The Washtenaw County Health Department recommends that residents who wish to test their drinking water for PFAS use a certified laboratory. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), and the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Conference (NELAC) all certify laboratories for testing PFAS.
The EPA’s Office of Water requires that Method 537 be used to analyze samples for PFAS, as it was shown to be a reliable method for testing PFAS in drinking water samples. Modified versions of this method are available, however they have not been evaluated by the EPA’s Office of Water. Washtenaw County Health Department does not recommend or promote any particular laboratory.
- The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Drinking Water Laboratory offers an 18-analyte test kit for $290 using EPA Method 537.1. This kit includes a return UPS shipping label and can be ordered by calling 517-335-8184.
Three EPA certified laboratories have provided information on test kits available to homeowners to test for PFAS in drinking water using EPA Method 537.
- South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority in New Haven, CT offers a 6-analyte kit and a 14-analyte kit. Kits can be ordered by calling 203-401-6743.
- Anatek Labs in Moscow, Idaho offers a 6-analyte test kit. Kit can be ordered by calling 208-883-2839.
- Northern Lake Service in Crandon, Wisconsin offers a 12-analyte PFAS kit. Kit can be ordered by calling 715-478-2777.
Other Laboratories
Full list of list of EPA Approved Laboratories - Labs highlighted in yellow offer EPA Method 537 analysis for PFAS
List of NELAC accredited laboratories - Select "EPA 537" from the Method dropdown list and search
List of DOD accredited laboratories - Select "EPA 537" from the Method dropdown list and search
Tips for Sample Collection
PFAS are present in many things we use in our every day life. These chemicals have been widely used to produce products that are water resistant, stain resistant, heat resistant and/or oil resistant. Residents sampling their water should be aware that they can accidentally contaminate their water sample during sample collection. For this reason, samplers should wear heavy duty nitrile gloves (provided in sampling kit) and make sure not to touch anything other than the sample bottles during sample collection.
Samplers are also advised to avoid wearing lotion, deodorant, cosmetics, sunscreen, waterproof clothing, stain-resistant clothing, and clothing washed in fabric softener when collecting their sample. Other persons near the sample collection area should do the same or move out of the sampling area.
Be sure to read and follow any instructions that come with a water sample kit. Detailed PFAS Sampling Guidance is also available from the State of Michigan.
