What Is PFAS Monitoring and Why Is It Important?

What does PFAS monitoring involve?

PFAS monitoring is a structured effort to detect and quantify these substances in various environments. It typically involves:

• Collecting samples from water supplies, soil, air, or other sources.

• Analyzing these samples at certified laboratories using specialized methods.

• Recording results for comparison with regulatory thresholds or health-based guidelines.

• Sharing data with agencies, researchers, or the public to inform decisions on remediation or policy.

Because PFAS are resistant to breakdown and can migrate through soil and water, monitoring programs aim to clarify how these chemicals travel and evolve in different conditions. For example, the EPA’s PFAS Analytic Tools (according to the agency’s published data) compile information from multiple sources such as drinking water tests, Clean Water Act discharge data, and Superfund site investigations. These integrated data streams help scientists and policymakers identify areas of concern, prioritize cleanups, and track trends over time.

We rely on laboratory techniques designed specifically for PFAS because these compounds require high-sensitivity testing to detect concentrations in parts per trillion (ppt). Lab accreditation and certification are critical to ensure consistent, trustworthy measurements. PFAS monitoring programs often extend beyond water testing, covering soil samples near industrial facilities, farmland fertilized with biosolids, or sites with historical use of firefighting foams that contain fluorinated compounds.

Who is responsible for monitoring PFAS?

Several stakeholders typically share responsibility for PFAS monitoring. First, federal agencies like the EPA oversee nationwide standards for drinking water and conduct research on PFAS distribution, toxicity, and treatment strategies. The EPA sets legally enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS in drinking water, most recently addressing PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and mixtures containing PFBS.

Second, state environmental agencies implement the federal standards or set their own guidelines where federal limits do not yet exist. These agencies often run targeted monitoring initiatives, certify laboratories, and enforce cleanup rules. Third, water utilities regularly test tap water supplies to confirm they meet mandated quality levels. Under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, public water systems must sample at specified intervals and report if results exceed the MCL.

Private industry also contributes to monitoring efforts, particularly manufacturers that release or handle PFAS. Certain industrial facilities track PFAS in their wastewater discharges or onsite waste streams, often under permit requirements. Lastly, some individuals and community groups collect samples through private testing. For instance, homeowners with wells can hire laboratories or consult their state certification programs for guidance on PFAS testing.

Where does PFAS monitoring take place?

PFAS monitoring is not limited to one source or location. We often focus on drinking water systems, but PFAS can appear wherever they have been used, stored, or disposed of. Monitoring efforts range from large-scale public assessments to targeted site evaluations.

Public drinking water systems

Municipalities supplying water to towns and cities are among the most scrutinized locations for PFAS testing. The EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) has historically included PFAS, prompting many utilities to perform regular sampling. Monitoring covers both surface water sources (like rivers and reservoirs) and groundwater wells.

According to the EPA, utilities must alert the public when PFAS concentrations exceed standards or health advisory levels. This notice often triggers additional testing, risk communication, and, in some cases, remediation measures, such as upgrading water treatment technologies. If you want more details about how PFAS might end up in tap water, our page on pfas in drinking water offers further context.

Private wells and groundwater

Private wells are outside the public water system’s regular testing scope. Nevertheless, they can still become contaminated by PFAS migrating from nearby industrial or agricultural sites. Individuals who rely on private wells for household use and drinking water are typically responsible for ordering their own laboratory tests. While state agencies may provide guidelines or recommend testing frequency, enforcement is limited because private wells are not subject to the same regulations as public systems.

Groundwater monitoring is also critical because PFAS can leach from contaminated soil. In high-impact areas, state or federal agencies may conduct long-term monitoring of aquifers or wellfields. These efforts can identify changing PFAS concentrations over time, prompting further investigation or intervention.

Wastewater and stormwater discharge

Industrial facilities, military bases, airports, and other operations often produce wastewater that may contain PFAS. Monitoring these discharge points is essential to track PFAS being released into rivers, lakes, or municipal wastewater treatment plants. According to research from the EPA, standard treatments at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are generally ineffective at fully removing PFAS. Some PFAS even transform into other PFAS during treatment, complicating cleanup efforts.

Stormwater runoff can also transport PFAS from sites where firefighting foam was used or where industrial processes occurred. Local authorities may require stormwater permits that limit PFAS levels, although permit provisions can vary by state. Monitoring stormwater discharges helps agencies pinpoint contamination sources and protect downstream water supplies. For more insight on how PFAS behave in wastewater settings, visit pfas in wastewater.

Soil, farmland, and industrial sites

Soil sampling is another cornerstone of PFAS monitoring. Some PFAS, especially those with longer carbon chains, can bind to organic matter in soil and sediment. Areas near industrial plants, landfills, or firefighting training sites may accumulate PFAS over years. Meanwhile, farmland can absorb PFAS if biosolids or fertilizers containing PFAS residues are applied. Addressing these issues may require specialized field investigations that measure soil PFAS levels, track their movement into crops, and evaluate potential runoff.

Industrial sites with known PFAS use or known spill events often undergo detailed monitoring. This can involve testing of on-site groundwater, soil, stormwater, and adjacent surface waters to gauge the extent of PFAS migration. Facilities that generate PFAS-containing byproducts are also obliged, in many states, to manage these substances under strict permitting rules. At times, companies will adopt advanced treatment or disposal methods to reduce PFAS releases.

What tools and methods are used for PFAS monitoring?

PFAS monitoring relies on validated analytical methods that can detect low parts-per-trillion concentrations. The EPA has developed several methods for analyzing PFAS in drinking water, including EPA Methods 533, 537, and 537.1. Among these, EPA Method 537.1, Version 2.0, is widely approved for PFAS measurement in potable water and has superseded older iterations.

Each method involves:

1. Sample collection in properly prepared containers to avoid cross-contamination.

2. Laboratory extraction, often using solid-phase or liquid-liquid extraction techniques.

3. Analysis through liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

In addition to these federal methods, states and research institutions sometimes employ specialized techniques for unique environmental conditions. For example, certain advanced methods can detect newly identified PFAS or precursors that transform into more common PFAS in the environment.

Outside of drinking water, sampling protocols may adapt to the medium being tested. Soil core sampling, passive groundwater sampling, and composite sampling across stormwater or industrial discharge flows all require attention to standard operating procedures. High-quality monitoring also involves rigorous quality-control checks, such as field blanks, trip blanks, and replicate samples.

Below is a brief table summarizing common laboratory methods for PFAS testing in different media:

How often is PFAS monitoring required?

The frequency of PFAS monitoring depends on the regulations in place and the risk level identified at a specific site or water system. For public water systems regulated under the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, routine sampling may occur annually or quarterly. Some systems must sample more frequently if initial results suggest elevated or fluctuating levels.

In the case of private wells, no federal or nationwide schedule applies. Depending on state guidelines, homeowners might test annually or less frequently, especially if the well has no known PFAS sources nearby. However, the CDC notes that PFAS exposures can build up over long periods. Regular testing helps ensure timely detection if contamination changes.

At industrial or cleanup sites, monitoring intervals can range from monthly to once or twice a year, depending on site conditions and permit requirements. Investigations might intensify if a suspected discharge or spill occurs, panel testing reveals elevated PFAS results, or communities report potential health impacts.

What agencies and programs oversee PFAS monitoring?

Several programs at the federal and state levels coordinate PFAS monitoring, each with distinct scopes and responsibilities.

EPA UCMR Program

The Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) mandates the collection of data on contaminants suspected to be present in drinking water but that lack enforceable standards. The EPA has included PFAS in previous UCMR phases to gather national occurrence data. Under UCMR 5 (2023–2025), water systems serving more than a certain threshold population must sample for PFAS using EPA-approved methods. This data informs regulatory decisions, such as setting MCLs.

State-level monitoring initiatives

Some states have enacted their own PFAS guidelines, MCLs, or health advisory levels. They may go beyond federal requirements by:

• Updating MCLs more frequently.

• Requiring additional testing in vulnerable regions.

• Funding community-based monitoring or private well sampling.

For example, certain states have leadership committees that identify PFAS hotspots, launch technical assistance programs, or investigate new potential sources of release. We often see these state-level efforts supported by local environmental agencies or health departments, which compile data to inform policy adjustments over time.

Military and DOD programs

PFAS use in firefighting foams has historically been significant at military bases and airports nationwide. As a result, investigations at Department of Defense (DOD) sites often focus on PFAS detection in soil, groundwater, and adjacent communities’ wells. The DOD conducts site inspections, remedial investigations, and risk assessments under the Defense Environmental Restoration Program.

When contamination is found, the DOD works with the EPA and state agencies to address the issue. Monitoring at these facilities can be long-term, spanning years or even decades, to ensure that PFAS concentrations fall below health-based thresholds.

Why is ongoing PFAS monitoring so important?

Extensive monitoring ensures that we catch problems early, protect at-risk populations, and guide effective remediation to limit health impacts.

Early detection of emerging contamination

Because PFAS can travel great distances through soil and water, early detection is crucial. Often, communities discover PFAS contamination only when local water sources exceed advisory levels. Regular testing helps us identify small surges before they become larger, more complex problems. Early detection also allows states and municipalities to work quickly on interim solutions, such as installing filters or providing bottled water.

Informing remediation and cleanup

By mapping the extent of PFAS contamination, we can tailor cleanup strategies to the site’s unique conditions. Different PFAS compounds vary in their persistence and mobility, so accurate data help in selecting the appropriate methods. Some locations may require advanced filtration (for instance, granular activated carbon or reverse osmosis) or chemical treatments designed specifically for PFAS. If you want to learn more about possible remediation approaches, our page on pfas remediation outlines current technologies.

Supporting legal and regulatory action

Documented PFAS levels can establish liability or prompt enforcement actions against polluters. Monitoring data may serve as evidence in legal cases, especially where companies or institutions have discharged PFAS without proper controls. Individuals or municipalities affected by high PFAS levels sometimes rely on these findings when considering lawsuits. For those exploring the possibility of a claim, more information is available at our partner resource: PFAS lawsuits.

Protecting vulnerable populations

Children, pregnant women, and people with specific health conditions can be more vulnerable to PFAS. For instance, the National Toxicology Program concluded that PFOA and PFOS can disrupt the immune system. The EPA also noted potential impacts on fetal development and other long-term health risks. Monitoring helps protect these groups by enabling swift actions to reduce exposure. Schools, daycare centers, and community pediatric clinics often test their water supplies for extra reassurance.

What happens if PFAS levels exceed limits?

When testing reveals that PFAS concentrations surpass the MCL or a state advisory level, the water supplier or responsible party must typically report these findings to regulators and the public. Regulatory agencies then determine next steps, which may include:

• Immediate public notifications urging residents to use alternative drinking water sources.

• Additional confirmatory sampling to rule out possible lab errors or anomalies.

• Operational changes, such as diverting water sources, mixing contaminated water with cleaner sources, or upgrading treatment systems with activated carbon or membrane filtration.

• Investigations to locate the origin of PFAS contamination, which might lead to remediation orders or other enforcement actions.

If an industry or facility is identified as the source, they may be required to stop or modify the discharge and fund cleanup efforts. In certain cases, communities have filed class-action lawsuits to seek compensation for cleanup costs, medical monitoring, or health damages. Legal outcomes vary depending on the jurisdiction and evidence.

Can individuals or property owners monitor PFAS themselves?

Yes, individuals can hire qualified laboratories to analyze well water, soil, or other samples from their property. Many states publish lists of certified labs that offer PFAS testing services. You can contact your state laboratory certification program for guidance if your local agencies have not yet established formal PFAS lab certification. Doing your own monitoring can be especially important if you live near known industrial users of PFAS, firefighting foam sites, or landfills.

Common steps for individuals include:

1. Reviewing local data on PFAS contamination via state environmental websites or resources like a pfas contamination map.

2. Following sampling instructions meticulously to avoid contaminating the sample (for instance, avoiding Teflon-containing containers).

3. Reviewing test results against federal or state health advisories for context.

4. Consulting professionals if your sample exceeds recommended levels. This may involve discussing water filtration options such as a pfas water filter, pfoa water filter, or pfos water filter that suits your contamination profile.

Alongside private homeowners, commercial property owners and real estate agents sometimes commission PFAS tests during property transactions. These data can impact property values and insurance considerations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We hope this overview clarifies the scope and significance of PFAS monitoring. Regular testing, accurate data, and coordinated oversight are crucial for understanding these persistent chemicals and mitigating their risks. By staying informed and proactive, we can better protect our communities, particularly those who already contend with health burdens or environmental exposures. If you need more details on potential health effects, you can read about pfas health effects, or for liability discussions related to contaminated sites, refer to pfas liability.

Which PFAS chemicals are monitored most often?

Monitoring programs frequently target PFOA and PFOS because they are among the most studied PFAS. However, newer regulations also address a group of compounds including PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS based on emerging science and mixture toxicity concerns.

Are there maximum contaminant levels for all PFAS?

The EPA and some states have set MCLs for specific PFAS, but many emerging compounds still lack enforceable limits. Agencies continue to update their standards to reflect the latest research.

What do labs need to test for PFAS?

Certified labs require specialized instruments, often LC-MS/MS, to detect ultra-trace concentrations of PFAS. They also follow strict protocols such as EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 to ensure accurate results.

How can PFAS monitoring data help my community?

Local monitoring results can guide water treatment investments, identify hotspots, support legal recourse, and improve public health decisions. It also encourages transparency by clarifying potential risks.

Why are children considered vulnerable to PFAS?

Children can be more sensitive because of their smaller body size, developing organ systems, and higher exposure per body weight. They can also acquire PFAS through breastmilk, formula made with contaminated water, or other pathways.

Where can I get legal assistance if PFAS contaminates my water supply?

We recommend you explore PFAS lawsuits for more information. This resource connects you with experienced lawyers who can assess whether you have grounds for a claim.