PFAS Water Testing: Test Your Drinking Water for Safety

PFAS water testing is central to safe drinking water and to regulate levels of PFAS for compliance in 2025.. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS chemicals ) are called “forever chemicals” because they persist in water and the body. Many are toxic at very low levels. Testing now relies on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-recognized methods that can measure the amount of PFAS down to parts per trillion (ppt). This guide starts with fast, practical answers: how to test, which methods (EPA Method 533, 537.1, 1633, 1621) apply, and what your results mean. Then it gives step-by-step sampling instructions, how to choose a lab, interpretation tips, proven treatment options, and real-world context. You will also get comparison points, FAQs, and printable tools. The goal is clear, accurate, and useful information you can use today.

PFAS water testing at a glance

Quick answers: what to test, which method, who performs it

Drinking water (finished water from a tap or distribution system)

Use EPA Method 533 (25 PFAS) or EPA Method 537.1 (18 PFAS).
Both meet compliance monitoring needs, such as UCMR 5 (2023–2025) and state programs.
These methods share 14 core PFAS, so results are comparable for compliance.

Non‑potable water and environmental media (wastewater, surface water, groundwater, soil, sediment, biosolids, fish tissue)

Use EPA Method 1633 (up to 40 PFAS compounds) across eight matrices.
Screening for total PFAS signal in non‑potable water
Use EPA Method 1621 to measure adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) as an indicator of organofluorines at low ppt.

Who tests

State‑accredited laboratories, water utilities, and qualified contractors.
Consumer PFAS water test kits can be useful for awareness but are not accepted for compliance.
Some states or local agencies may offer free PFAS water testing for private wells in impact zones. Check your health or environmental agency.

Why PFAS testing matters now

Health and persistence: Compounds like PFOA and PFOS are well‑studied and can affect health at ppt levels, that’s why testing for PFAS in drinking water is essential. Communities rely on water testing forever chemicals to identify potential health risks from PFAS that persist in water.
Regulation: The EPA’s National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS (2024) and UCMR 5 boosted standardized monitoring using 533/537.1.
Community impacts: Homes near military bases, airfields with AFFF use, landfills, and chemical plants often face higher testing needs. PFAS do not break down naturally and remain in drinking water for decades, meaning families may unknowingly face PFAS in their drinking water. Testing helps them know what contaminants in drinking water are present, reduce exposure to PFAS, and decide what steps to take next.

The core test panel and detection limits

Drinking water panels: 18–25 PFAS measured by LC‑MS/MS with reporting limits in low ppt for PFOS and other targets.
Environmental media: Up to 40 PFAS using Method 1633, validated across many sample types.
Overlap: Methods 533 and 537.1 share 14 PFAS so utilities can align results across programs.

Do you need PFAS testing? Decision triggers and risk screen

Decision tree: when to test your water

Do you have a private well?

Yes → Is your well near a military base, airport, industrial site, landfill, or fire training area (within ~10 miles)?

Yes → Test now (Method 533 or 537.1). PFAS water testing helps identify both long-chain and short-chain chemicals that may be present in your well.

No → Have you seen regional PFAS notices, flood damage, or land‑use changes?

Yes → Test now or within 3 months.

No → Screen every 1–2 years or during property sale/new well.

Are you on public water?

Yes → Check your Consumer Confidence Report and utility PFAS notices.

If PFAS are detected or under study → Require public drinking water systems to monitor key PFAS compounds with strict limits.; test at home if you need private confirmation.

If no PFAS listed → No urgent action, but consider testing if you live near known sources or you are concerned about PFAS exposure.

Installing or using treatment (GAC/IX/RO)?

Yes → Test pre‑ and post‑filter at 1–3 months, then every 6 months.

Regional signals and public notices

Check state databases and local advisories for known PFAS detections.
Read the Consumer Confidence Report for your city water.
Community forums and local news may flag new issues. Verify with official notices before acting.

Approved PFAS testing methods and standards (2025)

EPA Method 533 vs. 537.1 for drinking water

Both are accepted for drinking water compliance monitoring. Key points:

Feature	Method 533	Method 537.1
Typical use	Drinking water	Drinking water
PFAS count	25 PFAS	18 PFAS
QA approach	Includes isotope dilution for many targets	Uses internal standards; strong for legacy PFAS
Strengths	Short‑ and long‑chain PFAS coverage, low ppt	Legacy focus; strong performance
Overlap	Shares 14 PFAS with 537.1	Shares 14 PFAS with 533
Compliance	Accepted for UCMR 5 and state programs	Accepted for UCMR 5 and state programs

Tip: Labs may hold accreditation for one or both. Ask which method they recommend for your water supply and regulatory need.

Method 1633 and 1621 for non‑drinking water

EPA Method 1633: First validated multi‑matrix method for 40 PFAS compounds across wastewater, surface water, groundwater, soil, sediment, biosolids, and fish tissue. It is being adopted in NPDES permits and federal programs.
EPA Method 1621: Measures adsorbable organic fluorine (AOF) as an indicator of fluorinated organics. It is best used as a screen for non‑potable water to guide targeted PFAS analysis.

Quality assurance, detection limits, and chain of custody

LC‑MS/MS with isotope dilution improves accuracy at ppt levels.
Chain of custody (COC) paperwork is required for defensible data in regulatory or legal settings.
Containers/preservatives: Avoid PTFE/Teflon and fluorinated materials. Use lab‑supplied bottles to prevent contamination.
Field blanks and duplicates help spot contamination and verify precision.

How to get your water tested: labs, sampling, and shipping

Choosing a certified lab

Ask for accreditation by method and matrix (e.g., 533, 537.1, 1633, 1621).
Confirm reporting limits (ppt), units (ng/L), turnaround time (TAT), and QA/QC package.
Request a sample report. Look for easy comparison to MCLs and clear flags.
Verify shipping instructions, cold pack needs, and COC steps.
Clarify cost ranges and what is included: bottle kit, shipping, QA summary, potential confirmatory testing.

Step‑by‑step sample collection (homeowner and utility checklists)

Before sampling

Read the lab’s instructions.

Do not use Teflon tape, waterproof mascara, fluorinated pans, or fluorinated food wrappers near the sample.

Wash hands with plain soap; avoid hand sanitizers during sampling.

Use cold water unless the lab says otherwise.

Collecting the sample

Remove aerators if requested.

For a first‑draw sample, do not flush. For flushed sampling, run water 2–3 minutes.

Open the lab‑supplied bottle; do not touch the inside of cap or bottle.

Fill to the mark. Cap tightly.

Label the bottle with date/time and sample point (e.g., kitchen tap).

Complete the chain of custody form.

Packing and shipping

Place samples in a cooler with ice packs. Keep at ≤6°C per instructions.

Ship overnight, early in the week, to avoid weekend delays.

Keep copies of the COC and tracking.

Sample Collection Do/Don’t

Do: Use lab bottles, keep sample cold, ship fast, complete COC.
Don’t: Use Teflon tape, touch inside of bottle, sample near fluorinated products, delay shipment.

Home PFAS test kits vs. certified lab testing

Accuracy, scope, and use cases

Home PFAS test kits

Good for screening awareness and quick checks.

Often cover a small panel (e.g., 6 PFAS, 18 PFAS, or 24 PFAS).

Detection limits may be higher than compliance needs.

Results are not valid for legal, health, or regulatory compliance.

Certified laboratories

Use EPA‑recognized methods (533, 537.1, 1633, 1621).

Provide defensible results, low ppt detection, and QA/QC documentation.

Needed to set treatment, meet MCLs, and report under Safe Drinking Water Act programs.

Pros and cons summary

Option	Pros	Cons	Best for
Home PFAS test kit	Lower upfront cost; simple process; quick screening	Limited PFAS list; higher detection limits; not for compliance; risk of false reassurance	Personal curiosity; early screening before lab testing
Certified lab testing	Accurate ppt detection; EPA methods; defensible data; supports treatment and compliance	Higher cost; more steps (COC, shipping); longer TAT	Compliance, treatment design, real decisions, property transactions

Can I test PFAS in bottled water or filters at home?

Yes. Ask a certified lab to provide the right bottles and instructions for your matrix (bottled water, post‑filter).
Collect paired samples: one before the filter and one after. This shows the removal efficiency.
Make sure your sampling lines, faucet, and bottles are PFAS‑safe (no Teflon).

Interpreting PFAS lab reports and MCLs

Reading results: units, reporting limits, and QA/QC

Units: ng/L is the same as parts per trillion (ppt).

Key terms

MDL: method detection limit.

RL or PQL: reporting limit or practical quantitation limit.

ND: non‑detect (not found above MDL).

“<RL”: detected below the reporting limit; estimate.

J‑flag: estimated result with higher uncertainty.

Check QA/QC

Surrogate and isotope recoveries within method ranges.

Lab blanks should be clean.

Field blanks help spot contamination during collection.

What is a safe level of PFAS in drinking water?

The EPA set enforceable MCLs for several PFAS in 2024. In simple terms:

PFOA: 4 ppt (MCL)

PFOS: 4 ppt (MCL)

PFNA: 10 ppt (MCL)

PFHxS: 10 ppt (MCL)

HFPO‑DA (GenX): 10 ppt (MCL)

There is also a Hazard Index (HI) of 1.0 for any mixture that includes two or more of: PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO‑DA, PFBS. Some states also set their own drinking water standards, which may be more stringent. Always check your state health or environmental agency. Note: Reporting limits for PFOS are commonly in the low ppt range, so a ppt for PFOS result is meaningful for compliance.

Example report walkthrough (drinking water and groundwater)

Header: Method (533 or 537.1), lab ID, sample date/time, matrix.

Analyte table: PFAS name, result (ng/L), RL, MDL, flags (J, U, <).

Compare to MCLs: Mark any result ≥ MCL in bold.

QA/QC section: Surrogate recoveries, blanks, duplicates.

How to read overlap: If you used 537.1 but want compounds that are only in 533, ask the lab to run 533 or add those targets.

After the results: treatment, retesting, and reporting

If PFAS are detected

Confirm: If results are near the reporting limit, request confirmatory testing.

Notify: Contact your local health/environment agency if results exceed MCLs.

Short‑term action: Switch to bottled water for drinking and infant formula if levels exceed health guidelines.

Plan: Consider point‑of‑use (POU) or whole‑home treatment depending on use and PFAS levels.

Water treatment technologies that work for PFAS

Granular activated carbon (GAC)

Removes many PFAS, especially long‑chain types (e.g., PFOS).

Needs periodic replacement based on usage and water quality.

Ion exchange (IX) resins

Strong removal for short‑ and long‑chain PFAS.

Monitor for breakthrough and regenerate or replace per vendor guidance.

Reverse osmosis (RO)

Effective POU method. Often used at the kitchen sink.

Add prefiltration if your water has sediment or chlorine.

Tip: Test pre‑ and post‑filter to verify performance and reduce levels of PFAS to below MCLs or your state guidance.

Retesting cadence and compliance notifications

After installation: Retest at 1–3 months.
Ongoing: Retest every 6 months; adjust based on flow and lab data.
Utilities: Follow federal and state reporting/notification rules for public water systems.
Private wells: Keep records for future property sales and health discussions.

Market trends, case studies, and public awareness

Case study: Parkersburg, WV and a national wake‑up

Community testing and legal action over PFAS in Parkersburg, WV helped bring PFAS contamination to national attention, and a major film raised public awareness. Many cmmunities began testing tap water and groundwater, which accelerated EPA method adoption and the move toward enforceable maximum contaminant levels (MCLs).

Adoption curve: UCMR 5 and 2025 standards

UCMR 5 expanded PFAS monitoring in public water systems through 2025.
Labs grew capacity for Method 533 and 537.1 in drinking water and 1633 in environmental media. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these methods are currently the standard for PFAS water testing and ensure accurate detection at very low levels.
Non‑potable monitoring now includes up to 40 PFAS compounds as standard testing options.

Social and video content: education and mobilization

YouTube and webinars: Tutorials on how to test for PFAS in water, sampling steps, and how to read water test results.
Community forums: People share experiences like “test my water for PFAS” and ask what to do after a PFAS water test.
This shared content helps families and local leaders test your water, compare water filter options, and push for clean public water systems.

Comparing PFAS testing providers (what competitors miss)

What to compare when selecting a lab

Accreditation by method and matrix (533, 537.1, 1633, 1621).
Detection limits and expanded panels (short‑chain, precursors).
Turnaround time (TAT) options and rush fees.
Data deliverables: Clear PDFs, CSV, and electronic data deliverables (EDD) if needed.
Customer support: Sampling help, report walkthroughs, and post‑test guidance.
Price transparency: Written quotes, clear line items, and contingency for confirmatory testing.

Gaps in current comparison content

Few pages share real price ranges and TAT by matrix.
Lack of annotated reports or sample collection SOPs you can print.
Limited decision aids like risk screeners and cost estimators.

Suggested tools to outperform competitors

Lab	Accreditation (533/537.1/1633/1621)	Matrices	Reporting Limits (ppt)	TAT (days)	Cost per sample ($)	Rush fee	QA/QC package included?	Support (sampling/report review)
Lab A
Lab B
Lab C

What to Ask a Lab

Which EPA method fits my water source?
What PFAS are included in your panel (e.g., 18 PFAS, 24 PFAS, 25 PFAS, or 40 PFAS)?
What are your reporting limits for PFOS and PFOA?
What is the TAT and shipping plan?
Do you provide an MCL comparison in the report?

Calls to action

Request a lab quote with method, panel, TAT, and full costs.
Download and print the checklist and worksheet sections.
Compare labs before you buy.
Book a consultation with your local health or environmental agency if PFAS are detected.

FAQs: PFAS testing

1. How much does it cost to test for PFAS in water?

Testing your water for PFAS isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s worth knowing what you’re dealing with. For most households, sending a drinking water sample to a certified lab using EPA-approved methods like 537.1 or 533 typically costs somewhere between $200 and $550 per sample. If you need to test non-drinking water sources—like surface water, wastewater, or industrial discharges—labs often use Method 1633, and that can push the price up to $350–$800 or more. On top of the base fee, don’t forget there may be extra costs for shipping samples, including the use of special containers or “blanks” to ensure accuracy, plus rush fees if you need results quickly.

Overall, the total price depends on the lab you choose, how many chemicals you want screened, and whether you’re testing tap, well, or non-potable water. Think of it as an investment: while the upfront cost can feel high, it provides clear answers about potential PFAS in your water and helps you decide what treatment steps to take next.

2. Where can I get my water tested for PFAS?

If you want to have your water tested for PFAS, the best place to start is with a state-certified laboratory. Look for labs that specifically mention EPA Method 533 or 537.1 for drinking water samples, or Method 1633 if you’re testing wastewater, surface water, or other sources. Most of these labs will ship you a sampling kit for PFAS water testing with bottles, instructions, and return packaging, so you can collect the water yourself and mail it back.

Another option is to check with your state health department or environmental protection agency. They usually maintain updated lists of accredited labs and may also have guidance on how to handle sampling. In certain regions where PFAS contamination is already a known issue—especially around airports, military bases, or industrial sites—there may even be free testing programs for private well owners. This can be a great way to get peace of mind without paying out of pocket, but availability depends on where you live.

3. Is it safe to drink water with PFAS?

Drinking water that contains PFAS can be risky if levels are at or above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). In that case, it’s safest to avoid using the water for drinking or cooking, and rely on bottled water or a certified point-of-use filter while you explore treatment options. Even when PFAS levels are below the MCL, some people prefer to minimize exposure as much as possible, especially if they are pregnant, nursing, or making infant formula.

For everyday safety, it’s a good idea to check with your local health department for guidance specific to your area. They can help you understand what the results mean, whether additional testing is needed, and what practical steps you can take to reduce exposure. Remember, PFAS are persistent chemicals, so taking precautions early is the best way to protect your health.

4. Can I test my own water for PFAS?

Yes, you can collect your own water samples for PFAS testing, but it’s important to do it the right way. Certified labs usually provide special bottles and step-by-step instructions to ensure accurate results. While there are home PFAS test kits available, keep in mind that they aren’t accepted for regulatory compliance and often have higher detection limits, meaning they might miss very low levels of PFAS.

If your goal is to make decisions about treatment, follow regulations, or confirm safety, it’s best to use a state‑accredited laboratory that employs EPA-approved methods like 533 or 537.1. Doing it this way gives you defensible, precise results and ensures you understand exactly what’s in your water before taking any action.

5. How do I test for PFAS in water from a private well?

Testing PFAS in a private well requires careful planning to get accurate, reliable results. Start by ordering a sampling kit from a certified laboratory that uses EPA-approved methods like 533 or 537.1. These labs provide bottles and detailed instructions for proper collection. When sampling, make sure to use cold water, avoid any Teflon or fluorinated materials, and follow the lab’s guidance on first-draw or flushed samples. Properly complete the chain-of-custody form, which documents who collected, handled, and shipped the sample—this is critical if results are used for regulatory or treatment decisions.

Ship the sample chilled and promptly to avoid degradation. After receiving results, review them carefully and compare them to MCLs or state guidance. Retesting is recommended at least once a year or after significant events like floods, droughts, or nearby chemical spills. Regular testing ensures you stay aware of any changes in PFAS levels, helping you make informed decisions about water treatment or safety precautions for your household.

References

https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epa-pfas-drinking-water-laboratory-methods?