The Department of Geosciences Center for Water Resources Water Quality Laboratory performs collection and analyses of surface water samples for long-term monitoring, with results reported annually to the State of Georgia Environmental Protection Division. 

This project is a beneficial partnership between the University of West Georgia and various municipalities within the local county. 

All laboratory methods are EPA approved, and include fecal coliform bacteria, E. coli, total coliform bacteria, BOD, COD, TSS, TKN, Ammonia-N, Nitrate-Nitrite-N, Total Phosphorus.  Field parameters collected include water and air temperature, DO, pH, specific conductivity, turbidity, and qualitative flow measurements.  Over the life of the project, many University of West Georgia students have been trained in proper field and laboratory techniques.

The Water Quality Laboratory was formed in 2001 to conduct an initial large-scale watershed assessment, funded by the State of Georgia, in three counties (Haralson, Heard, and Carroll).  After the initial assessment was concluded, long-term monitoring has been conducted for many clients within Carroll and Douglas Counties.  Current long-term monitoring clients include the Cities of Bowdon and Temple.

What our clients have to say about us:  “They’ve been doing this testing for the last three years and we’re extremely happy with the work they’re doing.”  Bowdon City Manager Bobby Elliott (Times-Georgian article, 6/9/2015)

The Principal Investigator for the Long-term monitoring projects is Dr. Curtis Hollabaugh.  Randa Harris serves as Director of the Water Quality Laboratory.  For more information about the Center for Water Resources, please contact Randa Harris at  (678) 839-4056  or rharris@westga.edu.