Water Quality Sampling & Laboratory Analysis

SOCOTEC provides integrated sampling and laboratory analysis services for rivers and Wastewater Treatment Works (WwTW), combining advanced automated sampling equipment with professional spot sampling techniques and accredited laboratory analysis.

Water quality monitoring is subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny and operational pressure. Poor or inconsistent sampling can result in unreliable data, non-compliance, and increased regulatory risk.

Organisations often struggle to obtain defensible, high-quality data due to inconsistent sampling techniques, inadequate sample preservation, or weak chain-of-custody controls.

Manual sampling alone can be time-consuming, costly, and higher risk, particularly at remote or difficult-to-access locations, increasing health and safety exposure.

The importance of Accurate Sampling & Analysis:

SOCOTEC’s integrated service helps reduce regulatory risk through MCERTS-compliant equipment, accredited laboratories and quality assurance procedures.

Our approach delivers confidence in data quality, with consistent methodologies, professional field teams, and full chain-of-custody control. Automated and remote sampling solutions improve efficiency and safety by reducing unnecessary site visits.

By combining sampling, analysis, interpretation, and reporting, SOCOTEC provides a joined-up, defensible monitoring solution that supports informed decision-making and environmental protection.

Talk to our experts

James Teale

Operations Director - Water Quality

james.teale@socotec.co.uk 07855 958644

Our Sampling & Laboratory Capabilities:

For standard sampling applications, we deploy our fleet of automated samplers:

Advanced auto sampler units for routine water quality monitoring
Equipment meeting MCERTS standards for UK regulatory compliance
Ideal for applications where refrigeration is not required

For applications requiring sample preservation through refrigeration:

Temperature-controlled units with remote activation capabilities
Enhanced sample integrity for extended monitoring periods
Remote operation functionality for improved monitoring efficiency and operational flexibility

Professional sampling techniques ensuring representative water quality data from rivers and watercourses
Trained personnel following strict sampling protocols and quality assurance procedures
Strategic sampling location selection based on site conditions and project objectives
Proper sample handling and chain of custody procedures to maintain sample integrity
GPS coordinates and detailed site documentation for each sampling location

Full suite of physical, chemical, and biological water quality parameters
Analysis conducted in our accredited laboratories to industry standards
Parameters including nutrients, heavy metals, organic compounds, and microbiological indicators
Rapid turnaround times to meet project deadlines and regulatory requirements
Quality assured results with detailed analytical reports

Comprehensive borehole sampling services with full analytical support
Environmental compliance monitoring and regulatory reporting
Pollution investigation and source identification
Water Framework Directive compliance monitoring
Emergency response water quality investigations

Detailed analytical reports with clear data presentation
Comparison with relevant water quality standards and guidelines
Technical interpretation of results by qualified environmental professionals
Support for regulatory submissions and permit applications

Water Quality Sampling & Laboratory Analysis

A Complete, Flexible Monitoring Solution

SOCOTEC provides a fully integrated water sampling and laboratory analysis service, removing the complexity of managing multiple suppliers and ensuring consistency from field collection through to reporting.

Our sampling programmes are designed and delivered by experienced professionals using MCERTS-compliant equipment and accredited laboratory facilities, helping clients meet regulatory and permit requirements with confidence.

We combine automated, refrigerated, and spot sampling to suit site-specific risks and monitoring objectives, ensuring representative and defensible data under all conditions.

Our national coverage, flexible deployment, and remote sampling capabilities allow us to respond quickly, reduce site visits, and improve health and safety performance.

Beyond data delivery, our specialists provide technical interpretation and regulatory support, helping clients understand results, demonstrate compliance, and make informed environmental decisions.

We combine automated, refrigerated, and spot sampling to suit site-specific risks and monitoring objectives, ensuring representative and defensible data under all conditions.

Our national coverage, flexible deployment, and remote sampling capabilities allow us to respond quickly, reduce site visits, and improve health and safety performance.

Beyond data delivery, our specialists provide technical interpretation and regulatory support, helping clients understand results, demonstrate compliance, and make informed environmental decisions.