Celebrating 75 Years of Water Quality Excellence

This year, we celebrate a remarkable milestone: 75 years of continuous certification for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) Water Quality Laboratory by the State of California. In September 1951, the LADWP Water Quality Lab became the first ever CA state-certified drinking water laboratory. Since then, we've built a legacy of scientific leadership and public health protection that continues to guide our work today. While regulations, technologies, and the challenges of emerging contaminants have evolved, our mission has remained steadfast: to safeguard public health through rigorous science and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Decades of Growth and Responsiveness

Over the past decades, LADWP’s Water Quality Lab has undergone significant advancements in laboratory science and monitoring systems. We have implemented high-resolution mass spectrometry and automated analytical platforms, enhancing both accuracy and efficiency. While our monitoring programs can handle a broader range of emerging contaminants, our quality assurance systems continue to evolve to meet increasingly stringent accreditation standards. The ability to obtain timely and accurate test results has been a tremendous benefit to our customers and community. The speedy water quality restoration following the Palisades Wildfire demonstrated the value of having highly-trained laboratory staff, who are willing to test water quality during and following a major event. This water quality testing also supported the quick recovery of water service for the Porter Ranch and Granada Hills customers after a major water outage in August of 2025.

Advancing Science Through Innovation

Innovation remains central to our operations. Earlier this year, our laboratory attained certification for four new analytical methods, expanding our capabilities in monitoring per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nitrosamines, bromide, and turbidity. These additions enhance our ability to detect contaminants at extremely low concentrations. By investing in advanced instrumentation and developing cutting-edge methods, we are not only meeting today’s water challenges, but also preparing for the future.

Looking Ahead: A New State-of-the-Art Facility

As we look to the future, the laboratory is preparing to transition to a new, state-of-the-art facility. This LEED-certified laboratory will feature expanded analytical capacity, dedicated research and development space, and improved workflows. These enhancements will enable us to make water quality decisions based on the best available science, ensuring that our customers maintain confidence in the safety of their drinking water.