Drinking Water Laboratory

Notla Water Authority’s Drinking Water Laboratory is located at 9813 Nottely Dam Road (Hwy. 325) in Blairsville, Georgia.  The laboratory received its official State certification from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Environmental Protection Division on August 1, 2014.  The lab underwent a rigorous 27-page audit covering all aspects of state and federal drinking water laboratory standards, including those referencing the actual facilities, security, personnel training, equipment, quality assurance, and process control.
The laboratory personnel consists of one full-time lab analyst and three part-time analysts. All analysts are state certified and cross-trained on the water treatment plant. The lab team brings over 70 years of combined experienced in the water industry and laboratory testing procedures. All analysts have  received extensive training at the Georgia Rural Water Association. They continually attend seminars, conferences, and training events all over the state to stay current on the new microbiological parameters and laboratory techniques associated with drinking water.
The drinking water laboratory is outfitted with the state of the art equipment designed specifically for microbiological analysis of water.  The lab is certified to analyze drinking water for the presence of total coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.  In addition, we can test for the following parameters: iron, manganese, pH, alkalinity, fluoride, turbidity, phosphate, and chlorine residuals.  The cost of bacterial analysis is $25 per sample; all other test parameters will cost $5 each.  Sterile bottles will be provided, as well as detailed instructions for proper sample collection and preservation.  Most testing services have a 24-hour turnaround time and an official analysis report will be generated for your convenience.  Laboratory services are available Monday through Thursday during normal business hours.
If you are interested in having your water tested, please call 706-835-2550, email notlalab@brmemc.net or visit our laboratory (located adjacent to the water treatment facility by the dam).  We can collect the fees on-site, provide you with sterile sample containers (which are included in the cost), and go over any water quality questions or concerns you may have.  We look forward to servicing the community’s water quality needs.