About Us
Science-Backed Water Testing
Our History and Expertise
ISO 9001:2015 Certified – Quality You Can Trust in Water Testing
At The Water Professor, we are proud to be certified to ISO 9001:2015, the international standard for quality management systems. This certification demonstrates our commitment to accuracy, reliability, and continuous improvement in water testing. For our customers, it means confidence that every test is carried out to the highest standards of quality and traceability – essential when identifying contaminants and ensuring safe, compliant drinking water.
OUR STORY
At The Water Professor, we believe that clean, safe drinking water is fundamental to good health. Hydration is essential, yet many people turn to bottled water due to concerns about tap water quality. However, bottled water isn't always the best solution—it generates plastic waste, contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through production and transportation, and in many cases, isn't any purer than tap water.
Our mission was born out of a desire to provide people with confidence in their tap water, allowing them to make informed choices while reducing environmental impact. We founded The Water Professor in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown, bringing together a team of passionate scientists with deep expertise in microbiology, chemistry, and nuclear physics.
Our co-founder, Chris, holds a PhD in Molecular Microbiology, while Giles, our Chief Science Officer, is an analytical chemist with a PhD in Nuclear Physics. Our CEO, Kieran, is a professor of Nuclear Physics, and in 2022, we welcomed Sam, our first full-time employee, whose physics background and dedication make him the lifeblood of our company. Together, we set out to make high-quality laboratory water testing accessible to every home and business in the UK.
From the beginning, scientific accuracy and convenience were at the heart of our approach. Our first challenge was to ensure that our tests met the highest standards of precision. We started by developing laboratory tests for heavy metals using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)—a gold-standard technique for detecting contaminants at incredibly low levels. As we grew, we expanded our testing capabilities to include anions, physical parameters like pH and conductivity, and, in 2023, an ISO 17025 accredited bacteria test. In 2025, we also achieved ISO 9001 certification from UKAS, reinforcing our commitment to quality management and consistently reliable results.
Beyond science, we wanted to make testing as simple as possible. We knew that missed deliveries could be frustrating, so we designed our sampling kits to fit through a standard letterbox—ensuring convenience without compromise. As we gained traction, we formed partnerships with organizations such as Novello Surveyors, who offer our water testing kits as part of their property surveys.
For home buyers, knowing whether their pipes contain lead can be a crucial factor in negotiations. Our reputation has grown steadily, and our expertise has been recognized in the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Financial Times, and The Daily Mirror. But for us, this is just the beginning. The demand for independent, science-backed water testing continues to rise, and we are committed to expanding our services.
We are currently developing tests for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—an emerging class of contaminants with potential health risks. At The Water Professor, we don’t just provide water testing—we educate and empower. Through our reports, blogs, and ongoing research, we help people understand the health impacts of contaminated water. Our goal is to become the UK's most trusted independent water testing company, giving individuals and businesses the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their water.