Environmental lab accreditation
We accredit environmental laboratories — including those that analyze drinking water, wastewater, surface water, groundwater, stormwater, biosolids, fish tissue, soil, sediments, and solid and aqueous waste — for Washington state. Accredited laboratories provide essential data used to help protect public health and the environment.
Our environmental laboratory accreditation program, sometimes called WA ELAP, is the accrediting body in Washington state for environmental and drinking water labs. We accredit environmental laboratories to work for Washington state clients. We administer accreditation for drinking water laboratories who report to the state Department of Health's Office of Drinking Water.
Finding and choosing a lab
If you are a private resident who needs tests of water, soil, or waste, check with your county and municipal public health or the Department of Health's Office of Drinking water for guidance on what tests you need before seeking a lab. Once you have pinpointed the specific parameters, contact us for help finding a lab.
- Lab Search is our database of accredited environmental laboratories.
- How to choose a lab offers guidance on hiring a laboratory to test your water, soil, or waste. Find tips on using Lab Search here.
For environmental labs
Our accreditation staff are here to help.
- First-time applications guides new labs and those returning to accreditation after a break.
- Renewing accreditation is an annual process for accredited laboratories. Here is how to prepare for a smooth renewal.
- Accreditation fees describes the accreditation fees that support our work.
- Wastewater treatment plant resources offers our many accredited wastewater labs useful tools for analytical success.
- Laws, rules, and methods provides information about state and federal laws and rules that guide laboratory accreditation.
- Methods for emerging contaminants highlights new parameters and methods in development for chemicals of recent interest.
Let us know what other help you need.
Contact information
Louise White
Administrative Specialist
louise.white@ecy.wa.gov
360-227-9420