Sydney Water Laboratory Services

Our state-of-the-art laboratory is based at West Ryde in Sydney. We offer a full range of services including field sampling and testing, laboratory analysis, specialist odour and gas monitoring, data analysis and reporting.

Advanced capabilities

Our methods can detect contaminants at levels lower than regulations require so potential issues can be identified earlier. We use the latest equipment and techniques, and we are always developing new ways to meet Australian and international standards.

You'll have access to one of the largest dedicated water and wastewater laboratories in the southern hemisphere, accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and with the authority of Sydney Water. Our staff audit laboratories around Australia.

We provide field and laboratory services for clients with complex testing needs including councils, government agencies, businesses, industry and consultants.

Each year, we complete over one million laboratory tests. This includes testing for nutrients, heavy metals, organic compounds and pollutants such as PFAS, pesticides, solvents and toxins.

Get on‑site water quality testing from teams with specialised knowledge of stormwater and wastewater networks. Our field sampling and testing crews collect more than 100,000 samples each year using sampling and testing methods that meet international standards (ISO 17025). Our staff are trained to collect samples from pools, drinking water, wastewater, landfill and soils. We also have access to autosamplers, drones and boats so that teams can work at remote, hard‑to‑access or rapidly changing sites.

Gain precise chemical insights across water, wastewater and environmental samples with our specialised chemistry services. We support both routine monitoring and more complex investigations. Our expertise spans a wide range of analytes, including general chemistry, nutrients, major ions, heavy metals, and emerging and regulated contaminants such as PFAS, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, solvents and algal toxins. In addition, we offer soil and spoil testing services, providing clear, actionable data to support environmental compliance, risk management and informed decision-making.

Identify microorganisms that can impact public health and water quality. Our laboratory tests for viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus and hepatitis A, and parasites like Cryptosporidium and Giardia. We also assess indicator organisms such as E. coli and enterococci to detect faecal contamination. Together, these tests give you a robust assessment of water quality, environmental hygiene and health risks.

Get early warning of potential public health issues. Our algal laboratory provides a comprehensive service to protect the health of people using waterways for recreation, agriculture and irrigation. We identify and count algae, analyse chlorophyll, and run cyanotoxin gene analysis using Phytoxigene™ methods. This rapid testing can detect toxin‑producing genes in algae before a blue‑green algal bloom develops.

Our genomics capability uses PCR and digital qPCR technology to analyse water and sediment samples with a high level of accuracy. Microbial source tracking identifies the source of faecal contamination. Environmental DNA analysis shows which species are present in a waterway. With these tools, we can help you monitor endangered species, identify pathogens that pose public health risks and assess overall ecosystem conditions to make informed decisions.

Get assessments of the health of freshwater and marine ecosystems. Our assessments help show what species are present, how healthy the waterway is and whether there are signs of environmental stress.

Our laboratories are accredited to international testing standards (ISO 17025). We use recognised scientific references and specialised tools to identify species accurately, supported by one of the largest collections of aquatic invertebrates in the southern hemisphere.

Results can be provided as compliance data or full ecological reports. We can analyse changes over time and between sites then use a stream health score (SIGNAL) and a river health model (AUSRIVAS) to help identify impacts on freshwater systems

Use our one-stop service for trade wastewater monitoring for sites that discharge to sewer. This includes field sampling (with autosamplers where required), sample collection and refrigerated transport plus testing in our laboratories. We can report on all common contaminants in industrial wastewater.

Tell us what you need to monitor and why. We deliver the sampling and testing you've requested and make sure it meets your regulatory needs.

• You'll get a prompt, tailored quote.
• We set up alerts when results fall outside the range you set.
• We can prepare customised reports based on your needs.
• If you want our field team to collect samples, we will manage chain of custody from collection to reporting.
• We'll agree on turnaround times that meet your deadlines. If you have an incident or urgent request, we can mobilise quickly and prioritise testing.

When analysis is complete, we deliver a clear and complete report that sets out your test results.