The Analytical and Radiological Environmental Services Division (ARESD) performs microbiological and chemical analysis of drinking water, wastewater, streams, lakes, ocean water, soil, fish, leachate, chemical waste, milk, and shellfish. ARESD also analyzes radiological samples of drinking water, surface water, air, milk, fish, vegetation, and soils around nuclear facilities throughout the state. ARESD provides emergency response assistance during environmental events and maintains a mobile radiochemistry laboratory for radiological emergencies or special investigations.
The ARESD Laboratory is comprised of these main key areas and analyses:
- Metals – Various metals, including Mercury, in water, soil, and fish tissue
- Microbiology – Various testing for bacteriological contaminants in water
- Nutrients – Various nutrient analyses using flow injection, Ion Chromatography, and other instrumentation
- Organic – Various herbicides, pesticides, volatile, and semi-volatile compounds in water
- Radiochemistry – Various radionuclide contaminants in water, soil, vegetation, fish tissue, milk, and more.
- Sample Characterization – Physical characteristic analyses such as solids, BOD, Alkalinity and more
- Sample Receiving and Data Management – Receives samples and oversees our LIMS and the reporting of data
The data that ARESD generates is provided to the public, EPA, FDA, and SCDES Programs located in the Bureau of Water and the Bureau of Land and Waste Management.
Drinking Water
ARESD is the State of South Carolina’s Principle State Laboratory for drinking water.
As stated on the USEPA website, State-certified laboratories regularly test drinking water samples for compliance with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and public water systems (PWSs) provide these monitoring results to their served customers to comply with Consumer Confidence Report requirements.
To test the water from a residential well, a well owner can obtain a sample kit from their local SCDES Regional Office or Health Department. There are two types of kits, one for a coliform bacteria test and one for a metals and minerals analysis. Each kit includes a form to fill out, sterile bottle, and instruction sheet. Follow the instructions carefully and return the sample as soon as possible (SCDES accepts samples on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays). *Do not pay for the analysis when you drop off your sample; your invoice will accompany the analytical results.*
PLEASE NOTE: *SCDES DOES NOT REGULATE THE WATER QUALITY OF PRIVATE WELLS.
Results for bacteriological testing typically take 2-3 weeks. Metals and minerals testing typically takes 8-12 weeks.
We highly recommend that any testing for real estate transactions be sent to a commercial laboratory which can be found on the Environmental Laboratory Certification webpage.
For help understanding the water test results, please visit the Be Well Informed Page.
For more information on fees and private well testing, please visit Well Water Quality Testing Services.
For more information regarding residential wells visit our Residential Wells webpage.