This article explains two ways to report ClearStream test results on the ZDHC Gateway: entering results directly on the platform or uploading them via a CSV file. It helps laboratory users who report wastewater test results for a supplier.

01/ Quick Answer

You can report test results in two ways from the reporting screen. You can enter each result directly in the ZDHC Gateway, or download the parameters CSV file, fill it in, and upload it. For each parameter you are reporting, the CSV file needs the test ID, a test method (or "Other" plus the method name), the reported value, and a TRUE or FALSE value for non-detected. After the upload, the ZDHC Gateway shows which rows were applied and which fields were rejected, so you can correct those directly on the platform before you review and submit.

02/ Overview

ClearStream reports test results per parameter on the cycle's reporting screen. For each parameter, you enter the test method, the detected value, and whether the result is a non-detect.

Entering results on the platform works well for a small number of parameters. For a large number of parameters, the CSV upload is usually faster. Both options save to the same place, so you can combine them: upload a CSV file first, then correct or complete individual results on the platform.

03/ Prerequisites

• The supplier has started the ClearStream cycle, selected your laboratory, and authorised your laboratory to submit data for the supplier.
• You have the test results for the cycle, including the test method used for each parameter.
• For the CSV upload: software to edit a CSV file, such as a text editor, Excel, or another spreadsheet programme.

04/ Steps

Option 1: Enter results directly on the ZDHC Gateway

1. Open the cycle and go to the reporting screen.

   

   

2. Select the test method for the parameter from the dropdown.

   

3. Select Other in the dropdown if the method you used is not in the list, and enter the name of the method in the text field.
4. Enter the detected value.
5. Tick the non-detected checkbox if the result is a non-detect.
6. Repeat these steps for the other parameters. Each entry saves immediately, so you can leave the page and return later.

Note: For sludge heavy metals, the ZDHC Gateway only displays leachate reporting fields when the sludge result is above the applicable threshold. If leachate testing is not required, no leachate result should be entered.

Option 2: Upload results with a CSV file

Part A: Download and fill in the template

1. Open the cycle and go to the reporting screen.

2. Click Download parameters CSV. The ZDHC Gateway downloads a CSV file with one row for every parameter in the cycle. Results you have already entered on the platform are included in the file.

   

3. Open the CSV file in the software of your choice.
4. Check the available_methods column for each row. This column lists all allowed test methods for that parameter.
5. Copy the method you used from available_methods and paste it into the method column. The method must exactly match one of the values in available_methods for that row.
6. Enter Other in the method column if the method you used is not in the list and Other is listed in available_methods. Then enter the name of the method you used in the other_test_method column.
7. Enter the measured result in the reported_value column.
8. For a parameter that was tested but not detected, set non_detected to TRUE and enter 0 in reported_value. For detected results, leave non_detected as FALSE. Do not use non_detected for tests not performed.
9. Save the file as a CSV file. Keep the same delimiter as the downloaded file.

You can find more information on how to work with CSV files in our Knowledge Base.

Leachate results for sludge heavy metals

Leachate testing is required only when a sludge heavy metal result is above its applicable threshold.

The CSV template includes leachate rows for all sludge heavy metals, even when leachate testing isn't required. Check the threshold column for the corresponding sludge heavy metal result:

• If the sludge result is above the threshold, complete the related leachate row with the test method and result.
• If the sludge result is at or below the threshold, or the sludge result is non-detected, leave the related leachate row empty.
• Do not enter non-detected for a leachate test that was not performed.

The ZDHC Gateway has no separate Leachate section. When a sludge heavy metal result requires leachate analysis, the leachate fields appear directly underneath that metal in the sludge section.

Part B: Upload the file

1. Go back to the reporting screen and open the file upload option.
2. Check the upload requirements shown on the screen. Click the column details link to see what each column means. Columns marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.
3. Select your CSV file. The ZDHC Gateway runs a first check on the file.

4. Click Upload. The ZDHC Gateway processes the file. This can take a moment.

   

5. Read the upload summary. The summary shows how many rows were in the file, how many were applied, how many are left for manual entry, and how many rows were saved with rejected fields.

   

6. Open the rows saved with rejected fields to see why each field was rejected (for example, an incorrect test method or an incorrect reported value).

Correct, review, and submit

1. Go to each parameter with a rejected or missing field on the reporting screen. For example, a parameter with a rejected test method shows no test method.
2. Correct the field directly on the platform. The correction is saved immediately.
3. Click Review to see the status of all parameters.
4. Click Submit when all parameters are complete.

05/ Upload requirements

• File type: CSV only.
• Delimiter: comma ( , ), semicolon ( ; ) or pipe ( | ).
• Content: at least one row with data. An empty file is not accepted.
• Mandatory columns: marked with an asterisk (*) in the table below.

Column details

Example rows

The example below shows three rows from a filled-in file (only the columns you fill in are shown).

Row 1 is a detected result. Row 2 is a non-detect with a listed method. Row 3 is a non-detect with a method that is not in available_methods.

06/ Tips & Notes

Tips: 

• You can click Download parameters CSV again at any time. The new file contains everything entered so far, including corrections you made on the platform. You can continue working in that file and upload it again.
• Test the upload with a few rows first. Check the upload summary, then complete the rest of the file.

Notes:

• Excel can change a CSV file when you open it. CAS numbers such as 85-01-8 can be converted into dates, and special characters such as µ can be replaced when the file is saved in the wrong encoding. To avoid this, import the file in Excel via Data > From Text/CSV, set all columns to Text, and save the file as CSV UTF-8. You can also edit the file in a plain text editor.
• An invalid test method or value does not stop the upload. The rest of the file is applied, and the upload summary lists the rejected field so you can correct it on the platform.