PVK opens new water quality laboratories in Podolí

Pražské vodovody a kanalizace (PVK) has launched new, modern laboratories at the Podolí water treatment plant to monitor the quality of the drinking water supply for the entire Prague network. The facility, which replaced previous operations in Vinohrady, utilizes advanced technologies including PCR methods for the rapid detection of bacteria and viruses, reducing testing times from days to hours.

The laboratories employ artificial intelligence and machine learning to assist in data evaluation, such as automating the counting of microbiological colonies and conducting sensory tests for taste and odor. Additionally, rainbow trout are used as biological indicators to detect even minor water contamination.

Approximately 100 staff members operate the laboratories, which process over 50,000 samples and perform nearly 800,000 analyses annually. The facility monitors hundreds of indicators, ranging from chemical compounds to microbiological safety, across Prague’s extensive distribution network.