Water Testing Standards in CA

Hello, 

 

I am getting ready for my SQF audit for food processing and I need to get my water tested inside the facility. In the SQF code, it states that there needs to be a microbiological analysis. I am just confused on what standards or regulation it needs to be like if I need to get a full panel EPA test on the water. The water is used just for cleaning and not added as an ingredient. 

 

Can some clarify exactly what test I need to do.

 

Thank you!

Is this well water or municipal? If it's well water you have to a full panel test (we test monthly) , if it's municipal you can obtain the results directly from the city.

In Los Angeles for BRC, I've used the annual water quality reports. This has satisfied my auditor. 

 

https://dpw.lacounty...ityReports.aspx

 

Majority of the water quality reports have the microbiological testings that you will require since you are just using it for cleaning. 

 

Back up support could be your chemicals you are using for cleaning, which you will need specifications and any lab test results of your chemical use.

 

Hopefully that helps.  

 

good luck.

Get an independent test done on a routine basis, like twice a year. Look for a local lab and tell them you need standard water testing for water. Ensure that the lab is accrediated. Do not rely on water testing provided by the local source ad these tests are normally a look back and can sonetimes be outdated by a whole year.

Depending on source and usage some of our client test twice a year while others such as ice and beverage companies test upwards of daily.

Hi Ruthie22,

 

The current SQF requirements and guidance are:

 

11.5.2 Monitoring and Water Microbiology and Quality 
11.5.2.1 Water used for
....iii. cleaning food contact surfaces; .....
shall comply with local, national or internationally recognized potable water microbiological and quality standards as required.
11.5.2   Implementation Guidance
What does it mean?
Any water that is used in the process that could come in contact with the product must be verified to be in compliance with local and national standards. 
In the US and Australia for example, the potability standard for drinking water is <1 coliform / 100 mL water and membrane filtration is the preferred method.
However, standards also apply for Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, enterovirulent E.coli, Vibrio cholera, Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter jejuni, and protozoa. 

 

Use the water quality report from the water supply company.

 

Conduct at least annual testing for water potability.  Be specific with the lab doing this and explain to them you need "water potability" test.  Not all labs are accredited for water potability.

 

You may need to conduct a risk assessment for anything not covered by the water potability, however I've never had an SQF auditor ask for this.  They usually take the water quality report from the water company and our third-party lab testing results without issue.

 

If you use a well water source, then there is much further involvement/testing required.