For more than 100 years, LaMotte has advanced the science of water testing with reliable tools, responsive support, and practical solutions trusted across industries. Every product reflects a legacy of expertise backed by ongoing research, customer focus, and a deep commitment to global water quality.
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Years of Innovation
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Countries Served
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Tests Performed Daily
LaMotte Company Founded in October 1919
Over 100 years ago, our visionary founder Frank L. LaMotte left DuPont to realize his vision for on-site water testing.
In Baltimore, Maryland, Frank founded the first U.S. company to design and produce portable water analysis equipment. He began by making the first domestically produced pH test kits.
As shown in the timeline below, Frank's vision has led LaMotte to be the trusted global leader in water analysis solutions.
First Chlorine Comparator Method Developed
1920s
Developed the first chlorine comparator method for disinfection as chlorination of municipal drinking water became standard practice.Supporting Polio Vaccine and Towson Relocation
1930s
Began supplying phenol red pH indicator for monitoring the stability of the Jonas Salk polio vaccine. LaMotte Company moved from Baltimore to Towson, MD.Expansion into Residential Water Testing
1940s
Entered the home drinking water market as testing took off with the development of residential water softeners.Relocation to Chestertown, MD
1950s
Moved from Towson to a brand-new facility in Chestertown, MD.North American Introduction of DPD Chlorine Test
1960s
Introduced the first DPD Free Available Chlorine test in North America. Soon afterward, the EPA recognized DPD as the preferred method for testing free chlorine in drinking water and swimming pools.Electronic Colorimeters Developed
1970s
Developed electronic colorimeters to measure pH, chlorine, and other test factors.Testabs® and Digital Analysis Introduced
1980s
Began making LaMotte-branded DPD and other unit dose Testabs®. Also, introduced water analysis systems linked to computer software to record data and treatment recommendations.Launch of Insta-TEST® Strips
1990s
Multi-parameter test strips were developed and designed to measure diverse factors in water with the advantage of instant results. With this technology, LaMotte launched the Insta-TEST® brand of test strips.ColorQ® Introduces Affordable Digital Colorimeters
2000s
Introduced the ColorQ® series of colorimeters as
the first affordable digital alternative to visual comparators.Launched the revolutionary Spin Touch®
2010s
With only a small water sample injected into a disk, the meter reports test results for up to 10 test factors in one minute.Expanded Capacity and New Applications
2020s
Opened a new manufacturing and R&D facility in Newark, Delaware, greatly increasing capacity for SpinDisks® and test strips. Spin Touch® expanded into new applications including aquarium, fish farming, and drinking water.
Join the LaMotte Team
If you're driven to make water analysis smarter, faster, and more accessible, there's a place for you here. Explore careers at LaMotte and help us shape the future of water testing.