This article explains how to enter and submit test results during the Reporting stage of a ClearStream project, including how the validation system works, how to confirm and lock results, and what you can see after submission.

01/ Introduction

Test results are entered directly on the ZDHC Gateway, parameter by parameter, with real-time validation feedback for each value as it is entered. A file upload option (CSV) is available.

Once you have confirmed the start of testing, the project card moves to the Reporting column on the My Projects board. At this stage, you enter the measured values for every required parameter directly on the platform. The platform validates each value as you enter it and shows you the outcome immediately — before you submit. This is the most time-intensive stage for the laboratory. Projects can have more than 250 individual parameters, and every parameter requires both a test method and a measured value before submission is possible.

Tip: You can download the full parameter list as a CSV file from the Reporting stage side panel at any time. This is useful for reviewing what needs to be reported before you begin entering values.

02/ Steps — entering test results

1. Open the My Projects board in the ClearStream module.
2. Locate the project card in the Reporting column and click it to open the side panel.
3. Select Directly on platform as the data upload type.
4. The parameter entry screen opens, showing all required parameter groups for this project. The groups are based on the supplier's facility profile.

03/ Navigating the parameter list

The parameter list is organised in expandable sections. There are typically three top-level groups:

• Effluent wastewater
• Untreated wastewater
• Sludge

Only the groups that apply to this supplier's facility profile are shown. Click a group to expand it. Inside each group, you will see sub-groups — for example, ZDHC Conventional Parameters, ZDHC MRSL Parameters, ZDHC Anions, or Heavy Metals. Each subgroup shows the count of parameters it contains and must be expanded individually to enter values.

04/ Entering values for each parameter

For each parameter row, you must complete the following fields:

• Category and substance name — shown as read-only reference information, along with the CAS number.
• Test method — select the method used from the dropdown.
• Detected value — enter the measured result. The unit of measure is shown automatically and cannot be changed.
• Non-detectable checkbox — if the substance could not be detected, tick this box instead of entering a value. The detected value field is disabled, the value is set to zero, and the validation column shows ND (not detected). For non-detectable results, the highest applicable scoring level is awarded.

The validation column updates immediately as you enter each value.

05/ Scoring and informational parameters

Below the non-detectable checkbox, the platform displays two pieces of information for each parameter:

• Scoring applicable / Informational only — indicates whether this parameter contributes to the supplier's overall ClearStream score. Informational-only parameters still need to be reported, but do not affect the final outcome.
• Range — for parameters where scoring applies, this shows the threshold the value must meet to achieve at least a foundational result, and how many scoring levels exist.

06/ Common issues and what to do

Parameter shows ? (pending)
Both the test method and the detected value must be entered. Complete both fields.

Parameter shows Invalid
Check that the detected value is entered as a number only — no units (the unit is shown separately). If the problem persists, contact ZDHC customer support.

A parameter group is missing
Parameter groups are derived from the supplier's facility profile. If you believe a group or parameter is missing, do not proceed. Contact ZDHC customer support before submitting.

A result looks unexpectedly high or low
Check the unit shown next to the detected value field. Units are pre-set based on the guideline and cannot be changed. Ensure you are entering the value in the correct unit.

07/ Reviewing and submitting results

Once all parameters have a valid entry, the Review and submit all button becomes active in the bottom right of the page.

1. Click Review and submit all.
2. A summary page opens showing the supplier details, all parameter groups, the number of completed parameters per group, and an explanation of what will happen when you confirm.
3. Review the summary carefully. The page includes a clear warning: results will be permanently locked once submitted and cannot be edited.
4. If any parameters are still incomplete, the platform shows an error and submission is blocked. Return to the parameter entry screen and resolve all outstanding entries before trying again.
5. When all entries are complete, click Confirm and lock results.

The results are sent to the supplier for review. The supplier is notified immediately that results are available. The project card moves from the Reporting column to Pending supplier review.

Note: This action is irreversible. Once you confirm and lock results, the data cannot be changed. If the supplier identifies an error and sends the results back to you for correction, the project card returns to the Reporting column, and you can update and resubmit. However, you cannot initiate a correction yourself after locking.

08/ What you see after submission

After locking and submitting, the Reporting stage side panel switches to a read-only view. This view shows a table with the following columns:

• Category — the parameter group.
• Substance — the parameter name.
• Test method — the method you selected.
• Detected value — the value you reported.
• Limit value — the highest acceptable limit under the applicable ZDHC guidelines. Where multiple limit values exist, the most tolerant value is shown.
• Result status — the validation outcome for this parameter

Filters are available to narrow the view by parameter group, test method, and result status. A CSV export is also available on this read-only view.

The page confirms clearly that the results are locked and cannot be edited.

09/ What happens next

Once results are submitted, the project card sits in Pending supplier review. The supplier has 14 days to accept or send back for correction.

• If the supplier accepts, or if the 14-day period expires without a response, the project moves to the Accepted column and the ClearStream Report is generated.
• If the supplier sends results back for correction, the project card returns to the Reporting column. You can update the relevant entries and resubmit.
• If the supplier declines entirely, the project moves to the Completed column. The project is closed, and no ClearStream Report is generated.

The laboratory is notified when the supplier makes a decision.

10/ Tips & Notes

Tips: 

• Work through one parameter group at a time and expand sub-groups one by one. With potentially hundreds of parameters to enter, a structured approach reduces the risk of missing entries.
• Use the CSV export at the start of the Reporting stage to prepare your values offline before entering them on the platform. This can significantly reduce data entry time.