About Us
Analysis. Optimisation. Solutions.
The Research Lab is an independent, Eltham-based water quality specialist providing expert analysis and practical optimisation solutions to help industry and authorities deliver safe, sustainable, and compliant water.
At The Research Lab (Research Laboratory Services, RLS), we offer practical, evidence-based solutions in water treatment and analysis — right from our base in Eltham. Since 2002, we’ve been helping authorities and industry meet and exceed water quality expectations, with a focus on both scientific rigour and hands-on operational know-how.
“We embarked on a project to address a client's challenge of treating a water treatment waste stream to meet EPA limits. The stream contained complex components, necessitating extensive testing for a solution. Engaging Peta proved invaluable; her expertise in conducting tests and collaborative approach facilitated a six-month trial of various technologies. Throughout, Peta demonstrated exceptional technical acumen, provided insightful advice, and swiftly analyzed results. She readily accommodated changes to the testing process, showcasing flexibility. Our joint efforts culminated in a partial implementation of a solution for the client, constrained only by capital costs.”
Pamela, Ixom
Our Valued Clients
Serving Industry Leaders
What Sets Us Apart
Locally owned,
globally grounded
We bring international best practices to local water challenges.
Hands-on experience
Not just lab scientists: we understand what happens on the plant floor, from pilot systems to full-scale operations.
Comprehensive capability
Whether it’s routine water chemistry, microbiology, algae, Cryptosporidium, or advanced organic carbon analysis, we have the tools and expertise.
Data-driven optimisation
We don’t just generate results; we interpret them to help you improve processes, save costs, and meet regulatory and environmental goals.
Industry Expertise
20 years of water treatment advice to water authorities and industry
Certified Specialist
Trusted by leading industries and water authorities to offer practical solutions
Our Story
Founded by Peta Thiel, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Griffith University, Research Laboratory Services was born out of a deep commitment to meaningful, applied science.
Peta’s early career included four years as Process Chemist at the Landers Shute Water Treatment Plant, where she gained expertise in all facets of potable water treatment: from monitoring and optimisation, to both chemical and microbiological sample testing, through to pilot plant operations.
Over time, Peta’s experience expanded into catchment management, algae identification, Cryptosporidium method development, and advanced organic carbon testing techniques. Her international training in methods such as the Joret method for Biodegradable Dissolved Organic Carbon (BDOC) and the van der Kooij method for Assimilable Organic Carbon (AOC) helps ensure our offering is globally informed.
What We Value
We believe everyone deserves access to clean, safe water.
That’s why we:
-
Stay at the forefront of scientific methods and industry best practices.
-
Provide clear, actionable advice—not just data.
-
Maintain the highest standards of certification and professionalism.
-
Keep client needs, environmental stewardship, and sustainable outcomes at the centre of everything we do.
Admin and Client Support Officer
Ayla
Ayla is the first point of contact for our clients and plays a central role in keeping our lab running smoothly. From managing sample logistics to coordinating communications and reporting workflows, Ayla ensures everything is on track and on time. She brings exceptional organisational skills, a warm client-facing presence, and a strong commitment to supporting both our team and the organisations we work with.
Meet The Team
Led by Peta, our team is a small group of specialists deeply committed to water quality and operational excellence. We collaborate closely, drawing on our combined experience at sites across Victoria, Australia—and abroad—to deliver insights that are technically sound and practically useful.
RLS ensures that it can meet the evolving demands of the water treatment industries and assist our clients to meet their water quality objectives by drawing on both national and international experience.
Founder
Peta Thiel
Peta has a keen interest in all water treatment plants and with great enthusiasm has visited plants all around the world, in addition to attending conferences to make sure RLS remains at the forefront of world’s best practices in both plant operation and laboratory techniques.
Peta is the only practising scientist in Australia that has been to Paris to be trained in the Joret method of Biodegradable Dissolved Organic Carbon (BDOC) analysis. She is also the only person who has been trained in Amsterdam in the van der Kooj method of Assimilable Organic Carbon (AOC) analysis.
Laboratory Analyst
Chloe
Chloe supports our laboratory operations through precise sample preparation, analytical testing, and method execution across a range of water treatment media and applications. She is responsible for delivering accurate, reliable data that underpins our consulting and reporting work.
With a keen eye for detail and a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, Chloe is developing her expertise in filtration media assessment, microbiological techniques, and organics profiling. She is passionate about continuous learning and plays a key role in maintaining our high-quality testing standards.