The Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) within the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, has regulatory oversight of laboratories testing environmental samples collected in New York State. These laboratories analyze for a wide range of contaminants, including mercury, lead, PCBs, and “forever chemicals” (PFAS). As part of its mandate, ELAP conducts on-site inspections to ensure laboratory compliance.
One critical function is overseeing laboratories that test drinking water on behalf of public water systems. These results are essential for monitoring drinking water safety in New York and are required under the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). ELAP certification assures that public water supply test results meet federal requirements and can be used for regulatory purposes.
Before ELAP can evaluate a laboratory, its staff must first be certified by the EPA as Drinking Water Laboratory Certification Officers. This certification involves both in-person training at EPA headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, in microbiology, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry, and passing intensive written and laboratory-based exams for initial certification. Refresher training is recommended every five years.
Recently, two Wadsworth Center ELAP staff members completed EPA certification courses in chemistry and refresher courses in microbiology. This achievement expands the number of ELAP-certified staff qualified to evaluate laboratories performing drinking water safety testing, further strengthening New York State’s capacity to protect public health.