Comprehensive Water Analysis

We offer a broad range of water analysis services for different clients, including government agencies, businesses, and individuals. Our analyses cover physical testing, chemical analysis (organic, inorganic, and metals), and radiological analysis, providing valuable insights into drinking water quality.

How to Use This Guide

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DSHS Laboratory staff cannot make treatment recommendations.

Notices

Austin Laboratory Correspondence and Bulletins

How to Contact the Environmental Chemistry Laboratory 

For more information about our testing services or to schedule an analysis, please do not hesitate to contact us.