The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a new validated method for testing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. This new validated test method marks a significant next step in the agency’s Action Plan to help communities address PFAS contamination nationwide. 

The new validated method—EPA Method 533—focuses on “short chain” PFAS, those PFAS with carbon chain lengths of four to 12. Method 533 complements EPA Method 537.1 and can be used to test for 11 additional PFAS compounds. Method 533 also incorporates an analytical technique called isotope dilution, which can minimize sample matrix interference and improve data quality.

Babcock Laboratories played a valuable role in the EPA’s validation study for Method 533 and is well-equipped to offer additional PFAS analyses to water agencies interested in a more comprehensive look into their source waters. 

Babcock Labs’ is also CA ELAP accredited to perform testing for all 18 target analytes for EPA Method 537.1, as well as the 14 compounds identified in EPA Method 537 Rev 1.1. Additionally, Babcock Labs has experience using other methods appropriate to non-potable matrices, such as landfill leachates, condensates, and groundwater. 

Babcock Labs stays abreast of the rapidly changing PFAS landscape and continuously reinvests in staff, instrumentation, and our state-of-the art facilities to ensure that we offer our clients reliable lab capacity and the best data quality available. For more information about our PFAS services, contact Babcock Labs.