The San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) Regional Environmental Laboratory (SARA-REL) offers analytical testing services throughout Texas for non-potable water, solid and chemical materials, and environmental water quality monitoring efforts. The laboratory began operating in 1966 with the sole focus of supporting River Authority wastewater treatment plant operations. Through the decades, the laboratory has expanded its scope of testing services to include surface water, stormwater, and molecular science Environmental DNA (eDNA). In 2008, the SARA-REL obtained certification from the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). As an accredited laboratory, our data is used by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and other regulatory agencies for permitting, compliance, remediation, and water quality assessments. In addition to ongoing daily analysis, the SARA-REL places an emphasis on research and development of new analytical techniques and methodology to further expand the capability and efficiency of the laboratory. In 2016, the laboratory implemented new eDNA capabilities by qPCR. This capability has enabled the laboratory to determine the presence, absence, and quantification of Human fecal indicator bacteria found in the San Antonio River Basin.
Staff Qualifications
Our scientists have backgrounds in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline. Our scientists may hold certifications through the Texas Water Utility Association and the National Registry of Environmental Professionals. In addition, many of our scientists are members of professional organizations to stay abreast of developing technologies and regulations. These organizations include, but are not limited to, The NELAC Institute, Texas Water Utilities Association, Alamo Laboratory Analyst Chapter, Association of Laboratory Managers, American Chemical Society and the National Registry of Environmental Professionals.
Laboratory Accreditation
The SARA-REL is accredited by the TCEQ for the analysis of Non-Potable water and Solid and Chemical Materials. Please refer to our Fields of Accreditation for Analysis that the River Authority is accredited to perform.
The SARA-REL provides laboratory services to municipalities, wastewater treatment plants, consultants, state environmental agencies, and other laboratories. Please contact the laboratory at (210) 302-3649 or saralab@sariverauthority.org for sample containers and additional information.
Sample Delivery
It is preferred that samples be submitted by 3 p.m. to assure same day set-up. Samples submitted after 3 p.m. are subject to a $25 late sample submission fee, per sample. If samples will be delivered after 3 p.m. please call the Laboratory Services Coordinator at (210) 302-3649 or saralab@sariverauthority.org to notify the laboratory of the expected arrival time.
Lab Hours of Operation
Hours of Operation
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday
Closed from noon to 1 p.m.
Weekend and Holidays
The laboratory is closed on weekends and holidays.
Holiday Closing Schedule
The San Antonio River Authority Environmental Science Department Laboratory will be closed on the following dates:
Location
Parking is available along Atlanta Street.
If parking is not available on Atlanta Street; visitor parking is available in the building main parking area. You can then walk around the building to the laboratory entrance.
Sample Delivery Entrance
Located on the Northeast Side of the building (Atlanta Street).
Forms, Links and FAQs
Laboratory FAQs
Is your laboratory accredited?
Yes, the San Antonio River Authority Regional Environmental Laboratory is NELAC accredited since February 2008. Please refer to our TCEQ NELAC FOA document for specific accredited analyte and matrix information.
Why should you use a NELAP accredited lab?
Because the results of the tests you request may be used to determine the presence or magnitude of a problem, it is vital to know that the laboratory analyzing the sample(s) is capable of producing quality data. NELAP accredited laboratories set the standard for producing data that is of known and documented quality. A highly trained staff together with an established and documented quality system ensures the highest level of excellence for laboratory performance. NELAP accreditation is also a requirement for laboratories that submit data to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Will the San Antonio River Authority collect my sample(s)?
For regulatory reasons, the laboratory does not provide sample collection services.
Does the laboratory provide containers to collect samples?
Yes, the laboratory provides approved sample containers. Contact the Laboratory Services Coordinator at (210)302-3649 to arrange container pickup or delivery.
Where is the laboratory located?
The San Antonio River Authority Regional Environmental Laboratory is located at 600 E. Euclid Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212. Sample delivery entrance is located on Atlanta St. between E. Euclid Ave. and E. Elmira St.
Who do I contact if I have not received my invoice or report?
If you have not received your invoice and/or analytical report please contact the Laboratory Services Coordinator at (210) 302-3649 or saralab@sariverauthority.org.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my invoice or report?
If you have a question about your invoice and/or analytical report please contact the Laboratory Services Coordinator at (210) 302-3649 or saralab@sariverauthority.org.
Payment for analysis is due at the time that samples are submitted. Please contact the Laboratory Services Coordinator at (210) 302-3649 or saralab@sariverauthority.org. for current pricing information. The laboratory accepts Checks for payment of analytical testing services.
For clients who will submit samples on a regular basis, an account may be created for monthly invoicing of analytical testing services. If you would like to set up an account for laboratory services please contact the Laboratory Services Coordinator at (210) 302-3649.
How do I get my results?
Results are emailed, faxed or mailed according to the client’s preference as indicated on the chain of custody form.
When do I get my results?
Standard sample turn around time is 10 – 14 days business days, after sample submission.
