PFAS in Drinking Water Testing

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

 

WSLH offers PWS PFAS Compliance testing by EPA Method 537.1

 

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

 

For questions about PFAS testing, please call us 608-262-3750 or email us at WSLHPFAS@slh.wisc.edu

UCMR 5Approved Laboratory for UCMR 5 for PFAS by EPA 537.1, PFAS by EPA 533, and Lithium by EPA Method 200.7 Revision 4.4. For UCMR 5 pricing, please contact us at 608-262-3750 or email us at WSLHPFAS@slh.wisc.edu

 

Test Options and Pricing

 

  • EPA 537.1 – 18 compounds – Total Cost: $600
    • Sample Cost – $340
    • Field Reagent Blank (if required) – $260
  • PFAS in Water – 33 compounds (includes all 18 compounds in EPA 537.1) – Total Cost: $635
    • Sample Cost – $365
    • Field Reagent Blank (if required) – $270

 

 

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 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? 

For analysis of the sample it will take approximately two weeks. If the Field Reagent Blank (FRB) needs to be analyzed it can take an additional week or two for a total of one month. 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. The lab will do everything it can to get results reported out as soon as possible but it could take up to one month if Field Reagent Blanks need to be analyzed as well.

 

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

Each kit is shipped with a Test Request form to fill out. There are certain sections of the form highlighted in yellow, including the bottom right portion where a sample collection date range is listed. You MUST collect your sample and return it to the lab during that sample collection date range. If you fall outside that date range, you may be asked to resample at a later date.

 

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 and one of their experts will get in touch with you.

 

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

DNR PFAS contacts by subject area can be found here.