PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are a vast group of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in industrial and consumer products like nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. Because their chemical structure resists degradation, they are often called “forever chemicals.” PFAS can accumulate in the body and have been linked to potential health effects, including impacts on the immune system and certain cancers.
PFAS enter drinking water from sources such as industrial discharge, firefighting foam sites, or landfill runoff. While instant, quantifiable testing is not possible at home, reliable consumer options exist. The most practical approach for homeowners involves a mail-in service that utilizes specialized laboratory techniques.
The Difference Between Screening and Certified Testing
Accurately measuring PFAS in water is complex and requires highly specialized scientific equipment, making instant at-home quantification impossible. Simple, low-cost screening methods offer a preliminary indication of contaminant presence but cannot distinguish between the thousands of different PFAS compounds. These basic screens also lack the precision needed to measure the exact concentration of specific compounds for comparison against health advisories.
Certified testing uses liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), the recognized standard for regulatory analysis. This sophisticated instrumentation detects and measures specific PFAS compounds at extremely low levels, often down to parts per trillion (ppt). Achieving this sensitivity requires rigorous quality control and specialized laboratory accreditation from state or federal environmental agencies.
Utilizing Professional Mail-In Kits
The most reliable method for a homeowner to test their water involves purchasing a mail-in kit from a commercial third-party service that partners with a certified environmental laboratory. Begin the process by selecting a reputable company that clearly states its use of laboratories accredited by a state program, the Department of Defense Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (DoD ELAP), or labs that strictly follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods like 537.1 or 533. The cost for this certified testing is substantial, typically ranging from $300 to $600. This cost covers the specialized equipment use, the reagents, and the highly trained staff required for the analysis.
Once the kit arrives, precise sample collection is paramount to avoid cross-contamination, as PFAS are present in many household items. The kit will include specific vials, often with a preservative, and detailed instructions that must be followed exactly. It is often necessary to avoid using Teflon-coated products or even certain personal care items before and during the collection process to ensure the sample accurately reflects the water source. After collection, the sample is sealed, the chain-of-custody form is completed, and it is shipped back to the lab, usually with prepaid overnight shipping to maintain the sample’s integrity.
Turnaround time for results can vary but generally takes between 10 to 15 business days after the laboratory receives the sample, as the analytical procedure is intensive. The final report will typically list the specific PFAS compounds tested, known as analytes, along with their measured concentration. This mail-in process provides a practical pathway to obtaining reliable results.
Understanding and Responding to Test Results
When the laboratory report is received, the results section will list the concentration of each specific PFAS compound detected, usually measured in nanograms per liter (ng/L), which is equivalent to parts per trillion (ppt). The report will also indicate the Method Detection Limit (MDL) and the Reporting Limit (RL), which represent the lowest concentration the lab can confidently detect and accurately quantify, respectively. If a compound is not found above the MDL, the result will be marked as “ND” for Non-Detect.
Homeowners should compare their detected concentrations against current health advisory levels or Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set by the EPA or their state. These regulatory benchmarks are often set at extremely low parts per trillion levels. If the water shows concentrations exceeding these advisory or regulatory thresholds, the immediate, practical step is to reduce exposure.
The most effective residential filtration methods for removing PFAS from water are Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) systems and Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems. GAC filters work by adsorbing the PFAS onto the carbon material, while RO systems use a semi-permeable membrane to physically filter out contaminants. If contamination is confirmed, homeowners can also contact their local health department or water utility to share the results and inquire about community-level remediation efforts or additional testing resources.