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Water Quality Laboratory

LOTT's Water Quality Lab is a state-of-the-art facility

The primary function of the lab is to ensure that plant operations and discharges stay within acceptable parameters of our National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, which is issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Our skilled staff are here seven days a week conducting a wide range of tests and analyses on wastewater samples to ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.

Lab Overview

What do we test for? LOTT’s Water Quality Analysts are responsible for performing chemical, physical and microbiological tests and analyses for plant processes. We are accredited by the Washington State Department of Ecology to analyze:

  • Ammonia, as N
  • Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen
  • Dissolved Oxygen
  • Turbidity
  • Specific Conductance
  • Total Suspended Solids
  • Total Residual Chlorine
  • pH
  • Nitrite, as N
  • Nitrate + Nitrite, as N
  • Nitrate, as N
  • Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD)
  • Carbonaceous BOD (CBOD)
  • Fecal Coliform
  • E. coli
  • Total Coliform

Why do we collect samples? Wastewater samples are used to monitor treatment performance to ensure regulatory compliance. The data collected helps inform operators of how well the treatment process is performing and allows them to adjust the process if needed.

Water Quality Lab Internship Program

This program is designed for college students (18+) who are interested in exploring aspects of wastewater treatment or process control. The goal of the program is to provide an opportunity where interns can gain experience in laboratory practices, experimental design and wastewater processes while generating valuable data for LOTT.

More Information

For additional information about LOTT’s Water Quality Laboratory Internship Program, please call (360) 664-2333.Â