New Water Quality Testing Equipment Will Enable Cal Water to Reduce Outside Laboratory Fees by $100,000 per Year

SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwired - Mar 7, 2014) - This was a big week at California Water Service Company's (Cal Water) state-certified laboratory, where chemists began conducting water quality tests on a new gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer/mass spectrophotometer system capable of detecting constituents at levels as low as two parts per trillion. 

The new equipment, which was recently certified by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, is expected to reduce outside laboratory fees by $100,000 annually by enabling additional tests to be conducted in-house. 

To put the detection level into perspective, one part per trillion is equivalent to one inch in 33 round trips to the moon and back.

"Customers rely on us to provide high-quality water at affordable rates. Outside laboratory costs are passed through in rates on a dollar-for-dollar basis, so this savings will eventually be reflected in rates," said Acting Director of Water Quality Sophie James.

According to James, the new system will be used initially to conduct tests for three different organic compounds.

Cal Water serves about 2 million people through 473,100 service connections in California. The company has provided water service in the state since 1926. Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com. 

1720 North First Street
San Jose, CA 95112-4598