Water Lab Proposal UPDATEDWater Lab Remodel and Operations Summary
Remodeling and Equipment Costs
Laboratory and office upgrades are projected to cost $71,277.73, including:
• Cabinets (Office): $16,127.02
• Countertops (Office): $10,954.59
• Cabinets (Water Lab): $20,061.72
• Countertops (Water Lab): $13,634.40
• Equipment: $8,500
• Plumbing (Facilities): $2,000
Operational Challenges
Staffing shortages and reliance on non-specialized staff have led to inefficiencies and testing
errors. Key issues include:
• No dedicated technician; duties covered by existing staff at higher cost
• Errors due to staff unfamiliarity and expected new-hire learning curve
• Limited qualified applicants
• RAW samples take a significant portion of lab time for a limited number of samples
• East end sample pick-up consumes three hours for a single task
Testing demand has declined by over 38% since September 2024, reducing revenue and
increasing reliance on county general fund support.
Competitiveness and Cost Comparison
Lewis County’s testing fees are among the highest in Western Washington, limiting
competitiveness against nearby county and private laboratories. The attached comparison shows
lower-cost options through Thurston County, ALS, Vanguard, and Water Management Labs.
Conclusion
The combination of high remodel costs, declining demand, and operational inefficiencies will
place additional strain on the county budget. Leadership will have to consider approval of
additional general funds for the waterlab to remain operational.