Overview:
Palau’s Environmental Quality Protection Board Water Quality Laboratory has been recertified for microbiological testing of drinking and marine water and has received its first certification for water chemistry testing. The certifications cover key water-quality tests including bacterial contamination, chlorine residual, turbidity and pH.
KOROR, Palau — Sept. 25, 2026 — The Palau Environmental Quality Protection Board’s Water Quality Laboratory has been recertified to conduct microbiological testing of drinking water, marine water and other surface water under the U.S. Freely Associated States Laboratory Certification Program.
The laboratory was recertified for drinking water analysis using the Colilert method and for marine and other surface water analysis using the Enterolert method.
During the certification audit, Laboratory Supervisor Darwin Florencio was certified as a Level III microbiology analyst, while new analyst JT Obakerbau received Level I certification.
The laboratory also received its first Water Chemistry certification for testing chlorine residual, turbidity and pH. Florencio and Obakerbau both received Water Chemistry certifications.
The certifications are valid for two years, effective immediately.
Laboratory certification is intended to ensure that water testing produces scientifically valid and legally defensible results and that laboratory personnel are qualified to analyze samples for bacterial contamination and key water-quality indicators.
To receive certification, environmental laboratories must meet technical and quality-control requirements. Laboratories undergo an on-site evaluation every two years and must have certified analysts on staff.
Laboratory equipment must meet technical requirements for analytical detection capabilities, while calibration and other quality-control records must be maintained to show that equipment is operating properly. Laboratory personnel also must meet technical performance standards.
Microbiology analyst certification is offered at Levels I, II and III, based on written examinations, demonstrations of proficiency and experience. Level III analysts also must demonstrate the ability to perform laboratory supervisory duties.
The Palau laboratory audit and certifications were conducted by Edna L. Buchan, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency laboratory certification officer, and Peter J. Peshut, Ph.D., a water chemistry scientist.
Buchan and Peshut of Nimbus Environmental Services are contracted by the U.S. EPA, with funding from the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Certificates were presented to the laboratory and individual analysts during an awards ceremony Sept. 25 at the EQPB office.
During the ceremony, Buchan recognized the laboratory for maintaining its microbiology certification for drinking and marine water testing and for obtaining its first Water Chemistry certification.
“Acting Chief Executive Officer Kliu Basilius and her staff are very deserving of these certifications,” Buchan said. “I am extremely pleased to find that EQPB has continued to uphold the highest standards of laboratory practice since our last on-site audit.”
Buchan also highlighted the importance of water quality to socioeconomic well-being.
The EQPB Board and staff continue to identify water quality as a high priority for Palau.
The Palau EQPB expressed appreciation to Buchan and Peshut for their assistance and guidance during the weeklong training and certification process, as well as to the U.S. Department of the Interior and U.S. EPA Region 9 for their continued support of the Freely Associated States Laboratory Certification Program.