CA ELAP-Accredited Laboratory · San Diego, California
Water Microbiology Lab Specializing in Digital PCR Testing
Defensible, quantitative data on fecal sources, pathogens, coliphage and eDNA for water utilities, stormwater programs, regulators, consultants and researchers.
Water and Environmental Testing Services
One lab for the microbial questions water programs need answered, all quantified by digital PCR or EPA culture methods.

Microbial Source Tracking
Identifying the origin of fecal contamination in water bodies and stormwater conveyance systems. Human-associated markers including the HF183 assay (US EPA Method 1696), plus animal-source assays for cow (CowM2/CowM3), dog (DG3/DG37), avian (GFD), pig (Pig2Bac), ruminant (Rum2Bac), and customized panels. Combined with our pioneering CSI-MST method to pinpoint compromised sewer infrastructure.
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Microbial and Pathogen Quantification
Sensitive, absolute quantification of pathogens by digital PCR. Targets include norovirus GI, norovirus GII, adenovirus, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Campylobacter, Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Legionella pneumophila, and respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, and RSV.
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Water Reuse Microbiology
Pathogen and indicator monitoring for direct and indirect potable reuse. Log reduction value (LRV) verification, surrogate analysis, and compliance support for California Title 22 and federal recycled water frameworks.
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ENVIRONMENTAL DNA QUANTIFICATION
Species-level eDNA detection and quantification by digital PCR. Endangered species monitoring, invasive species surveillance, and biodiversity assessment.
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Regulatory & Compliance Testing
H2O Molecular also performs culture-based coliphage analysis, both somatic and male-specific (F+) coliphages, per US EPA Methods 1601, 1602, 1642, and 1643, supporting Groundwater Rule, LT2, and recycled water compliance monitoring.
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We accept samples from across the water cycle.

Drinking Water

Wastewater

Stormwater

Recycled Water

Surface Water

Ground Water

Marine and Coastal

Sediment

Source Water

Treated Effluent
Available Assays and Panels
Our laboratory offers a wide range of validated assays and panels, including but not limited to:
Microbial Source Tracking
- Human-associated fecal assays (HF183, HumM2, PMMoV, crAssphage, and others)
- Animal-source fecal assays (cow, dog, ruminant, avian, pig, and others)
- US EPA-patented MST assays
- Viral tracer panel
Pathogen Detection
- Respiratory pathogen panel (SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, RSV)
- Enteric pathogen panel (norovirus GI, norovirus GII, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. coli O157:H7, and others)
- Vibrio pathogen panel (V. cholerae, V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, and others)
- Oyster enteric pathogen panel (norovirus, hepatitis A, and others)
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) panels
eDNA
- Endangered species eDNA assays
- Invasive species eDNA assays
Speciality
- Wastewater Biopsies (WWBx)
- Environmental gene expression