With stricter environmental regulations and mounting pressure to protect aquatic life, accurate wastewater monitoring has become a priority for both municipalities and industries. Hach, a global leader in water analysis, is helping South African sectors meet these demands with innovative testing solutions and trusted local support.

COD testing measures chemical oxygen demand, which is the amount of oxygen required to chemically break down organic and inorganic matter in water. It shows how much pollution (especially organic waste) is present in wastewater.

“COD has traditionally been a critical parameter in municipal water and wastewater treatment, but it is now attracting greater focus from industrial treatment plants,” says Kagiso Ramoadi, regional sales manager at Hach. He notes that nitrates, ammonia, pH, conductivity, and turbidity are also essential indicators for effluent monitoring.

To meet these needs, Hach provides a full spectrum of testing options. Portable meters allow technicians to measure parameters like ammonia and nitrates in the field, while bench-top equipment is geared toward laboratories conducting accredited analyses. For larger facilities such as municipal plants and production sites, online monitoring systems enable continuous oversight before effluent is discharged. Traditional test kits remain an option for cost-sensitive users.

“While they may not offer the same level of precision as advanced bench-top instruments or continuous online analysers, test kits serve as an important first line of monitoring, giving operators a rapid indication of water quality,” states Ramoadi.

A history in wastewater testing

“Hach has been a pioneer in accurate COD testing. We have decades of experience in testing effluent. And that knowledge translates into reliable, tailored solutions for every sector. Our global footprint ensures access to expertise across regions. Our brand is trusted because we don’t just sell equipment – we provide ongoing support,” he adds.

That support extends from Hach’s South African office in North Riding, which has operated for more than 30 years. The facility includes a technical workshop to repair and refurbish instruments, backed by a network of channel partners across the country and neighbouring states. Clients benefit from free training, regular webinars, and the guidance of sales engineers who ensure that equipment specifications match real-world needs. “Our clients have technical backup from the moment they enquire about a product to decades after the sale is concluded and they are looking to upgrade,” states Ramoadi.

“Water is something that affects us every day, and Hach is playing a pivotal role in protecting the quality and quantity of water. We are a well-known, well respected brand that is dedicated to making water analysis better – faster, simpler, greener and more informative – so you get it right the first time, every time,” concludes Ramoadi.