EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory Begins Using U.S. EPA Method 533 For PFAS Testing

The EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory is adding a new test method and will begin testing for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in drinking water using the newest U.S. EPA Method 533 beginning May 2023.

U.S. EPA Method 533 tests for twenty-five PFAS chemicals including the seven PFAS currently regulated by the State of Michigan. The laboratory has been testing for PFAS using U.S. EPA Method 537.1 since 2019. The newer method is the most current U.S. EPA methodology available today used for testing drinking water allowing the laboratory to serve the state of Michigan with the best available science. The method includes additional short-chain PFAS, which are of increasing interest to researchers and regulators, and has a longer analytical holding time of 28 days from the time of sample collection.

Beginning immediately the laboratory will fill all sample container orders with bottles for use with U.S. EPA Method 533. Sample container test kits will look identical to those used with U.S. EPA Method 537.1 but will include ammonium acetate preservative in the sample containers. The EGLE Laboratory will continue to accept samples collected in bottles containing Trizma preservative for use with U.S. EPA Method 537.1 until June 1, 2023. After that date the laboratory will only accept and test samples using U.S. EPA Method 537.1 by special request to include the four PFAS not included in U.S. EPA Method 533 - NEtFOSAA, NMeFOSAA, PFTA, and PFTrDA.

If you have sample containers containing Trizma preservative for use with U.S. EPA Method 537.1, you are encouraged to submit samples by June 1, 2023, or call the EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory at 517-335-8184 to exchange your sample containers or test kits for bottles used with the new U.S. EPA Method 533.

Please contact the EGLE Drinking Water Laboratory for additional information about this new testing.