New Drinking Water Compliance Laboratory

Project Overview

Our new Drinking Water Compliance Laboratory is now open! This state-of-the-art facility will enhance water quality testing and ensure continued excellence in drinking water for over 650,000 residents across Raleigh, Garner, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon. 

Media Resources

• Press release: Download here
• High-resolution images: Image bank download

Project Background

This new water lab is nearly 10 years in the making. In March 2016, a laboratory study evaluated aging infrastructure E.M. Johnson Water Treatment Plant and the Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility laboratories. While the Neuse River facility was renovated, it was determined that this new lab was needed to replace E.M. Johnson to meet growing needs.

About the New Laboratory

• Size: 15,000 square feet 
• Purpose: expanding testing capabilities, office space, and storage for enhanced water quality monitoring 
• Designed by: LS3P Architects 
• Location: Built on existing City property in Wake County, at 10700 Star Road 

Why it Matters

• Ensures compliance with drinking water regulations 
• Expands capacity to support future regional growth 
• Strengthens Raleigh Water’s ability to provide safe, high-quality drinking water 
• Advances scientific research and water quality testing 

About Raleigh Water

Raleigh Water provides safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 650,000 people in Raleigh and six merger communities, including: Garner, Wake Forest, Rolesville, Knightdale, Wendell, and Zebulon. The award-winning department is committed to protecting public health and the environment through responsible water management practices. It’s a constant, quiet effort, a little bit of everyday magic that makes life in this region just a little bit better.