OCT 24, 2024 • 8 min read
EPA METHOD 533 VS 537.1: WHAT FACILITY MANAGERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PFAS TESTING
New regulations regarding PFAS are shifting the landscape for water treatment. We break down the new sampling requirements for forever chemicals.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have earned their notorious nickname as 'forever chemicals' due to their extraordinary persistence in the environment. These synthetic compounds, used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, are now detected in the blood of 97% of Americans.
What is EPA Method 533?
In March 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever national drinking water standards for PFAS, establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for six PFAS compounds. EPA Method 533 is the validated analytical procedure for detecting 25 PFAS compounds in drinking water at concentrations as low as parts per trillion.
"The new PFAS regulations represent the most significant update to drinking water standards in over 30 years."
— EPA Administrator Michael Regan, 2024
Who Needs to Test?
- Public water systems serving more than 10,000 people
- Industrial facilities using PFAS-containing materials
- Airports and military installations
- Landfills and wastewater treatment plants
Mercy Environmental's Approach
We provide comprehensive PFAS services including baseline sampling, treatment system design, and ongoing compliance monitoring. Our laboratory partnerships ensure EPA Method 533-certified analysis with rapid turnaround times.