About the SOCWA Regional Laboratory
The SOCWA Regional Laboratory is an ELAP-accredited environmental testing facility located in Laguna Niguel. We provide high-quality analytical services to our agency and several other water districts throughout the South Orange County region.
Each year, the laboratory performs over 40,000 analyses to support public health and protect the local environment. Our work ensures that various water sources meet the standards required for safety and regulatory compliance.
We conduct routine testing of drinking water, recycled water, recreational ocean water, wastewater, and solids to meet regulatory requirements and support operational process control. As part of this work, the laboratory collects and analyzes wastewater from our JB Latham Treatment Plant and wastewater and recycled water from the Coastal Treatment Plant to ensure regulatory compliance and optimize treatment performance.
As part of California’s Unified Beach Water Quality Program, the laboratory conducts weekly microbial monitoring of surf zone waters at 21 beach stations in Dana Point and South Laguna Beach. This helps ensure that public beaches remain safe for swimming and other recreational activities.
In addition, our staff collects and performs monthly microbiological testing at over 40 offshore sites near SOCWA’s San Juan Creek and Aliso Creek Ocean Outfalls, providing vital data on the health of our coastal waters.
We value quality, safety, integrity, innovation, environmental responsibility, and public service. These core principles guide our work and our commitment to the community.
Current Special Projects
- Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) at SOCWA’s JB Latham and Coastal Treatment Plants. Access the Wastewater Testing Dashboard here.
- Rapid Beach Water Indicator studies by molecular analysis (ddPCR)
- Subject Matter Expertise Development including PFAS, Microplastics, Air Toxins and Chemicals of Emerging Concern
Address: 29201 La Paz Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
