South East Water’s laboratory has improved its analytical excellence according to the UK’s national accreditation body following a recent assessment.

The Company’s laboratory at Southwood Business Park, Farnborough, Hampshire, was assessed for monitoring water quality by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

The Drinking Water Inspectorate makes it mandatory for laboratories carrying out the analysis of drinking water to be accredited by UKAS.

During the five-day assessment visit, scientists at the laboratory were commended for their motivation and enthusiasm and their high quality analysis which was measured against strict international quality standards and drinking water specifications.

The water company has recently completed its relocation from its former home in Frimley, Surrey, to a new state-of-the-art 30,000 square foot, purpose built laboratory.

Richard Brown, Laboratory Manager at South East Water, said:

“UKAS accreditation is an important accolade for the company and we are delighted to get great feedback from the assessors about our performance over the last 12 months.

“Our latest assessment comes on the back of an important year for the team at South East Water’s Scientific Services as we have completed the move into our new state-of-the-art laboratory here in Southwood, Farnborough.”

Jon Murthy, Marketing Manager at UKAS, said the assessment process is rigorous and independent, underpinning both customer and regulator confidence across a wide range of industries.

More than 70 staff at South East Water Scientific Services operate the laboratory 24 hours a day, 365 days a year carrying out over 500,000 tests annually for South East Water and more than 250,000 for other commercial customers.

These include other water companies, blue chip businesses, environmental health organisations, private water suppliers and building maintenance companies.