North Raleigh Today

Raleigh's new Drinking Water Compliance Laboratory has commenced operations, marking a significant development in the city's efforts to maintain the quality of its water supply. The laboratory, located at 10700 Star Road in Wake Forest, was inaugurated on April 9.

The new facility spans 15,000 square feet and is tasked with ensuring the safety of drinking water for more than 650,000 residents across several communities, including Raleigh, Garner, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon.

Martesa Webb, the laboratory manager, emphasized the comprehensive testing processes the laboratory will conduct. "We’re not just looking for the obvious," she stated, highlighting the lab's aim to identify potential contaminants in the water. "Raleigh Water Lab is committed to detect and report those... well, let's call them 'uninvited guests,' ensuring our water goes beyond what's expected."

The Raleigh Water laboratory team undertakes extensive travel annually, covering approximately 38,083 miles to gather samples across the region. Each year, the lab processes about 52,664 samples, checking for 71 contaminants in drinking water and 41 in wastewater.

This facility is Raleigh Water's first certified drinking water laboratory, underscoring the ongoing commitment to providing safe water to local communities. The dedication and rigorous efforts of the laboratory team highlight the behind-the-scenes work that goes into maintaining the quality of water citywide.

For additional information regarding the laboratory, the press kit is available.