Analytical Services
NamWater Laboratory is specialised in the analyses of the following types of samples, using experienced personnel and the latest technology:
Drinking water Industrial water Borehole water Wastewater
Others e.g. Algae identification and enumeration, charcoal and soil analyses, etc.
Main analyses
The main analyses performed at NamWater Laboratory include:
- Physical determinants
- Organic compounds
- Inorganic compounds
- Metals
- Biological analyses
- Microbiological analyses
An established microbiology laboratory in Oshakati is also available for the convenience of our clients in the North.
The analytical methods we employ are based on national and international accepted procedures such as:
- South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
- American Public Health Association (APHA)
- American Water Works Association (AWWA)
- Water Environmental Federation (WEF)
The NamWater Laboratory has been a member of the SABS proficiency testing programme with excellent results and we are currently also the Proficiency testing provider for the SADC region.
The standards used by the NamWater Laboratory are traceable to the National Institute for Standards Technology (NIST). We further make use of equipment and chemicals manufactured according to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) requirements.
Equipment Used
NamWater Laboratory uses modern state of the art equipment that includes:
Gas chromatograph/Mass spectrometer(GC/MS)
Our GC/MS is the latest technology and state-of-the-art design for the determination of organic compounds in water such as trihalomethanes and other taste- and odour- causing compounds e.g. geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol.
Inductively Couples Plasma (ICP)
Our ICP permits analyses for a wide range of metals such as iron, manganese, copper, cadmium, zinc, lead, boron, mercury, selenium, aluminium etc.
Automatic flow analyser
An automatic flow analyser allows inorganic compounds such as chlorides, sulphates, nitrates, nitrites and silica to be assessed simultaneously.
UV/VIS
This equipment does various spectrophotometric analyses such as chlorophyll.
A variety of other equipment and techniques are used for the microbiological and chemical analyses of water where the samples are analysed to ensure that the water is safe to drink.
Proof of our ability to do water quality analyses
To provide accurate analytical data to our clients, the analytical services are controlled through a quality control and quality assurance process. All analytical methodologies and analysis systems are regularly checked for accuracy, precision and reproducibility by reference to certified standards and participation in proficiency schemes.
We apply Analytical Quality Control (AQC) procedures to all our methods. Our goal is to make sure we are precise and complete in every test, every time.
The analytical methods we employ are based on national and international accepted procedures such as:
- South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
- American Public Health Association (APHA)
- American Water Works Association (AWWA)
- Water Environmental Federation (WEF)
The NamWater Laboratory has been a member of the SABS proficiency testing programme with excellent results and we are currently also the Proficiency testing provider for the SADC region. The standards used by the NamWater Laboratory are traceable to the National Institute for Standards Technology (NIST).
We further make use of equipment and chemicals manufactured according to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) requirements.
Our Experienced Personnel
Our laboratories are staffed with highly trained laboratory technicians. These personnel have strong multi-skilled technical backgrounds, high professional standards and ensure that our laboratories stay in the forefront of technology to provide superior results.
Many of them are also registered Professional Natural Scientists with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.
Scientific Excellence
We commit ourselves to quality scientific serivce. We take the analytical process through the complexities of analysis, and back to the simplicity of an easily understood report. Communication is the hallmark of good customer service and we offer direct communication with our clients.
Inquiries regarding capabilities with respect to analyses outside the field of water are welcome.