A new cycle for the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) is underway and Babcock Laboratories is ready to help our clients meet new testing demands. We are pleased to announce that Babcock has been selected by the USEPA to provide small systems support through a contract with the agency. In 2021 Babcock received full EPA approval to conduct UCMR 5 testing using EPA Methods 200.7, 533, and 537. Between these three testing methods, our lab can provide high quality analyses for all 30 compounds included in this year’s testing cycle.
The UCMR program is an important tool for government agencies like the EPA to gauge the persistence and prevalence of emerging contaminants in our nation’s waters. Of special concern this cycle are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS. These “forever chemicals” have garnered nationwide infamy for their ubiquity and longevity in the environment. As part of the EPA’s strategy to address PFAS contamination, the agency included 29 PFAS compounds (and lithium) in UCMR 5—a significant expansion from previous testing cycles. The agency also expanded the number of participating public water systems (PWS) per a 2021 amendment to the UCMR 5 program. All PWS serving 3,300 or more people, as well as a representative sample of 800 smaller systems, will begin sample collection in January 2022 and continue through December of 2025.
As long-time experts in the field of PFAS testing and analysis, Babcock Laboratories has the experience and expertise necessary to provide our clients with accurate and reliable data. In addition to EPA approval, Babcock carries accreditation for EPA 537.1 and EPA 533 in a number of states, including California and New York. We are looking forward to partnering with public water systems and the EPA to keep our water safe and clean. Although testing doesn’t begin until January 2023, our team is standing by to help clients get started with planning and budgeting. Contact us at ucmr@babcocklabs.com or through our website to learn more about our services.