Analytical Laboratory Upgrades
Presently, the Board maintains a state certified laboratory for conducting water quality analysis for Microbiology by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (MA-M002). In it’s current layout, the SBWSB Laboratory was designed and built in 1978, as a research and analytical laboratory being awarded various EPA grants for the initial research of many of the processes we know today. The Lab including storage areas and office space is approximately 2,300 square ft.
Over time, the lab roof began to show signs of age and and slowly leaks began to worsen. Small efforts were made to stop the leaks, but it became apparent the roof needed replacement. After progressing with an improved design, Contract 2021-1 bids were received, and the roof replacement project was completed at a cost of $216,230.00 on July 2023.
To build a new laboratory, it would have cost in the ballpark of $1.15 million to $2.76 million. With the roof repaired, it led way to our Lab Modernization Project. The following slides will help portray the tremendous amount of work it took to maintain our status as a world-class water utility. All cabinets and floors were professionally painted. The lab and operations lab staff dedicated time to refurbish the area to its previous condition. Total costs of our staff labor, outside services, and materials were $41,953.52. providing for a better workflow and more effective analytical process.
