The Australian Water Quality Centre provides a comprehensive range of microbiological analytical services accredited by NATA for the analysis of bacteriological quality of water, wastewater and soils.

The Unit also holds NATA accreditation for testing of water and wastewater for pathogenic protozoa, including Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Amoebae.

In addition, the full suite of tests covered under AS/NZS 4020, Products for use in Contact with Drinking Water, is available.

There is also an R & D group which utilises state-of-the-art technology to undertake development of new or improved methods or for the investigation of emerging issues in the water industry.

The Microbiology Group consists of 4 subunits:

• Bacteriology laboratory
• Protozoology laboratory
• Product Testing laboratory
• Research and Development laboratory

The AWQC has over 30 years experience in the areas of Bacteriology and Protozoology and is the Australian Reference laboratory for the identification of Amoebae.

Most analytical methods used are based on Australian or internationally accepted procedures (Standards Australia, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, and USEPA). A rigorous quality control program ensures the integrity of results.