Puipui ma fa'asao le si'osi'omaga • Preserve and protect the environment
LABORATORY
The AS-EPA Laboratory Branch carries out regular testing for microbiological contamination in drinking water, streams, and coastal waters. Specifically, the lab conducts monthly public water system total coliform monitoring and implements the American Samoa Coastal Nonpoint Source Monitoring Strategy. The lab is USEPA-certified to analyze drinking water samples for coliform bacteria.
Drinking Water Analyses Certification
The American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) Laboratory is the only USEPA-certified facility in American Samoa authorized to perform analyses of drinking water samples from public water systems (PWS's) using approved methodologies. The laboratory’s results provide PWS's with reliable information on the quality of their water and plays a critical role in ensuring PWS's are in compliance with drinking water standards.
The laboratory must:
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Be certified by EPA to analyze drinking water samples for compliance monitoring
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Pass periodic on-site audits
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Use approved methods
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Demonstrate proficiency by annually analyzing proficiency testing (PT) samples for the desired method(s)
All laboratory analysts must undergo extensive training in microbiological sampling and analysis. This includes a minimum of 3 months of on-the-job training and passing the initial individual demonstration of proficiency (IDP) before analyzing compliance samples.
