Water Industry Standards Organizations Enhance Consistency and Trust

In the water industry, standards define specific methods and procedures that utilities and labs follow for water testing and treatment, ensuring uniformity and enhancing public confidence in results. Water industry experts typically use voluntary consensus to develop standards for everything from pipe materials to testing methods for organics, metals, and microbials. Although not mandated by law, standards are usually widely accepted and recognized and often become part of regulatory requirements.

"Standards help ensure consistency, reduce risk, and provide a reliable framework that everyone can benefit from," said Patsy Root, IDEXX Senior Manager of Government Affairs, speaking in an IDEXX Water Academy webinar.

Let's learn more about standards, the role they play in the water industry, the impact organizations have in developing standards, and how getting involved could benefit you.

What Are Industry Standards?

Water testing standards define required protocols, equipment, quality assurance, and reporting formats. This uniformity allows water test labs to produce reliable, comparable results and make sound decisions based on accurate data. In addition, standards support lab quality control measures, ensuring properly calibrated equipment, standardized reagents and test solutions, and well-trained staff.

Standards also align with government regulations, empowering labs to meet legal obligations and demonstrate compliance. Root noted that adhering to standards is essential for data defensibility. By following standardized procedures recognized by regulators, labs are better protected if questions arise about their results.

The value of standards is underscored by Office of Management and Budget Circular A-119, which requires federal agencies, like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to consider voluntary consensus methods when developing rules. This affirms the credibility of standards organizations, promotes federal participation, and encourages agencies to use standards.

The Role Standards Organizations Play in the Water Industry

A robust group of industry standards organizations, each with its own scope and expertise, serves the water sector. These organizations are typically independent nonprofits that receive no government funding but are supported instead by member participation and sales of published materials.

Here are the primary standards organizations that serve the water industry:

• Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. Originally established in 1905, these standards provide analytical methods for microbiology, chemistry, and radiochemistry in the water sector and have 24 editions published that document its comprehensive standards.
• The NELAC Institute (TNI). Created in 2006, TNI develops standards focusing on lab accreditation, including standards for testing labs, accreditation bodies, and proficiency test providers.
• American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International. Founded in 1898, this organization has published more than 12,500 standards, including water standards related to inorganics, metals, microbiology, and more.
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Established in 1947, this global standards organization includes one national body per country, including ASTM in the United States. ISO has published more than 1,200 standards related to water, including water quality specifically.
• American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Formed in 1959, ASHRAE develops accredited standards for building systems, including indoor water quality and risk management in complex facilities.
• Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC) International. Founded in 1884, AOAC International focuses on food safety, food integrity, water used in food production as well as drinking water, and related public health initiatives.

Each organization publishes technical documents and standards based on the input of its members, who draft, revise, and approve new methods and specifications. As Root emphasized, "Without volunteers, these standards wouldn't exist."

How Standards Organizations Support the Industry

Water industry standards organizations are key players in shaping how the water sector operates and protects public health. For example, under the Clean Water Act, the EPA works with ASTM and Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater to develop testing protocols and incorporate them into its Methods Update Rules. Similarly, under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA collaborates with TNI and others to improve lab accreditation and proficiency testing programs.

These partnerships ensure that scientific methods used in the field align with regulatory agency expectations, which strengthens public and environmental health protection. For day-to-day lab operations, the impact is broad. As Root noted, "Standards shape everything from purchasing and calibration to recordkeeping and staff training. They touch nearly every aspect of our work."

Why Should You Get Involved?

Joining industry standards organizations gives professionals a chance "to help create the standards that shape how we work every day," Root said. "More than that, these standards influence major public health decisions—like whether a boil notice is needed or a water sample result is reliable."

Participation also provides a chance to work alongside experts, deepen technical knowledge, stay ahead of changes, and build a global professional network. Volunteering is rewarding and eye-opening. As Root said, "You're helping to shape the future of your field, learning constantly, and gaining access to a broad and deep support network. You get to collaborate with passionate people from Canada to Poland to Australia—and guess what? We all want the same thing: to protect public health and the environment."