Ensure effective implementation of test report requirements

Reports shall be in line with the requirements of ISO 17025 and test reports shall be uploaded to the ZDHC Gateway. At a minimum, they should include: 

1. Factory name 

2. Factory address 

3. On-site App project number (Include the project number assigned in the ZDHC On-site App) 

4. Sampling method (e.g., grab, composite,...) 

5. Type of discharge (e.g., direct, indirect with or without pretreatment, with or without sludge, ZLD) 

6. ZDHC sampler name and ZDHC certificate number 

7. Sampling start date and time (including the time of each aliquot, if applicable) 

8. Sampling end date and time (including the time of each aliquot, if applicable) 

9. Date on which the sample was received by the laboratory 

10. Testing period (indicate clearly the period during which each parameter or group of parameters was tested) 

11. Sludge flux and/or sludge flow data, if available 

12. Temperature of the sample upon receipt at the laboratory.

13. Temperature deviations (indicate if the sample temperature upon receipt exceeds 8°C) 

14. Holding time compliance (clearly note whether the holding time was evaluated and respected) 

15. Subcontracted parameters (clearly identify any tests performed by a subcontracted laboratory) 

16. Photos with relative time and date 

17. Remarks (if necessary) 

18. Test method reporting requirements: Only test methods approved through the ZDHC Solution Provider Platform must be included in the report. Depending on the nature of the approved method, the following rules apply: 

• If a standardised method has been approved, include the method as-is, with full reference to its official designation (e.g., ISO, EPA). 
• If an in-house method has been approved, clearly reference the internal procedure, including the method identification or version number. 
• If the approved method is a standardised method adapted for a different matrix, you must: 
  • Reference the original standard method. 
  • Indicate that it was "applied with reference to" the standard, or state "modified according to [standard], adapted for [matrix type]".
  • Do not label this as a true in-house method unless it significantly deviates from the original.

Only parameters relevant to the ZDHC Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines, based on the applicability and type of discharge, should be included in the report uploaded to the ZDHC Gateway. 

IF THE UNCERTAINTY IS REPORTED: If the laboratory includes uncertainty values for test results, these should be calculated and presented following recognised standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025). Uncertainty for the parameters must be calculated. 

It is the responsibility of the laboratory to apply the predefined decision rule (as per ISO17025), considering the measurement uncertainty and relevant acceptance criteria, to determine the conformity.

The Level of Detection (LOD) for each parameter must first be determined. The LOD is established using ISO/TS 13530:2009 4.4.3. The procedure requires a complete, specific and well-defined analytical method. All analytical method sample processing steps must be included when determining the LOD. The LOD for an analytical procedure may vary as a function of sample type. 

The Level of Quantification (LOQ) will be established using ISO/TS 13530:2009 4.4.7. 

ZDHC requires laboratories to provide their LOD and LOQ on the Solution Provider Platform. To be a ZDHC Approved Wastewater and sludge Laboratory, the laboratory LOQ must be at or lower than the ZDHC aspirational limit (conventional and metals) and at or lower than the ZDHC MRSL wastewater reporting limit. If the ZDHC minimum LOQ cannot be achieved, an alternate method must be approved by ZDHC. Alternatively, a sub-contracted laboratory can be used. The ZDHC minimum required LOQ's are presented in the ZDHC Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines. These were established with consideration of achieving these levels with good laboratory practices.