Procurement Market Intelligence Report

Water Quality Testing Services
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Water Quality Testing Services Global Overview

Definition

Summary

Water quality testing services are used to test the safety and content of water and to ensure that it meets all applicable Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. Water quality testing services sample and analyze water sources in controlled environments for pollutants such as pesticides, metals, and oil. The key buyers of water quality testing services include water dealers, home inspectors, and public water agencies.

This Report Includes:

  • Purity Testing
  • Contaminate Identification
  • Pathogen Testing
  • Chemical & Mineral Testing

Not in this Report:

  • Asbestos Testing
  • Water Testing Kits
  • Water Treatment Services

Global Water Quality Testing Services Procurement Trends

Discover the top international trends affecting procurement in the global Water Quality Testing Services market.

Warning Trends


Increased tariffs on copper imports take effect

  • On August 1, the Trump administration implemented 50.0% tariffs on imported copper. Chile and Canada will be most impacted by these tariffs, as they account for a combined 87.0% of all copper imports in the United States.
  • However, these tariffs are less sweeping than initially expected, only applying to semi-finished copper products, while excluding high-purity refined copper and copper input materials, such as ore and concentrate. As leading importers, such as Chile and Canada, have both high copper mining and refining capacities, they will likely avoid most of these tariffs by either exporting the copper in its unrefined form or refining the copper before exporting it to the United States
  • These copper tariff exemptions limit the impact on the electronics and electrical equipment sectors because these applications require refined copper due to its optimal conductive properties.
  • Thus, the prices of metal alloys that include copper, consumer products made from copper, tools, plumbing, corrosion-resistant alloys, and construction materials made from copper are forecast to rise by an average of 39.2%, according to the Yale Budget Lab.

Global Water Quality Testing Services Market - Suppliers by Region

Country/Region Number of Suppliers
#1 Europe 19,260
#2 India 15,295
#3 China 12,425

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  • Canada
  • United States
  • Mexico
  • Latin America
  • South America
  • India
  • China
  • Europe
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Australi & New Zealand
  • Oceania & Southeast Asia

2

Geography Drilldown - US

Average Cost of Water Quality Testing Services

United States

2026 Market Pricing
$15.00 to $X,XXX.XX
per sample

Average Price

Prices in the Water Quality Testing Services market range from $15.00 to $X,XXX.XX, depending on Type of Tests, Number of Tests Completed, Size of Supplier and Location of Testing. For example, lower prices are associated with Basic bacteriological test ($15.00 to $75.00 per sample) and Basic mineral test ($25.00 to $350 per sample), whereas higher prices are associated with Specialized contaminate testing ($450 to $1,750 per sample) and Comprehensive testing ($260 to $720 per sample).

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Between our Europe and Canada collections, we provide price data for 350 markets so you can instantly compare prices across borders. Or, use our custom research services for intel on prices in any region across the globe.

Water Quality Testing Services Category Price Trends

Pricing trends are indicated by the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during a set period of time. For the Water Quality Testing Services market, prices in the US have grown 1.6% from 2022 to 2025. Subscribers can access price trend forecasts, price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data. Learn more

United States (2022-2025)

1.6%
Compound Annual Growth Rate
United States (2025-2028)

Compound Annual Growth Rate

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Wondering where prices are heading?

Price trend forecasts are available to subscribers, along with price driver projections and forward-looking cost structure data.

Cost Analysis - Total Cost of Ownership for Water Quality Testing Services

Total cost of ownership is Low in the Water Quality Testing Services market. The average cost of ownership differs depending on the contract but generally includes costs negotiated before the contract begins, costs billed during the contract period and unforeseen costs. For example, unforeseen costs in the form of Lost Orders may raise the total cost of ownership unexpectedly.

Negotiated Before

Transportation

Buyers can expect additional costs that stem from shipping samples to the supplier or transportation fees if the provider is conducting on-site testing services. Buyers will often need to package their water sample in a specific type of container (determined by the supplier) and mail it to the vendor’s laboratory for testing.

Customization

Buyers may want to procure data analysis or advanced reporting for interpreting and summarizing results. These services, along with consulting or guidance on testing procedures and data interpretation, will increase the total cost of ownership.

Billed During

Waste Management

Depending on the supplier and the sample, buyers may face disposal fees in addition to the testing fee.

Unforeseen

Lost Orders

Buyers may face unexpected costs due to vendors or postal services losing sample shipments.

Emergencies

Additional fees may also be charged for expedited or rush orders.

Buyer Power in Procurement Negotiations

In 2026, buyer power amounts to -0.9 in the United States. Buyer power is most positively impacted by Recent Developments. It is most negatively impacted by Market Share Concentration. Subscribers can access details on eight other factors that impact buyer power. Learn more

United States

-0.9

Buyer power forecasts: your glimpse into the future

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  • Methodology and weightings for Buyer Power Score Components

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Supply Chain Risk

The average level of supply chain risk is assessed as Low, which has a positive impact on buyer power. The level of supply chain risk is affected by industry volatility, barriers to entry, competition, import penetration, regulation and industry financial risk. Buyers in this market can mitigate procurement and supply chain management risks by monitoring risk levels for individual first and second tier suppliers:

1st

Tier Suppliers

  • Chemical Wholesalers
  • Computer & Packaged Software Wholesalers
  • Commercial Real Estate Lessors
  • Laboratory Supply Wholesalers

2nd

Tier Suppliers

  • Organic Chemical Manufacturers
  • Inorganic Chemical Manufacturers
  • Computer Manufacturers
  • Commercial Banks
  • Semiconductor & Circuit Manufacturers

Biggest Water Quality Testing Services Suppliers in the US by Revenue

The largest Water Quality Testing Services vendors by revenue in the US are Element Materials Technology Group Limited, Ellis Environmental Management Inc. and Nelson Analytical Lab Inc. Subscribers can sort and filter by market share concentration, profit level and other factors. Learn more

Supplier Operational Size Headquarters Number of Employees Market Share (%) Market Share Performance (3yr trend) Total Revenue ($ million) Profit Level (%) Risk Level
Bureau Veritas S A Global Paris, FR >10,001 5-10
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Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Global Northbrook, IL >10,000 5-10
Element Materials Technology Group Limited Global London, UK 1,001-10,000 5-10
Culligan International Co Global Rosemont, IL 1,001-10,000 5-10
Veolia Environnement Global Aubervilliers, FR >10,001 < 5
SGS AG Global Geneva , CH >10,001 < 5
Eurofins Scientific Global Luxembourg, LU >10,001 < 5
Agilent Technologies, Inc. Global SANTA CLARA, CA >10,000 < 5
Intertek Group Plc Global London, UK >10,001 < 5

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Profit Analysis

The average profit margin across vendors in the Water Quality Testing Services market is 13.2% and steady. Profit levels shift depending on suppliers' spend on wages, purchases and overhead. The highest cost component for vendors is Wages. The cost trend for this component is rising, when considering movement between 2025 and 2026. To understand cost forecasts for 2027 and uncover the implications on profit, start your subscription. Learn more

Vendor & Supply Chain Analysis

On average, vendors in the market have a low level of risk, indicating that buyers are unlikely to face service disruptions due to complications such as a vendor’s financial instability.

The market has a low level of market share concentration, indicating that vendors operate competitively as they attempt to capture greater shares of market revenue. Buyers benefit from price competition as a result.

The market is considered to have a low level of supply chain risk, which eases buyers' concerns about facing service disruptions due to complications or delays in the vendor's upstream supply chain.

The EPA regulates water quality under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and Clean Water Act; however, States are able to enforce their own regulations that at a minimum meet the EPA regulations.

The United States is a net importer of laboratory glassware, which provides buyers with the ability to leverage foreign products in negotiations with suppliers. While buyers have access to competitively priced foreign goods, importing from abroad may also leave buyers with greater exposure to foreign currency exchange risks and overseas supply chain issues.

Supplier Information

Bureau Veritas S A

Bureau Veritas S A is a public company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include nondestructive testing services, industrial design services, industrial hygiene services, air quality monitoring services, water quality testing services. Subscribe to learn more

Culligan International Co

Culligan International Co is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include water quality testing services and drinking water delivery services. Founded in 1936, the company is currently headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois,... Subscribe to learn more

Element Materials Technology Group Limited

Element Materials Technology Group Limited is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include nondestructive testing services, water quality testing services and product testing services. Founded in 2011, the company is currently... Subscribe to learn more

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

UL Solutions Inc. is a private company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include water quality testing services, engineering testing services, quality & safety inspection services and product testing services. Founded in 1894, the company... Subscribe to learn more

Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Agilent Technologies, Inc. is a public company operating globally in the manufacturing and professional, scientific and technical services sectors. The company's offerings include gas detectors, spectrum analyzers and water quality testing services. Founded in 1999, the company is currently headquartered Subscribe to learn more

Ellis Environmental Management Inc.

Ellis Environmental Management Inc. is a private company operating regionally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include water quality testing services. Founded in 1994, the company is currently headquartered in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, United States... Subscribe to learn more

Emsl Analytical Inc.

Emsl Analytical Inc. is a private company operating internationally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include water quality testing services and product testing services. Founded in 1981, the company is currently headquartered in Cinnaminson, New Jersey, Subscribe to learn more

Eurofins Scientific

Eurofins Scientific is a public company operating globally in the professional, scientific & technical services sector. The company's offerings include water quality testing services and product testing services. Founded in 1987, the company is currently headquartered in Luxembourg, Luxembourg with an estimated... Subscribe to learn more

Intertek Group Plc

Intertek Group Plc is a public company operating globally in the mining and professional, scientific & technical services sectors. The company's offerings include nondestructive testing services, air quality monitoring services, carbon management services, water quality testing services, pipeline inspection... Subscribe to learn more

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Procurement Management KPIs for the Water Quality Testing Services Market

Managing vendor performance throughout the contract period is easier when tracking specific key performance indicators (KPIs). For example, buyers should monitor Employee Training Rate and Gross Profit (and %). Buyers may experience better performance throughout their contracts if they establish service level agreements (SLAs) based on Reporting and other factors.

KPI Level of Importance (1-5) Measurements Key Considerations
Employee Training Rate

Length of training for new employees

Rate of retraining for current employees

Buyers should assess the qualifications and expertise of employees handling their testing services by looking at the vendor's training program.

Local and state regulations vary and change on occasion; vendors should be aware of what regulations apply when conducting tests to determine the buyer's regulatory compliance.

Gross Profit (and %)

Total revenue

Operating costs

The gross profit represents the profit after deducting the costs of providing services.

The gross profit can be used to determine the amount of profit resulting from the provision water quality testing services.

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Questions to Ask During Procurement Negotiations

How can I gain leverage during negotiations?

Experience and Expertise

How long has your company been a supplier of water quality testing services?

Who are your top customers?

Competition

Do you provide any incentives to attract clients?

How many of your customers are repeat customers?

Service Performance

How do you ensure the accuracy of your test results?

What is the average margin of error your testing procedures yield?

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Water Quality Testing Services RFP Guidelines

What should my RFP include?

Organizational Overview

Buyers should outline details of their organization, including the number of employees, locations, and organizational structure.

Buyers should provide detailed information about the scope and purpose of the project.

Statement Of Need

Buyers should provide detailed information about the water that is being tested (e.g., drinking water, wastewater, or irrigation).

Buyers should outline the individual tests being requested (e.g., E. coli, lead, and coliform tests).

Project Budget

If one exists, buyers should specify their budget for the services and related products and services.

Buyers should outline the desired payment terms (per test, monthly, yearly).

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  • Supply chain and vendors
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  • Market share concentration
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