WaterChek Proficiency Testing Scheme

PT Scheme Description

WaterChek (previously known as WaterTest) is a proficiency testing scheme for water chemistry laboratories and is accredited to ISO Guide 43 and ILAC G-13 - the internationally recognised standard for competence of proficiency providers. With more than 60 participants in 6 countries, WaterChek has been designed to enable valid comparisons between results from laboratories engaged in research, industry, environmental or public health testing. Participants use a wide range of tests and methods, and may aim to achieve quite different limits of detection or analytical accuracy and precision.

Schedule

WaterChek is comprised of 5 rounds per year that run from September to June (refer timetable below).

Sample Description

WaterChek samples are comprised of three types:

Potable: drawn from natural sources. The water sample may be ground water, surface water or prepared from reticulated municipal water. Trace elements may have been added to supplement the natural mineral profile.

Synthetic: prepared from distilled water, followed by polishing and micro-filtration. Concentrated solutions of inorganic salts and metal standards are added to simulate a natural mineral profile.

Effluent: prepared from meat, dairy & municipal effluent streams. In order to meet our specification for concentration of the various key analytes one effluent sample is normally collected pre-treatment and the other sample is collected post-treatment.

In each PT round, participants receive two bottles for sample A (1x1 litre, 1x250ml) and two bottles for sample B. The A and B samples will have slightly different profiles.

Reporting

Statistical summaries and reports are e-mailed to participants within 2 weeks of the due date for results.

Participants will receive individualised reports per round which provide information about the data pool of participating laboratories, comparing the laboratory's test results with those of other participating laboratories. Participants will also receive an Annual Report summarising the performance of the participant by test throughout the year and a consolidated summary of all PT data.

Please Contact us to discuss your laboratory's requirements.

Timetable 2009/2010

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