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(780) 450-3957
Receiving a failed water test result can create uncertainty.
The first question most operators ask is: “What do we do next?”
Whether the result involves Escherichia coli (E. coli), Total Coliforms, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), nutrients, or water chemistry parameters, understanding the result and determining the appropriate response is critical.
A failed result does not automatically indicate a crisis.
However, it should trigger a review of the system, operating conditions, sampling information, and historical data. PBR Laboratories helps clients understand results and determine appropriate next steps—not simply receive a report.
A failed water test generally means that a result:
The significance depends on: What was tested | Water type | Intended use | Historical results | Applicable requirements
Before taking action, confirm:
Examples: Escherichia coli (E. coli) | Total Coliforms | Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) | Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) | Nutrients | Metals | pH | Turbidity
Review: Units | Reporting limits | Sample location | Sample date | Historical trends
A single result may require a different response than a recurring issue.
Not every unexpected result indicates a system problem.
Review:
Was the sample collected from the correct location?
Were holding times maintained?
Were preservation requirements followed?
Were proper collection procedures used?
Sampling issues can occasionally influence results and should be ruled out before larger conclusions are made.
May indicate: Potential fecal contamination | Source water impacts | Distribution system issues | Treatment concerns
Typical Next Steps: Review operational conditions | Conduct follow-up testing | Investigate potential contamination sources
May indicate: Distribution system concerns | Biofilm development | Environmental influences | Water quality changes
Typical Next Steps: Review system conditions | Conduct follow-up monitoring | Evaluate historical trends
May indicate: Increased organic loading | Treatment performance issues | Process changes
Typical Next Steps: Review treatment operations | Evaluate process changes | Conduct trend analysis
May indicate: Increased wastewater strength | Production impacts | Chemical inputs
Typical Next Steps: Review wastewater sources | Assess treatment performance | Evaluate operational changes
May indicate: Source water impacts | Agricultural influences | Wastewater treatment concerns
Typical Next Steps: Investigate contributing sources | Review treatment processes | Increase monitoring frequency if necessary
May indicate: Treatment performance concerns | Source water changes | Operational issues
Typical Next Steps: Review treatment operations | Compare historical data | Confirm results through additional testing
One result rarely tells the entire story.
Historical data helps determine:
Trend analysis often provides more insight than a single sample result.
Review what was happening when the sample was collected. Examples include:
These factors may help explain unexpected results.
Follow-up testing may help:
The scope of follow-up testing depends on the parameter and monitoring objectives.
| Result | Possible Cause | Potential Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Positive E. coli | Fecal contamination | Follow-up investigation |
| Positive Total Coliforms | System changes | Additional monitoring |
| Elevated BOD | Organic loading | Treatment review |
| Elevated COD | Wastewater strength | Process review |
| Elevated Nutrients | Source impacts | Source investigation |
| Water Chemistry Exceedance | Treatment concerns | Operational review |
Laboratory reports provide data. Decision-making requires interpretation.
Understanding why a result occurred is often more valuable than simply knowing that it occurred.
Organizations that investigate failed results effectively are often better positioned to:
A result that exceeds a guideline, specification, permit limit, or monitoring objective.
No. The significance depends on the parameter, water source, intended use, and historical data.
Follow-up testing is often beneficial but depends on the situation and monitoring objectives.
The result itself, sample information, historical data, and operating conditions.
They help determine whether the result is isolated or part of a larger pattern.
Yes. PBR helps clients understand results and determine appropriate next steps.
PBR Laboratories provides microbiological water testing, potable water testing, wastewater testing, water chemistry analysis, environmental water testing, and decision-focused laboratory support throughout Alberta, Western Canada, and Canada.
Contact PBR to discuss results, follow-up testing strategies, monitoring programs, and corrective action planning.
Choose PBR – Because Precision Matters, Defining Excellence in Laboratory Services Since 1984.