Laboratory Certification Program Overview

The Department of Natural Resources certifies and registers laboratories to perform aqueous (non-potable water), solid waste, and drinking water testing for many of the agency's environmental programs. Certified and registered laboratories must meet all the criteria outlined in Ch. NR 149, Wis. Adm. Code. Certification, registration or acceptance of a laboratory by the State of Wisconsin is not a guarantee of the quality of data generated by that laboratory. Instead, the certification and registration program insures that laboratories have the appropriate systems in place to generate reliable data.

Recognition of Other Certification Programs

The Department is not a National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP) Accrediting Authority and does not recognize NELAP accreditation issued by other state or federal agencies in lieu of certification under Ch. NR 149, Wis. Adm. Code.

The DNR maintains reciprocity agreements with several other states for specific regulatory programs.

Certification is not available for the following:

Radiochemistry

The Department recognizes laboratories either certified or approved by the EPA to perform radiochemistry analyses

Asbestos

Microbiology

Certification for coliforms in drinking water and milk is available through the Dept. of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection  [exit DNR]

Certification is not required for the following:

• pH
• chlorine residual
• conductivity (specific conductance)
• turbidity
• temperature
• flow measurements
• physical properties (of soils/sludges)
• nutrient tests of soils/sludges

Related Sites

• National Environmental Methods Index [exit DNR]
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [exit DNR]
• More links...