PFAS in Drinking Water Testing

The detection of PFAS and associated emerging contaminates in a variety of matrices is a new and rapidly evolving field. Information on this page in subject to change without notice.

 

 

Compliance Testing

 

• PWS PFAS Compliance testing by EPA Method 537.1
• WWTP PFAS in Wastewater – Effluent Compliance Testing by WI33 Isotope Dilution method
• WWTP PFAS in Biosolids/Biosludge Compliance Testing by WI33 Isotope Dilution method

For more information or to order a kit, please call the PFAS line at 608-262-3750 or email us at WSLHPFAS@slh.wisc.edu

 

Test Options and Prices

 

 

Field Reagent Blank (FRB) is required for PWS Compliance testing, but optional for all Private Homeowner analyses. The FRB is comprised of a bottle of PFAS-free water that travels from the lab to the sampling site, is poured into an empty bottle, and travels back to the lab with the sample. The FRB looks for any contamination that may have taken place during transit or during sampling. The FRB is ONLY analyzed if there are PFAS detected in the corresponding sample. The sampler is only billed for the FRB if it is analyzed.

 

Sampling Instruction Video

 
 

FAQs

 

What’s the difference between the two tests? 

• EPA 537.1 includes 18 compounds. It is a drinking water-specific test method developed and published by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• PFAS in Water includes 33 compounds. It is a test method developed and validated by WSLH scientists. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Laboratory Certification Program has granted the WSLH certification in the aqueous matrix for 33 compounds extracted and analyzed by this test method.

Which test is recommended?

You can choose either test. DNR and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recommend the PFAS in Water test because it includes more compounds.

 

What’s the difference between PFAS, PFOS and PFOA?

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used in a wide array of consumer and industrial products since the 1950s. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two types of PFAS. You can learn more about PFAS here.

 

Are there health-based standards for these compounds?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has developed has recommended groundwater standards for 18 PFAS – listed on DHS’ PFAS webpage under the recommended groundwater standards tab. These recommended standards can be used to evaluate potential risk from these PFAS in drinking water. Individuals that have tested their drinking water for PFAS can use this online tool to help interpret their results.

 

How do I request a test kit?

Please call us at 608-262-3750 (Monday – Friday, 7:45 AM – 4:30 PM or leave a voicemail after hours) or email us at WSLHPFAS@slh.wisc.edu.

 

What is the current turnaround time for test results? 

It is approximately 3 weeks + 1 additional week if we need to run your field blank. It is 4 weeks for biosolids. You can call 608-262-3750 or email WSLHPFAS@slh.wisc.edu to get an estimate for your situation.

 

Why is the turnaround time so long?

This is a very labor intensive test. When the lab is not running at capacity, the turnaround time is approximately 1 month.

 

I have my kit, when should I collect my sample?

Collect your sample at your earliest convenience once you have received your kit.

For Compliance testing, sampling should occur within the window on the paperwork provided to you by WDNR. Please sample as early in your window as possible to ensure work can be completed and reported before the end of your window.

 

How will I get my results?

Results will be sent to the email address you provide when setting up your account. If you do not provide an email address, your results will be sent via US Postal Service.

 

How/when do I pay for my test? 

An invoice will be sent through US Postal Service to the address you provide when setting up your account. This occurs around the 5th of the month after you have received your results.

 

I have my results, what do they mean? 

The lab does not interpret results. If you have questions about what your test results mean for your health, please contact DHS at DHSEnvHealth@dhs.Wisconsin.gov or DNR at DNRPFASInquiries@wisconsin.gov and one of their experts will get in touch with you.

• DHS Brochure on PFAS Filtration – https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p03012.pdf
• DHS How to read your Private Well Water lab report – https://naturalresources.extension.wisc.edu/files/2023/10/what-to-do-with-your-well-results.pdf
• EPA’s latest PFAS guidelines -This is specifically for public drinking water and not yet enforceable in the state of Wisconsin, but it is a helpful guideline to which to compare your results – https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas

 

Do you perform custom PFAS research projects?

We have some limited ability to customize research projects for academic researchers and organizations. If you are interested in designing a specific PFAS project, please call us at 608-262-3750 or email us at WSLHPFAS@slh.wisc.edu

 

I have other questions about PFAS, who can I contact for more information?

DNR PFAS contacts by subject area can be found here.