What to know
- All LASAN laboratories are certified by the California Department of Public Health Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP).
- Our scientific team conducts advanced testing across chemistry, microbiology, toxicity, marine biology, and freshwater biology.
- Daily monitoring identifies specific environmental pollutants and pathogens to keep residents and local watersheds safe.
- Our laboratories perform critical analytical testing to support the City's Industrial Waste Pretreatment Program.
Program Overview
At LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN), our Environmental Laboratory and Testing Program provides high-quality, cost-effective scientific data, research, and environmental assessments. Serving more than four million residents across the City of Los Angeles and 29 contracting communities, our state-of-the-art laboratories analyze environmental samples daily to protect public health and natural ecosystems.
Every laboratory operated by LASAN maintains active certification through the California Department of Public Health Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP). Our multidisciplinary team of chemists, microbiologists, biologists, and process technicians uses advanced laboratory equipment to monitor air, soil, wastewater, and receiving waters. This rigorous testing ensures full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental mandates while advancing our citywide commitment to Zero Waste, Zero Wasted Water.
Laboratory Disciplines
Our scientific staff performs specialized testing across five core environmental fields:
- Environmental Chemistry: Analyzes wastewater, recycled water, soil, and air samples for heavy metals, nutrients, oil and grease, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and organic priority pollutants.
- Microbiology: Monitors wastewater and natural receiving waters for fecal indicator bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and microbial pathogen communities.
- Marine & Freshwater Biology: Conducts ecological surveys, bioaccumulation studies, and aquatic toxicity bioassays using indicator species like Ceriodaphnia dubia.
- Process Control Analysis: Delivers rapid, real-time chemical testing to help plant operators optimize treatment operations at our water reclamation facilities.
- Industrial Pretreatment Analysis: Tests industrial wastewater discharges to prevent hazardous chemicals from entering the municipal sewer system.
Quality & Accreditation
Maintaining ELAP certification requires rigorous quality assurance and quality control protocols, proficiency testing, and regular state audits. Our certified laboratories ensure that all environmental data collected by the City of Los Angeles is legally defensible, scientifically accurate, and transparent to regulatory agencies and the public.
Contact Us
Have questions about our laboratory services or environmental testing standards? Contact our 24-hour Customer Care Center at 1-800-773-2489 or submit an inquiry through MyLA311.