PFAS HOTSPOT?
Check you zip code.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a highly respected longstanding not-for-profit.
Their mission is to empower the public with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment.
They are exceptional at what they do and PFAS has been a longstanding focus of theirs.
They have amassed a broad and deep database providing zip code specific water quality reports.
We fully support EWG and their mission.
The report generated through the EWG website includes all aspects of known (through testing) contaminants associated with your local water.
If you live in a rural area served by wells, there may not be any information in their database.
When looking at the EWG report associated with your zip code and municipal water provider,
LOOK FOR PFOA, PFOS OR GENX…..
Those are the PFAS that have been tested for most and if present will show up in their report.
Steps to complete zip code based PFAS inquiry:
- Click the link above, the EWG website will be generated in a new window,
- Input your zip code
- Select your water provider if you are in a zip code (which is often the case) with multiple providers,
- Review the report and keep a keen eye out for PFAS (the EPA has proposed regulating the PFAS listed directly below, so lets focus on those for now),
- PFOA
- PFOS
- PFNA
- HFPO-DA (GenX)
- PFHxS
- PFDA
- Review the report and keep a keen eye out for PFAS (the EPA has proposed regulating the PFAS listed directly below, so lets focus on those for now),
When done, close the window and return to this screen to learn more about what PFAS is and what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
There are thousands of chemicals in the PFAS family. Broader research is ongoing regarding the balance of all the chemicals in the PFAS family.
Laboratory test kits are the only way to test your water for PFAS. Test strips cannot test for PFAS.
The cost, per sample, to test for PFAS through a certified lab ranges between $300 and $600.
PFAS Water Test
EPA 537.1 PFAS PFOA PFOS See Full List
Recommended for testing 14 of the most common PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”) in drinking water, including PFOA and PFOS.
- Certified lab method: EPA 537.1
- Fast turnaround at lab (10 days)
- Free shipping, both ways
- Expert support
This Tap Score water test package provides all required materials to properly collect and submit a sample for certified laboratory testing. It’s very important to follow the instructions carefully for accurate results. This kit includes detailed sampling instructions to ensure how best to avoid on-site cross-contamination.
Reported results will include detailed, quantified analysis of common PFAS compounds by EPA 537.1 down to concentrations below 2 parts per trillion (PPT).
Laboratory test kits are the only way to test your water for PFAS. Test strips cannot test for PFAS.
The cost, per sample, to test for PFAS through a certified lab ranges between $300 and $600.
While it makes sense to test your water for PFAS prior to taking steps to manage PFAS exposure, if you are in an area with known contamination, it may make sense to simply bypass testing and proceed with PFAS management.
While there are a variety of places you can have your water tested, after doing a LOT of research, I found the direction provided confusing and was left unsure how to proceed.
The easiest way to test your home water, municipal or well water, is by purchasing the Professional PFAS Test for Drinking Water provided by Tap Score by Simple Labs.