Gap Analysis of Water Quality Testing Laboratories in South Africa Challenges, Recommendations and Strategies By Faye Balfour, Debbie Trollip and Hanlie Badenhorst

Introduction • High profile issue of water quality • Poor result credibility and low public trust of test results • DWAF realised need to regulate both resource and DWQ BUT • No info on water quality testing labs • Very few of the labs with ISO 17025

Information Sources • Survey – 200 laboratories identified, 58 with IS0 17025 – 110 labs responded to survey

• NLA test and measurement conference • Workshop

Primary challenges • • • • • • • • •

Human resource issues Lack of sector leadership Poor sample integrity Financial constraints Gap on the supplier side ISO/SANS 17025 accreditation Insufficient laboratories Testing laboratories undervalued Lack of communication

Recommendations and Strategies Human Resources • In-service training for new graduates • Regional training courses • Experienced retirees • Competence Criteria

Recommendations and Strategies Sector Leadership • DWAF needs to set the tone regarding the importance of credible test results • Regulatory tool to influence municipal spending • Improved capability of DWAF regulation staff • Development of strategic partnerships

Recommendations and Strategies Quality/Credibility of Results • DWAF auditing programme • DWAF Approval for laboratories • Participation in PTS • ISO 9001 • ISO 17025

Recommendations and Strategies Sample Integrity • DWAF to provide specs • Labs to try include sampling in contracts • NHLS and DWAF to collaborate in education plan for EHPs

Recommendations and Strategies Financial Constraints • Raise profile leading to increased budgets and willingness to pay • Any suggestions? Supplier Role and Responsibility • Training on equipment vital • Code of conduct/Standard by DWAF to regulate

Recommendations and Strategies SANS/ISO 17025 Accreditation • SANAS key in providing info and training • DWAF approval system – pared down ISO • ISO 9000 Insufficient Laboratories • Gaps in E. Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and N. Cape • Vital role of NHLS and planned partnership with DWAF • DWAF collaboration with SABS

Recommendations and Strategies Testing Labs undervalued • Sector leaders to raise profile • National incentive awards programme • Public recognition of reference laboratories

Recommendations and Strategies Communication • DWAF develop communication strategy • Regional laboratory forums • Inclusion of water quality issues in Batho Pele • Consumer awareness campaigns • Inclusion of issues in schools programmes • Municipalities to creatively inform public • Use of laboratory database

Tools developed through the project • Database to be hosted and maintained by DWAF • Development of DVD toolkit for labs and municipalities

Water Quality Toolkit Demo • • • • • • • •

HOMEPAGE Legislation Interactive Map WSA toolkit Lab toolkit DWAF lab approval SANAS & ISO 17025 Documents

In South Africa, the scarcity of water means there is a dire need to manage our water resources efficiently. To achieve this requires the availability of accurate information on water quality in the environment. Further, the production of potable drinking water quality from these resources is directly linked to the health of all South Africans. Information on the quality of water is obtained by the effective monitoring and analysis of samples taken from the environment and water supply systems. Without chemical, physical and microbiological analyses of water samples, it would not be possible to determine the status and safety of water supplies. Laboratories test water samples from water services providers, water services authorities, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, the Department of Health and private users. Many of these tests are performed to comply with national legislation and regulation of both water resources and drinking water. This Information DVD is aimed at all these role players, from laboratory technicians to municipal officials to highlight the vital role, and to try and raise the profile, of laboratories (and their staff) in the sector.

Legislation • • • • • • • •

Homepage LEGISLATION Interactive Map WSA toolkit Lab toolkit DWAF lab approval SANAS & ISO 17025 Documents

The Constitution of South Africa promotes the right of access to water and a right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being. Section 24 of the Bill of Rights states that: “Everyone has the right (a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and (b) to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that (i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (ii) promote conservation; and (ii) secure ecologically sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development.” next…

SANS 241 • •

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Interactive Map WSA toolkit Lab toolkit DWAF lab approval SANAS & ISO 17025 Documents

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SANS 241

The SANS 241 Drinking Water specification is the definitive reference on acceptable limits for drinking water quality parameters in South Africa and provides guideline levels for a range of microbiological, physical, organoleptic and chemical water quality characteristics at the point of delivery. The SANS 241 Drinking Water Specification effectively summarises the suitability of water for drinking water purposes by specifying two classes of water: Class I (Acceptable for lifetime consumption) and Class II (Maximum Allowable). In essence, drinking water quality should pose no health risk, and should satisfy SANS 241 limits for specified time frames.

National Monitoring Programmes • •

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SANS 241 National Monitoring Programmes

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The Department of Water Affairs And Forestry has implemented a national water quality monitoring programme known as the National Water Resource Quality Monitoring Programme which lists the minimum analyses used to assess water quality. These National Monitoring Programmes are primarily Status and Trend monitoring programmes which provide long term information (5 yrs or more) on what the water resource quality is and how it is changing over time. However, the data derived from these programmes can also be used to assess fitness for use for domestic and irrigated agricultural purposes. The National Chemical Monitoring Programme (NCMP or MACRO) or otherwise known as the Chemical or Salinity monitoring programme has been in place since the 1970’s and monitors the inorganic chemical water quality of surface waters. The National Eutrophication Monitoring Programme (NEMP) is for impoundments that are managed by the Department of Water Affairs. The National Microbial Monitoring Programme (NMNP) monitors the microbiological water quality for surface waters. The overall ecological status of river ecosystems in South Africa is monitored by the River Health Programme (RHP). The National Toxicity and Toxicant Monitoring Programme and the National Radioactivity Monitoring Programme are currently in the design and piloting phase and have not yet been implemented nationally.

Interactive Laboratory Map • • • • • • • •

Homepage Legislation Interactive Map WSA toolkit Lab toolkit DWAF lab approval SANAS & ISO 17025 Documents

WSA Toolkit • • • • • • • •

Homepage Legislation Interactive Map WSA toolkit Lab toolkit DWAF lab approval SANAS & ISO 17025 Documents

+ the water quality roles and responsibilities of WSAs + water quality monitoring programmes + water safety plans + choosing a water quality testing lab + the importance of good sampling + the role of process controllers at treatment works + Reporting to DWAF + Blue-drop Green-Drop Initiative + Keeping Consumers Informed

Lab Toolkit • • • • • • • •

Homepage Legislation Interactive Map WSA toolkit Lab toolkit DWAF lab approval SANAS & ISO 17025 Documents

+ Staff training + DWAF Laboratory Approval + DWAF lab audits + PTS + NLA membership

Training Courses • • • • •

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Staff training •

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Training courses

DWAF lab approval SANAS & ISO 17025 Documents

When analyzing the requirements for SANS 17025, the training categories identified as important for a laboratory doing water quality testing were: • Accreditation • Laboratory Techniques • Statistical methods and method validation • Laboratory Safety • Sampling Courses dealing with these aspects are available at the following organizations: • South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) • National Laboratory Association (NLA) • LabHouse • Alec Cameron & Associates • CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment • Tswane University of Technology • Chromatography Consultants (C4 Training) • Unilever Centre for Environmental Water Quality • Marcus Evans Conferences • Action Training Academy • Umgeni Water • DNAbiotec • Online courses (all the above hyperlink or “read more” to additional information (level 2)) Laboratories that offer basic training on request: • Innoventon Annalytical • Consulting Microbiological Laboratory • DD Science • Bureau Veritas Water Testing Laboratory • Chem-Science Laboratories cc • Aquavan Laboratory • Talbot Laboratories Next…

Training courses: Umgeni Water • • • • •

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Training courses

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(www.umgeni.co.za) Umgeni Water is a state-owned business enterprise, established in 1974 to supply potable water in bulk to municipalities within its operational area. The primary function of Umgeni Water to treat raw water and distribute it in a bulk drinkable form through its infra-structure – has been legislated under the water services act no.108 of 1997. –

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Sampling practices and procedures

The training will equip the individual with the knowledge and skill to obtain a representative sample, provide suitable storage as well as conditions for delivery. It also equips the individual with the knowledge to obtain accurate and reliable on-site data. The course presented covers the following topics: Types of sampling Collection of representative samples Verification of samples and sites Bottle Types and Sampling Procedures Wastewater Sampling On-site analyses On-site data capture Out of range data Auditing Responsibilities of an Auditor Benefit of Audits Sampling Requirements Safety Dam Sampling This course is presented at their premises but can also be presented in-house where needed.

DWAF Lab Approval • • • • • • • •

Homepage Legislation Interactive Map WSA toolkit Lab toolkit DWAF lab approval SANAS & ISO 17025 Documents

SANAS and ISO 17025 • • • • • • • •

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The South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) is recognised by the South African government as the accreditation body that gives formal recognition to the credibility/competence of laboratories, certification bodies, inspection bodies, proficiency testing scheme providers and good laboratory practice (GLP) test facilities. Read more….

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South African National Standard 17025:2005, General Requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, specifies the competencies to carry out tests, including sampling. It is applicable to all facilities performing tests. Many laboratories aim at obtaining accreditation to SANS 17025 for methods that they utilise regularly, as it is an internationally recognised standard for quality assurance and credibility of results vital aspects of a laboratory service. Read more….

The Role of SANAS • • • • • • •

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The Role of SANAS

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Accreditation bodies such as SANAS assess factors relevant to an organisation’s ability to produce precise, accurate test and calibration data, including the: – technical competency of staff – validity and appropriateness of methods – traceability of measurements to national standards – suitability, calibration and maintenance of test equipment – suitable environmental conditions – handling of test items – quality assurance of test and/or calibration data – SANAS R53 Regulatory participation. Next…

Conclusions Two-pronged approach needed: • Key role of DWAF as co-ordinator and leader – developing strategies and raising the profile of testing labs • Staff commitment and passion – realisation of the important role they play in the health of South Africans and dedication to produce credible results