This article explains how to select a ZDHC Approved Wastewater Laboratory and submit a testing request in step 3 of the ClearStream workflow.

01/ Introduction

Step 3 — Choose laboratory — opens after you submit your facility profile in Step 2. Select a ZDHC Approved Wastewater Laboratory in the ZDHC Gateway, send a formal testing request, and await confirmation. The laboratory has two weeks to respond. You cannot move to Step 4 until they accept your request.

02/ Before you begin: arrange a quotation first

The laboratory selection step on the ZDHC Gateway is for formalising your choice. It is not a request for a quote. Before you make a selection on the platform, you should:

1. Identify laboratories from the list that operate in your region.
2. Contact laboratories directly using the contact details on the platform. Discuss availability, pricing, and logistics.
3. Agree on terms with your chosen laboratory.
4. Return to the ZDHC Gateway to confirm your selection.

Note: Once you submit a testing request on the platform, it is binding and cannot be cancelled. Ensure your arrangement is confirmed offline before finalising your selection.

03/ Finding a laboratory

1. Open Step 3 — Choose a laboratory in the ClearStream workflow.
2. Browse the list of approved laboratories. Filter by location to find nearby options.
3. Select a laboratory to view its contact details.

04/ Sending a testing request

1. Select the laboratory you want to work with.
2. Click Send request.
3. Read the confirmation message carefully, then confirm the request.

The laboratory is notified when you submit a request. They view your facility profile and the required parameters before accepting.

Note: Only one request may be active at a time; you cannot send requests to multiple laboratories or cancel a sent request, so choose carefully.

05/ Waiting for a response

Once the request is sent, the laboratory has two weeks to respond. During this time, you cannot proceed to Step 4. The request status is visible in Step 3.

• If the laboratory accepts, Step 4 unlocks, and you can proceed to the reporting fee.
• If the laboratory declines, we will notify you of the reason. You can then choose another laboratory and send a new request.
• If the laboratory does not respond within 2 weeks, the request will be declined, and you may select another laboratory.

06/ If you cannot find a suitable laboratory

If no listed laboratory operates in your region, contact ZDHC customer support. They can advise on other approved laboratories and assist with your options.

Tip: A laboratory does not need to be in your country to test at your facility. Many ZDHC Approved laboratories work internationally. If you don't find one nearby, search more broadly or contact support.

07/ Notifications summary for this step

08/ Tips & Notes

Tips:

• You can view each laboratory's contact details before sending a request. Use these to make initial contact and agree on terms before submitting the formal request on the platform.
• If a laboratory declines, there is no penalty for selecting another one. The decline is recorded in your activity log for reference.
• Each testing cycle has its own laboratory selection. When you start a new cycle later in the year, you can choose the same laboratory again or select a different one. You are not locked into the same laboratory from one cycle to the next.

Note: Once a laboratory accepts your request, the project is binding. You cannot restart or change the laboratory until the current testing cycle is complete. See Restarting the ClearStream journey for full details.