Comprehensive GSA Water
Quality Testing Services
Ensure compliance with the latest GSA water testing standards
with EMSL Analytical’s certified laboratory services.
What is
GSA PBS 1000.7A Compliance?
The General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS) Order 1000.7A establishes national standards for managing drinking water quality in federally managed properties. This directive ensures the health and safety of building occupants by enforcing strict water quality testing protocols.
To comply with PBS 1000.7A, facilities must conduct routine water testing for the following contaminants:
Legionella
(Hot water – first draw)
Lead & Copper
(Cold water – first draw)
Total Coliform & E. coli
(Cold water – first draw)
EMSL Analytical provides certified laboratory testing services to help public sector agencies
meet these compliance requirements efficiently.
Certified Water Testing
for GSA Compliance
Stay compliant with GSA PBS 1000.7A by utilizing EMSL Analytical’s accredited water testing services.
Our labs provide fast turnaround times, ISO 17025-certified testing, and CDC Elite-certified Legionella
analysis to help you meet federal requirements.
Legionella
Testing
Detect & Mitigate Legionella Risks in Building Water Systems
- Required for 10% of drinking water outlets (hot water samples).
- Helps prevent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.
Test Details:
- Method: ISO 11731:2017
- Sample Type: 250mL (Na-thio), Hot water – first draw
- Turnaround: 2 weeks
- Accreditation: CDC ELITE, ISO 17025
Legionella testing must be conducted using traditional culture methods per ISO 11731:2017 and CDC guidelines.
Lead & Copper
Testing
Protect Against Heavy Metal Contamination in Water Systems
- Ensures safe drinking water & meets GSA lead/copper limits.
- Required after an 8-hour stagnation period (first-draw cold water).
Test Details:
- Method: EPA 200.8 (ICP-MS)
- Sample Type: 250mL (unpreserved or Nitric acid), Cold water – first draw
- Turnaround: 1 week
- Accreditation: NELAC
Lead and copper testing must be conducted using EPA Method 200.8 or an approved state equivalent.
Total Coliform &
E. coli Testing
Ensure Safe, Bacteria-Free
Drinking Water
- Required for 10% of drinking water outlets (cold water samples).
- Detects harmful bacteria that pose public health risks.
Test Details:
- Method: EPA 9223 B-1997
- Sample Type: 100mL (Na-thio), Cold water – first draw
- Turnaround: 2 days
- Accreditation: State Certification
Testing must follow an EPA-approved method under the Revised Total Coliform Rule (RTCR).
Why Water Quality Testing Matters
for GSA Facilities
Ensuring clean, safe drinking water is a critical responsibility for GSA-managed properties. Routine testing prevents contamination risks, ensures compliance with federal regulations, and safeguards the health of employees and visitors.
Key Benefits of Routine Water Testing:
- Early Detection
Identifies contaminants before they pose serious health risks. - Regulatory Compliance
Keeps facilities in line with GSA water quality mandates. - Risk Prevention
Minimizes exposure to Legionella, lead, and E. coli. - Data-Driven Decisions
Provides critical insights into long-term water safety strategies.
Who Needs GSA Water Testing?
The PBS 1000.7A water quality standards apply to various GSA-managed and leased properties.
Facilities subject to compliance include:
Federally Owned Buildings
Government offices, administrative
buildings, military bases.
Public Access Facilities
Libraries, courthouses, and
Social Security offices.
Leased Commercial Properties
Office spaces leased by GSA
for federal agency use.
Healthcare & Research Centers
VA hospitals, laboratories, and
public health buildings.
Failure to comply with mandated water testing requirements can result in violations, fines, and
potential health risks. Proactive testing ensures safety and regulatory adherence.
Accredited Water Testing
for GSA Facilities
All GSA-required water testing must be performed by accredited laboratories to ensure
valid and egulatory-compliant results. EMSL Analytical maintains the following
Test Type
Accreditation & Methodology
Volume & Collection
Turnaround Time
Legionella Testing
ISO 11731:2017 / CDC ELITE Program
250mL (Hot Water – First Draw)
2 weeks
Lead & Copper Testing
EPA 200.8 (NELAC Certified)
250mL (Cold Water – First Draw)
1 weeks
Total Coliform & E. coli Testing
EPA 9223 B-1997 (State Certified)
100mL (Cold Water – First Draw)
2 days
| Test Type | Accreditation & Methodology | Volume & Collection | Turnaround Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legionella Testing | ISO 11731:2017 / CDC ELITE Program | 250mL (Hot Water - First Draw) | 2 weeks |
| Lead & Copper Testing | EPA 200.8 (NELAC Certified) | 250mL (Cold Water - First Draw) | 1 weeks |
| Total Coliform & E. coli Testing | EPA 9223 B-1997 (State Certified) | 100mL (Cold Water - First Draw) | 2days |
Order a GSA Water Testing Kit
EMSL provides custom-ordered GSA Water Test Kits to meet compliance standards.
The EMSL GSA Water Test Kit includes everything needed for compliance testing:
- Insulated cooler
for temperature-controlled sample transport - Ice packs
to maintain sample integrity - Sample Bottles
(minimum of three, customized per order) - Chain of Custody (COC) Form
for documentation
Each kit is tailored to the specific GSA water testing requirements.
Order your kit today to ensure compliance.
Nationwide Testing Expertise
with Local Accessibility
EMSL Analytical is one of the largest environmental testing laboratories in North America, with dozens
of locations across the U.S. and Canada. Our cutting-edge facilities provide industry-leading expertise
in water quality, microbiology, asbestos, and environmental testing.
- ISO 17025-accredited laboratories ensure quality and accuracy.
- CDC Elite certification for Legionella testing.
- Fast turnaround times to meet urgent compliance needs.
- Nationwide accessibility with multiple laboratory locations.
For additional guidance on GSA water quality testing compliance,
download the following resources:
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