The Bishop Paiute Tribal Environmental Laboratory (BPTEL) was established in 1999 to provide bacteria (total coliform and E. Coli) analyses by the Colilert© method. We currently analyze domestic water samples from tribal utility organizations for compliance with federal regulations and ambient water samples for recreational purposes.

BPTEL first received EPA Certification to analyze drinking water for total coliform and E. coli in August 29, 2006. Regular on-site evaluations are conducted for the purpose of renewing certification for analyzing drinking water samples under the U.S. EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Program.  The laboratory's current certification is good through March 2, 2019.

BPTEL also processes aquatic insect samples collected annually from surface waters. These samples are commonly referred to as benthic macroinvertebrates. The Water Quality Control Program has been collecting these samples since 2001. With these data we can determine the species diversity as an index of the health of our streams.

The Environmental Management Office has employed high school biology interns since 2000. One of the main responsibilities of our interns has been to aid in the processing of the benthic macroinvertebrate samples since we first began collecting them.

If you know someone who may be interested in participating in the Bishop Paiute Tribe Environmental Management Office High School Biology Intern Program, call or email the Water Quality Coordinator for more information.