On October 10, 1963, the Board of Control of the Water Environment Federation (then Water Pollution Control Federation) authorized preparation of a publication focusing on analytical procedures of special interest to operators. The initial report was published as Simplified Laboratory Procedures for Wastewater Examination in 1968, with reprinting and minor corrections in 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972. The second edition was published in 1976. The third edition was published in 1985.

Under the direction of the Technical Practice Committee, a review was conducted of the 1985 edition and it was determined that an update was needed to the existing text. A small group of members was convened to provide changes to the third edition to prepare this 4th edition, which is now titled Basic Laboratory Procedures for Wastewater Examination and includes updated material in accordance with the 18th edition of Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, expanded calculations, and revised material reflecting changes in technical practice since publication of the last edition.

Basic Laboratory Procedures for Wastewater Examination is intended to satisfy a special need for operating personnel but not to replace or contradict the contents of Standard Methods. The procedures are simplified to some extent because not all operating personnel will be conducting research-oriented work that requires comprehensive knowledge of chemistry, biology, bacteriology, or other disciplines represented in Standard Methods. Basic Laboratory Procedures for Wastewater Examination is intended as a tool for process control; consequently, the procedures may not be acceptable for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System reporting. Standard Methods is recommended for those who need further background or a more complete understanding of the subject matter.