Independent & client-focussed
Proven expertise
Specialist capability
Proven Outcomes
What We Do
Your Trusted Advisor in Water Treatment Analysis
Research Laboratory Services (RLS), led by Peta Thiel, provides highly advanced, specialist laboratory and consulting support services to water authorities and industry.
The practical solutions we propose are proved in our laboratory through scalable application studies and in-field pilot work.
RLS provides the link between universities (theoretical evaluations), commercial laboratories (data generation) and consulting engineering firms (design).
Application Studies
Reduce risk. Improve confidence.
Make data-backed decisions before you build.
Before investing in full-scale infrastructure, validate treatment options in our specialised laboratory. We simulate real-world performance using jar testing, oxidation studies (including ozone demand), and column testing with activated carbon, DMI, and ion exchange resins.
We also offer RSSCTs to support granular activated carbon (GAC) design and lifecycle planning.
Filtration Media Testing
Understand what you’ve got. Ensure it meets spec. Monitor how it’s ageing.
Confirm media compliance, performance, and condition with our in-depth analysis services. We test activated carbon, anthracite, sand, garnet, and ion exchange resins against Australian and international standards — including AS, ASTM, AWWA, NSF61, and EN12915.
Process Optimsation
From troubleshooting to long-term improvements, we’ll help your plant perform better.
We don’t just analyse water — we optimise the systems that treat it. Drawing on decades of field and lab experience, we provide practical recommendations to improve run times, reduce costs, and extend media life.
Solutions
Practical science. Trusted solutions. Cleaner water.
We specialise in water quality testing, analysis, and optimisation. We’ve been helping water authorities, councils, and industry partners since 2002 with evidence-based solutions that keep communities safe and operations efficient.
Whether it’s routine water testing, advanced organic carbon analysis, or treatment process optimisation, our team combines scientific expertise with hands-on operational experience to deliver results you can rely on.
What Services We Provide
Process Optimisations
We don’t just analyse water—we help optimise the systems that treat it. With experience across full-scale treatment plants and pilot facilities, we offer practical recommendations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance water safety.
Water Quality Analysis
From routine testing to specialised investigations, we provide comprehensive water chemistry and microbiological analysis. Our laboratory is equipped to detect and monitor a wide range of parameters, ensuring accurate results that support operational decisions and compliance requirements.
Advanced Organic Carbon Testing
Understanding organic carbon is critical for predicting disinfection by-products and improving overall water quality. Our lab provides advanced testing methods rarely available in Australia, supported by international training and best practice.
Research & Method Development
We are passionate about innovation and continuous improvement in water science. Our team actively develops and validates new testing methods to ensure our clients have access to the most up-to-date, effective techniques.
Why Choose Us
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Specialist Expertise + Experience
RLS offers advanced, specialist laboratory and consulting support in water treatment. Their team combines scientific laboratory skills with hands-on operational experience.
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Comprehensive Services from Lab through Field
They don’t just test samples — they run realistic simulations (jar testing, oxidation studies, column testing, etc.), pilot work, and process optimisation. This means solutions are validated both in controlled settings and real-world applications.
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Bridging Theory, Data, and Practice
RLS acts as a link between universities (theoretical research), commercial labs (data generation), and consulting engineering (design & implementation). For clients this means you get research-backed solutions that are practical and implementable.
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Rigorous Media & Standards Compliance Testing
If you rely on filtration media (e.g. activated carbon, anthracite, sand, garnet, ion-exchange resins), they can test performance, compliance, and ageing against Australian and international standards (AS, ASTM, AWWA, NSF61, EN12915 etc.).
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Advanced & Rare Testing Capabilities
For instance, advanced organic carbon testing (important for managing disinfection by-products and water quality) using methods that are “rarely available” in Australia. This can give you more insight, especially if you’re dealing with complex water quality issues.
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Reduced Risk via Pre-Implementation Studies
Before making large infrastructure investments, you can validate treatment options in smaller scale, controllable lab or pilot settings. This reduces the risk of failures or cost overruns.
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Regulatory Compliance & Safety
Their services support meeting safety and regulatory requirements through accurate, reliable testing and monitoring. Ensuring compliance is essential for water authorities, councils, or industry.