District lab named “Wisconsin DNR Laboratory of the Year”

Laboratory Accreditation Program recognizes one Wisconsin laboratory each year for its outstanding commitment to producing high-quality data.

Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District and its team of chemists have received the Laboratory of the Year award from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). This award recognizes one Wisconsin lab each year for its commitment to producing high-quality data and maintaining a culture of continuous environmental improvement.

Reliable lab data support the District’s work to protect public health, meet regulatory requirements and safeguard local waterways. The lab team was recognized for its technical proficiency, strong quality systems, and proactive problem-solving.

“Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District distinguishes itself through a combination of a well-structured quality system, a highly motivated and knowledgeable team, and a strong drive for success,” said Matthew Stowe, WDNR Laboratory Auditor. “The laboratory conducts a significant amount of community outreach and leads several programs focused on building trust within the community, which was just a couple of the things that inspired their nomination for this award.”

Excellence in environmental science

The District lab was selected for its ability to meet and exceed the gold standard for wastewater analysis and highlights the team’s:

• Proactive innovation: Developing creative solutions to common obstacles and proactively avoiding systemic issues.
• Continuous improvement: Using a corrective action model that results in quality system refinement.
• Technical mentorship: Conducting comprehensive training for new staff and supporting youth apprentices.
• Transparent communication: Maintaining a strong, collaborative relationship with department staff to help ensure regulatory compliance and public safety.

“This recognition validates the precision and dedication our lab team carries,” said Martin Griffin, Ecosystem Services Manager. “The data they produce doesn’t just support compliance, it drives District decisions that protect our water sources, local ecosystems, and the people who live near them.”

Key achievements leading to the award

District chemists manage thousands of samples annually, though much of their work happens behind the scenes. In 2025, the team conducted over 60,656 analyses on 12,778 samples. Their efforts ensure that treated water returned to local streams meets or exceeds strict environmental standards. In addition, the District lab also contributes to several community health and ecological initiatives, including:

• Wastewater surveillance: Participating in statewide and national wastewater surveillance programs for COVID-19, influenza, respiratory illnesses and measles to provide early warning signals for health officials and the public.
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sampling: Leading sampling and monitoring for PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” to help protect water systems.
• Ecosystem health: Conducting voluntary fish surveys, macroinvertebrate sampling and stream monitoring to track the biological health of the Yahara Watershed.
• Community support: Managing the Home Well Sampling Program and supporting public outreach to educate residents on water quality.

“Being named Lab of the Year is an incredible honor and reflects our team’s hard work and expertise,” said Mary Powers, Lab Supervisor. “Their attention to detail, commitment to quality, and pride in their work are what make our lab exceptional.”

For a list of past winners, visit the WDNR website.