Water analyses

Naine teadlane valges kitlis ja sinistes kinnastes uurib proovi steriilses laboris

Order analyses from our laboratories

Tallinna Vesi has laboratories that can be trusted – they have been accredited by the Estonian Accreditation Centre and comply with the competence requirements set out in the EVS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard.

At the Ülemiste Water Treatment Plant, we carry out chemical and microbiological tests, analysing samples from drinking water, groundwater, and surface water.
At the Paljassaare Wastewater Treatment Plant, we perform chemical tests, analysing samples from wastewater, effluent, and stormwater.

What kind of analyses can you order from us?

We offer a wide range of water analyses for both private and business clients. You can order from us:

drinking water analyses for catering establishments, for construction acceptance, and as part of the monitoring program agreed with the Health Board;
drinking water source and well water quality control – suited for homes and summer cottages;
surface water monitoring in water bodies;
effluent analyses to determine the parameters subject to charging.

Parameters that we test:

microbiological purity: coliform bacteria, Escherichia coli, enterococci;
chemical pollution indicators: ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, oxidizability;
natural components: iron, manganese, fluoride;
scale and mineral indicators: total hardness, conductivity, pH, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate;
if necessary, tests for heavy metals and organic pollutants.

You will find all the parameters that we test in the price list for laboratory services.

We advise that you consult us before placing your order so that you can choose the right parameters to be tested in your water.

The Estonian Accreditation Centre (EAK) conducts surveillance audits in our laboratory once a year to assess compliance with the requirements of the EVS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017. During this audit, they can view the test results of samples from clients.

Laboritöötaja valab vedelikku mõõtesilindrisse, kandes siniseid kaitsekindaid. Protsess on osa veekvaliteedi analüüsist, mis tagab puhta ja ohutu joogivee

Placing your order and taking a sample

To place an order, please fill in the form or contact us at the e-mail address labor@tvesi.ee.

We offer a certified water sampling service. Alternatively, you can take the water sample yourself.

How to take drinking water samples yourself?

Visit our laboratory to get special sampling bottles.
Clean the tap from the outside before taking a sample. If the tap has an aerator, detach it from the outlet.
Let the water to run for about 2-3 minutes.
For microbiological tests, either flame the tap outlet or sterilise it with disinfectant.
Adjust the water flow to prevent splashing, then leave the tap running for another minute.
Place the sampling bottle under the tap, but not against the tap.
For chemical tests, fill the bottle to the top.
The bottle used for microbiological tests must be sterile – therefore, do not touch the inside of the cap or the neck of the sample bottle. Do not rinse the bottle before sampling or fill it to the brim; leave at least a few centimetres of space at the top for air.

How to handle samples?

Samples must be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible after sampling, preferably within 6 hours, but no later than 12 hours after being taken.
Store samples in a refrigerator, and use a cooler box with ice packs for transportation if possible.

Where to bring samples?

Samples of drinking water, groundwater and surface water are received at the water laboratory located at the Ülemiste Water Treatment Plant.
Samples of wastewater, effluent and stormwater are received at the wastewater laboratory located at the Paljassaare Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Water and microbiology laboratory

Järvevana tee 3, Tallinn

Call 626 25852

Wastewater laboratory

Paljassaare põik 14, Tallinn

Call 626 2481

When are we open to receive samples?

We are open to receive samples at the agreed time between 8:00–14:00 from Monday to Thursday, and between 8:00–13:00 on Fridays.

Please make sure to contact the laboratory if the agreed time or conditions change.

Results and payment

As a rule, reports on samples received at the beginning of the week will be issued by the laboratory by the end of the same week. Specific tests may take longer.

The client will receive an e-invoice following the issue of the analysis report, which can be settled via bank transfer.

How to read the test results?

The analysis report will indicate the test result and, in the case of drinking water, the limit value of that particular parameter under the applicable drinking water quality standards.

If the test result is equal to or below the limit value, it indicates that the quality of the drinking water meets the required drinking water quality standard for that particular parameter. If the test result exceeds the limit value, it indicates that the quality of the drinking water does not meet the applicable standards.
For some indicators, there is no limit value – this means that they do not pose a health risk. For example, high water hardness can lead to limescale build-up in appliances, but it is not harmful to health.
Some indicators may have a prefix of "<". This means that the concentration of that indicator is below the measurement method's detection limit. Since the measurement methods used are specifically designed for testing water, this result typically indicates a concentration that is very low and meets the required standards.