Laboratory Services

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:

Veterans Day:
Monday, November 11, 2024
 
Thanksgiving Day:
Thursday, November 28, 2024
 
Thanksgiving Friday:
Friday, November 29, 2024
 
Christmas Eve:
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
 
Christmas Day:
Wednesday, December 25, 2024
 
New Year’s Day:
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Martin Luther King Day:
Monday, January 20, 2025
 
President’s Day:
Monday, February 17, 2025
 
San Jacinto Day:
Friday, May 2, 2025
 
Memorial Day:
Monday, May 26, 2025
 
Juneteenth:
Thursday, June 19, 2025
 
Independence Day:
Friday, July 4, 2025
 
Labor Day:
Monday, September 1, 2025

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).

Laboratory Services Aerial View of Building
Laboratory Services Building
Laboratory Services Building

                     

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.

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. 

For regulatory reasons, the laboratory does not provide sample collection services.

Yes, the laboratory provides approved sample containers. Contact the Laboratory Services Coordinator at (210)302-3649 to arrange container pickup or delivery.

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. 

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.

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.

Results are emailed, faxed or mailed according to the client’s preference as indicated on the chain of custody form.

Standard sample turn around time is 10 – 14 days business days, after sample submission.

Alerts

Stem Density Efforts

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!  

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park. *Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

River Reach Newsletter and Blog Signup

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