From 1 November 2025, all ZDHC Approved Laboratories (under Wastewater and sludge Guidelines V1 (previously Wastewater Guidelines V2.2)) will be authorised to conduct wastewater testing for MMCF facilities as per ZDHC MMCF Guidelines V3.0.

The Wastewater Guidelines Laboratory Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) V3.0 shall apply for all sampling until October 2026. With the entry into force of the ZDHC Wastewater and Sludge Guidelines V2 in October 2026, the new version of SAP will also become applicable for MMCF facilities.

Key Updates for Laboratories

Laboratories conducting wastewater testing for MMCF facilities should take note of the following updates:

1. Sampling at the untreated discharge point is no longer required, as there is no ZDHC MRSL parameter applicable for MMCF facilities.

2. Persistent foam has been added as a mandatory on-site sampled parameter, in addition to temperature, difference, and pH.

3. Temperature difference (ΔT) remains the preferred parameter for direct discharge facilities. If the ΔT measurement is not possible, the absolute temperature of the discharge must be measured and reported instead.

4. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) discharge destination — whether the effluent is released to the sea or to other water bodies — must be clearly specified and reported by the sampler or laboratory. This confirmation should be made during sampling, as different limits apply depending on the discharge destination.

5. For indirect discharge facilities, only five (5) heavy metals (copper, lead, nickel, zinc, and total chromium) should be sampled and reported as specified in the guidelines.

6. Sludge sampling and testing apply to the following facility types:

   • Direct discharge

   • Indirect discharge with pre-treatment with sludge

   • Zero liquid discharge (ZLD)