Water is the most widely used reagent in any food and beverage laboratory, yet its quality is often taken for granted. From microbiological media preparation to high-sensitivity instrumental analysis, the purity of the water used can have a direct and decisive impact on the accuracy, reproducibility, and reliability of results. Impurities that go unnoticed can compromise analyses and lead to costly errors or repeated testing. This presentation highlights the critical role of laboratory water quality in food and beverage testing and explains how to match the right water purity to each application.

We will review the different water grades and the contaminants that matter most, and discuss how consistent, fit-for-purpose water supports dependable results while meeting recognized quality standards. Topics covered include: Why water quality matters as a laboratory reagent Water purity grades (Type I, II, and III) and relevant standards Key contaminants and their impact on F&B analyses Matching water quality to applications: microbiology, HPLC, spectroscopy, and media preparation

In the pharmaceutical laboratory, water is one of the most frequently used reagents, and one of the most tightly regulated. Because even trace impurities can affect analytical results, the quality of laboratory water has a direct impact on the accuracy, reproducibility, and integrity of the data on which product quality and patient safety ultimately depend. Ensuring the right water purity is therefore not only a matter of good science, but also of regulatory compliance. This presentation examines the critical role of water quality in pharmaceutical analysis and how to ensure it consistently meets both application and regulatory requirements.

We will review the relevant water purity grades and pharmacopoeia expectations, the contaminants that most affect sensitive analyses, and how a reliable, fit-for-purpose water supply supports compliance, data integrity, and dependable results across the laboratory. Topics covered include: Why water quality is critical in the pharmaceutical laboratory Water purity grades and pharmacopoeia requirements (USP, Ph. Eur.) Key contaminants and their impact on sensitive analyses (e.g., HPLC, TOC, microbiology) Ensuring consistent purity for compliance, data integrity, and reliable results