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EPA Orders LADWP to Inspect 100 Drinking Water Reservoirs and Tanks

Drinking Water Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	2/19/2026
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	EPA Orders LADWP to Inspect 100 Drinking Water Reservoirs and Tanks
Introduction	LA Testing offers water, surface, and other environmental testing services and sampling supplies to help detect and reduce exposure to microbial, chemical, and radiological contaminants.
Huntington Beach, California, February 19, 2026 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently ordered the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) to inspect nearly 100 drinking water reservoirs and storage tanks, and to clean more than 50 of them, to reduce contamination risks for approximately 3.8 million residents. Issued on December 11, 2025, the EPA action highlights infrastructure vulnerabilities in large water systems that, if unaddressed, could increase the risk of contamination and public exposure to pathogens or hazardous substances. “Ensuring safe drinking water is foundational to public health,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “The EPA’s initiative reinforces the importance of routine water quality monitoring, something we have championed for years. LA Testing’s laboratories are ready to support water utilities, municipalities, private providers, and residents with advanced analytical services that help identify contaminants before they become hazards.” As water systems enhance infrastructure maintenance in response to EPA directives, LA Testing emphasizes the value of independent, scientifically robust testing services, including: Microbiological analysis to detect harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Chemical screening for regulated and emerging contaminants such as heavy metals, VOCs, and pesticides. Source and distribution testing for reservoirs, storage tanks, wells, and distribution systems. Rapid response testing to support urgent public health needs and compliance requirements. Water systems are dynamic, and contamination can result from infrastructure issues, routine operations, or environmental events. Regular, comprehensive testing helps ensure water remains safe for every tap, household, and business. LA Testing works with public and private clients across California to support safe water and environmental compliance. With decades of experience and nationally recognized laboratory accreditations, LA Testing delivers reliable results to help communities stay ahead of drinking water risks. To learn more about LA Testing’s water quality analysis services, including compliance testing, contamination screening, and customized monitoring solutions, visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com, or call (800) 755-1794. For easy-to-use test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About LA Testing LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for environmental, indoor air quality and material testing for mercury, asbestos, mold, bacteria, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, and San Diego.