SPECIALTY ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING
PFAS Testing and Analysis
Defensible PFAS data for regulatory compliance, site investigation, and source attribution — delivered by accredited environmental laboratories serving clients at our locations nationwide.
The Regulatory Clock Is Running on PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — commonly called “forever chemicals” — are now among the most closely regulated contaminants in the United States. In April 2024, the U.S. EPA finalized Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water — the most stringent federal drinking water standards ever promulgated. EPA has confirmed these MCLs will remain in place, with public water systems required to complete initial monitoring by 2027 and achieve full compliance by 2031.
The stakes are significant: over 200 million Americans are estimated to have PFAS in their tap water. Wastewater treatment plants, landfill operators, industrial facilities, and environmental consultants face mounting monitoring obligations under NPDES permits, state regulations, and federal Superfund authority that now covers PFOA and PFOS as designated hazardous substances.
SPL’s environmental division has built the accredited PFAS testing capabilities your program requires — with the national reach to accept samples from anywhere in the country and the laboratory infrastructure to deliver defensible data that holds up to regulatory scrutiny.
PFAS Testing Capabilities
Accredited SPL laboratory facilities perform PFAS analysis using EPA-approved methods for all applicable matrices. Sample acceptance is available through all SPL environmental locations nationwide.
|
Method |
Matrix |
Application |
Compounds Covered |
|
EPA Method 533 |
Drinking Water (Potable) |
SDWA compliance; state MCL programs; initial monitoring |
25 PFAS; isotope dilution; excellent for short-chain PFAS (PFBS, GenX) |
|
EPA Method 537.1 |
Drinking Water (Potable) |
SDWA compliance; standard drinking water compliance monitoring |
18 PFAS including PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA |
|
EPA Method 1633 |
Non-Potable Water & Solids |
NPDES compliance; landfill leachate; groundwater; biosolids; CERCLA site assessment; wastewater effluent |
40 PFAS in wastewater, surface water, groundwater, leachate, soil, sediment, biosolids, and sludge |
Not sure which method you need?
Our laboratory team will help you select the right method based on your matrix, regulatory program, and reporting requirements. Contact an SPL scientist.
Who Needs PFAS Testing?
PFAS monitoring obligations now extend across multiple industries and regulatory programs. SPL serves the full spectrum of clients navigating PFAS compliance and investigation.
Community & Non-Transient Water Systems
Public water suppliers are required to complete initial PFAS monitoring under the EPA NPDWR by 2027 and achieve MCL compliance by 2031. State programs (including PADEP, Colorado WQCD, and others) may require earlier or additional monitoring. SPL supports UCMR5, state compliance, and quarterly monitoring programs.
Methods: EPA 533, EPA 537.1
Wastewater Treatment Plants (POTWs)
Major sewage facilities and industrial permit holders face NPDES permit conditions requiring PFAS monitoring of influent, effluent, and biosolids. SPL’s accreditation for EPA Method 1633 covers the full suite of matrices required for NPDES and biosolids compliance reporting.
Methods: EPA 1633
Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities
Facilities discharging to POTWs that have used or manufactured PFAS-containing products — including fire suppression systems (AFFF), semiconductor manufacturing, metal plating, and coatings operations — need baseline and ongoing PFAS characterization across aqueous and solid matrices.
Methods: EPA 1633
Environmental Consultants & Remediation Firms
Site investigations under Superfund (CERCLA), RCRA, and state voluntary cleanup programs require defensible PFAS data in groundwater, soil, and sediment. SPL’s EPA 1633 accreditation covers the full range of solid and aqueous matrices used in site characterization and remediation monitoring.
Methods: EPA 1633
Landfill Operators & Waste Disposal Facilities
Landfill leachate is a known PFAS source, and proposed EPA Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELGs) will formalize testing requirements for leachate and stormwater discharges. SPL’s EPA 1633 method covers leachate analysis for up to 40 PFAS compounds.
Methods: EPA 1633
Municipal & Private Water Authorities
Water authorities managing interconnected systems, new source development, or infrastructure upgrades need PFAS data to support regulatory compliance, public reporting obligations, and capital planning. SPL provides compliance-ready results with full chain-of-custody documentation.
Methods: EPA 533, EPA 537.1
Getting Started Is Simple
SPL’s PFAS testing program is designed to remove friction from sample submission, chain-of-custody management, and results reporting.
01 | Contact Us
Reach out to request a quote or speak with a laboratory scientist about your specific regulatory program, matrix, and turnaround requirements.
02 | Receive Your Sampling Kit
SPL ships certified PFAS-free sampling containers with chain-of-custody forms and detailed collection instructions tailored to your matrix. Proper containers are critical — do not use standard laboratory bottles for PFAS.
03 | Collect & Ship Your Samples
Collect samples following SPL’s protocol. Samples can be submitted through any SPL location or shipped directly to the designated analytical laboratory. Field reagent blanks (FRBs) are required for drinking water compliance samples.
04 | Receive Defensible Results
Results are reported through SPL’s online portal with full QC documentation. Data packages meet regulatory reporting requirements for EPA, state primacy agencies, and permit programs.
Important sampling note: Always use SPL-provided certified PFAS-free bottles. Collect a field reagent blank (FRB) at each sampling event for drinking water compliance.
Why SPL for PFAS Testing?
National in Scale, Local in Approach
SPL operates 30+ locations across the United States. Whether you’re a municipal utility in Pennsylvania, an industrial operator in Colorado, or an environmental consultant managing sites across multiple states, SPL’s national network provides consistent accredited PFAS testing with local account support.
Accredited for All Applicable Methods
SPL holds accreditation for EPA Methods 533, 537.1, and 1633 — the full suite of currently approved EPA PFAS analytical methods for drinking water, non-potable water, and solid matrices. Our accreditations are maintained through rigorous quality management and proficiency testing programs.
PFAS-Free Sampling Kits
Every sample container SPL ships for PFAS analysis is tested and certified PFAS-free. Contamination from sample containers is a recognized source of false positives in PFAS programs — SPL’s sampling kits eliminate that risk and protect the integrity of your data.
Defensible Data. Every Time.
SPL’s results carry full chain-of-custody documentation, QC data packages, and are delivered through our online portal for real-time access. Our data is designed to withstand regulatory review, permit challenges, and legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What EPA methods does SPL use for PFAS testing?
SPL uses EPA Method 533 and EPA Method 537.1 for drinking water compliance analysis, and EPA Method 1633 for non-potable water (wastewater, groundwater, surface water, leachate) and solid matrices including soil, sediment, and biosolids. Method selection depends on your matrix, regulatory program, and detection level requirements. Contact SPL’s laboratory team for a method recommendation specific to your program.
Which SPL laboratories perform PFAS testing?
PFAS analysis is performed at two SPL accredited laboratory facilities:
- Reading, PA: EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 (drinking water); EPA Method 1633 (non-potable water and solids)
- Commerce City, CO: EPA Method 533 (drinking water)
Sample acceptance is available through all 40+ SPL locations nationwide. Contact your local SPL representative or submit samples directly to the designated analytical facility.
What is the current EPA MCL for PFAS in drinking water?
The U.S. EPA finalized Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS in its April 2024 National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. EPA has confirmed it will retain these MCLs and has announced plans to extend the compliance deadline for public water systems to 2031. Some states have varying regulatory requirements.
EPA has indicated intent to rescind the separately established MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (GenX), and the Hazard Index mixture provision — however, state-level regulations remain in effect and may require monitoring for these additional compounds. Contact SPL for guidance on state-specific requirements in your service area.
What is a Field Reagent Blank (FRB) and is it required?
A Field Reagent Blank (FRB) is collected at the sample site using laboratory-supplied reagent water and the same containers used for the environmental sample. It serves as a quality control check to detect any PFAS contamination introduced during the collection process. An FRB is required for all drinking water PFAS compliance submissions under both EPA Methods 533 and 537.1. SPL’s sampling kits include the materials needed to collect an FRB at each sampling event. EPA Methods 1633 FRBs are sometimes useful for data collection, but not a method requirement.
How do I submit samples to SPL for PFAS testing?
Samples can be submitted through any SPL service location, or shipped directly to the designated analytical laboratory. To get started:
- Contact SPL to request a quote and method recommendation
- SPL ships certified PFAS-free sampling containers and chain-of-custody forms
- Collect samples following SPL’s protocol (FRBs required for drinking water compliance)
- Submit samples with completed chain-of-custody to your nearest SPL location or directly to the lab
- Access results viaonline portal
Ready to Start Your PFAS Testing Program?
Whether you’re navigating compliance deadlines, investigating a contaminated site, or establishing a baseline monitoring program, SPL is ready to support your PFAS testing needs with accredited methods, certified sampling infrastructure, and defensible data delivered through 30+ locations nationwide.