Lab Testing Explained

Lake Pulse Lab Testing provides certified, science-backed laboratory analysis to help you understand and manage your lake’s health with confidence. From nutrients and bacteria to metals and PFAS, lab testing delivers reliable data you can use for monitoring, investigation, and long-term planning.

What Is Lab Testing?

Lab Testing allows you to collect a water (or sediment) sample from your lake and send it to an EPA-certified laboratory for professional analysis.

It is designed for:

• Confirming suspected contamination

• Investigating algae blooms

• Monitoring long-term trends

• Supporting grant or regulatory documentation

• Providing defensible, certified results

Unlike field kits, laboratory testing delivers higher precision, trace detection capability, and certified reporting.

What Can Be Tested?

Available tests may include:

• Nutrient profiles (nitrogen, phosphorus)

• Total phosphorus

• Phosphorus fractionation (sediment)

• Microbiology (E. coli, coliform)

• Cyanobacteria / cyanotoxins

• Metals

• PFAS

• Pesticides

• Turbidity

• Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

• eDNA panels

Each test is available individually through the Lake Pulse Toolbox.

How Lab Testing Works

1. Order Your Test

Select the appropriate test from the Toolbox and complete checkout.

2. Collect Your Sample

You will receive:

• Sampling containers

• Instructions

• Any required materials

• A return shipping label

Follow the included guide carefully to ensure sample integrity.

3. Ship to the Laboratory

Return your sample using the included shipping label.

4. Laboratory Analysis

An EPA-certified laboratory performs the requested analysis.

5. Receive Your Results

Results are uploaded to your Lake Pulse account.

Turnaround Time

• Results are typically available within 10 business days of laboratory receipt.

• Timing may vary depending on test type.

Where to Find Your Results

Once available:

• Results are uploaded to your lake’s Data Library

• Data can be viewed inside the Lake Pulse Portal

• Results are accessible in the Analytics Hub

• A downloadable lab report (PDF) is stored in your lake’s Data Sources section

This ensures both immediate access and long-term record keeping.

Using Your Results

You can:

• Track trends over time

• Compare historical data

• Generate alerts

• Share findings with members or stakeholders

• Support management decisions

Subscribers can also consult the Boathouse for help interpreting results and planning next steps.

When Should You Choose Lab Testing?

Lab Testing is appropriate when:

• You need certified, defensible data

• You suspect contamination

• You are responding to a bloom or event

• You are applying for funding

• You are supporting regulatory compliance

For routine or rapid on-site testing, Field Testing solutions may be more appropriate.

Choosing the Right Test

Each available test addresses a specific concern.
Visit the individual test pages within the Toolbox to review:

• What each test measures

• When to order it

• Sample requirements

• Pricing

If unsure, contact the Boathouse for guidance.

Lab Testing provides trusted, actionable data—integrated directly into your Lake Pulse account—so you can move from uncertainty to informed decision-making.