Environmental Testing

CA Snowpack Packs a Punch

California’s snowpack is now over 136% and rising, with more snow expected this weekend. Is it enough to defeat the drought?

Who Suffers from a Shutdown?

Who suffers from a shutdown? Our businesses and economy certainly suffer, putting strain on the average American’s earnings. But a shutdown doesn’t just harm our pockets—it harms our health and communities.

The Future Looks Bright: SISTERS Visit Babcock Labs

This month Babcock Labs hosted local middle school students who toured our facilities and learned about environmental testing careers. These future scientists and engineers are part of the Success in Science & Technology: Engagement with Role-models (SISTERS) program.

Year in Review: Key Issues of 2018

As we prepare to welcome 2019, I find it important to reflect on some of the key industry issues of 2018 as they provide a prelude to the focal-points and challenges our industry is sure to experience in the New Year.

When the Smoke Clears: Aftereffects of Wildfires on Communities’ Water Quality

It is impossible to overstate the tragedy of the Camp and Woolsey fires. The road to recovery will be a long, expensive, and painful one and, unfortunately, rebuilding is only the first of many costs. In addition to the obvious aftermath of a wildfire, there is a subtle yet salient issue these communities will now face: tainted water quality.

It’s Not the Lettuce, It’s the Water: Romaine Recall Sheds Light on Ag Water Quality

Thanksgiving this year was salad-less, thanks to a nation-wide romaine lettuce recall on November 20th. And while many Americans were probably more than happy to have more room on their plates for stuffing and gravy, the E. coli outbreak that prompted the recall was rather dire. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) called on consumers to throw away all romaine lettuce following 32 confirmed cases of E. coli bacteria poisoning in 11 U.S. states and Canada.

Recall attention focused on the produce itself, but throwing the lettuce away was merely a temporary solution to our seemingly ever-present food safety issues. If we wish to prevent foodborne illnesses, the real culprit that must be dealt with is deficient agricultural water quality.