Environmental Sciences Branch

The mission of the Environmental Sciences Branch is to serve the people of Texas and other customers by providing quality analytical, reference, and consultation services to protect and preserve the public health. The branch is a support function which maintains specialized expertise for laboratory analysis of chemical constituents in a wide variety of environmental samples. The scientific data is used by environmental programs in making regulatory decisions or decisions involving public health issues.

As the Principal State Laboratory for Texas, the division performs the drinking water chemical analyses required by the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Act. The division also provides a wide range of tests that support public health environmental programs. Examples include:

• measuring levels of organic compounds and toxic metals in seafood from Texas coastal water, inland lakes and rivers

• routine monitoring for radionucleides environmental samples from nuclear power plant sites

• measuring levels of toxic metals in consumer products such as toys, jewelry, and personal care products

• identification of sources of lead contamination in and near private residences

As a government laboratory certified and audited directly by the US EPA, the laboratory has a unique responsibility to adhere to the specification of methods approved by EPA and to maintain unquestioned expertise and impartiality in the provision of laboratory testing services.

For more information or to reach Environmental Chemistry Reporting (512)-458-7587

Note: External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services. These sites may also not be accessible to people with disabilities.

Summary of Testing Services