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The Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC) is a Business Unit of the South Australian Water Corporation (SA Water)
Established as a small analytical laboratory for the Engineering and Water Supply Department in 1933, the AWQC has developed into a large facility providing customers with an integrated range of services for sampling, analysis, advice and research associated with the chemistry, microbiology, biology and ecology of waters, wastewaters, sediments and sludges.
The AWQC has been NATA accredited for chemical testing since 1974, Biological testing since 1979 and obtained quality system certification to ISO 9001 in 1997. The AWQC is accredited for a wide range of chemical and biological tests, including sample collection. Accreditation also extends to testing to Australian Standard 4020 “Products for use in contact with drinking water.” NATA accreditation is based on compliance with the internationally recognised standard for technical competence of testing laboratories, ISO 17025. Customers can therefore be confident of the accuracy and precision of the test results, and be assured that the principles of good laboratory practice are followed.
RESEARCH
The broad research and consultancy programs covered by the AWQC are:
Water treatment technology - Disinfection processes, Activated carbon (selection, surface chemistry, and regeneration).
Cyanobacteria (ie Blue-Green Algae) - Rapid DNA-based identification, Taxonomy (identification keys), Ecology, Bloom management, Toxins identification (analytical),Taste and odours characterisation.
Natural organics - Catchment processes / transport, Soil leaching, Characterisation, Soil amelioration / liming, Bacterial Regrowth Potential (BRP).
Toxicity - Fresh water and marine environments.
Wastewater - effluent disinfection
CUSTOMER SERVICE
AWQC manages customer requests through a dedicated Customer Service Unit. Trained personnel are dedicated specifically to servicing customers on a full time basis and are the first point of contact for all enquires including those regarding sampling, reporting and billing. Technical discussions with laboratory staff can be co-ordinated if required and technical advice may be subject to a fee.
STAFF
AWQC has over 160 staff. The AWQC is operationally divided into the Microbiology, Biology, Protozoology, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Water Treatment laboratories. The current name of the AWQC arose in recognition of the significant expertise in water quality and water treatment research at the Bolivar facilities. The AWQC is also a partner in the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Water Quality and Treatment and the Bolivar laboratory hosts the headquaters of this national organisation. AWQC and its parent organisation (SA Water) are the largest participants in the CRC.
SERVICES
AWQC provides a comprehensive range of water and wastewater services including: sampling, analysis, advice and research. The AWQC's core business is its analytical services. AWQC undertakes investigations and consultancies on a commercial basis on a wide range of water quality and treatment technology issues, and provides expert advice as a partner in consortia bidding for major national and international research projects.
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