AWWA QTC97156

AWWA QTC97156 Design, Selection, and Implementation of a Laboratory Information Management System Into a Water Quality Laboratory - "The Do's and Don'ts"
Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 01/01/1997

Clark, D.L.; Akiyoshi, E.; Oldewage, L.; Denger, L.B.; Thompson, K.A.

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The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) is located in Orange County, California, and serves a population of 130,000. IRWD is responsible for potable water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, reclaimed water distribution and permit monitoring. From 1992 to 1997, the District's water quality laboratory staff increased from 7 individuals to 17. This was necessitated by a greatly expanded sampling and testing load required by new environmental concerns and regulations. Currently, the laboratory conducts over 65,000 analyses per year for a variety of parameters. The increased sampling required a better system for handling the large volumes of data and reports that are generated. A PC-based laboratory information management system (LIMS) was selected. This paper discusses the justification, design, selection and implementation process of a LIMS into a water quality laboratory. The paper makes specific recommendations on the "do's" and "don'ts" for each step of the process.