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Understanding PADEP’s New PFAS Regulations for Small Public Water Systems

Changes for Small Systems: What You Need to Know

Starting in January 2025, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) will enforce new regulations requiring public water suppliers (PWSs) serving 350 people or less to begin monitoring for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). This move follows the establishment of Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for two PFAS compounds:

  • Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA): MCL of 14 parts per trillion (ppt)
  • Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acid (PFOS): MCL of 18 ppt

In addition to these state-regulated compounds, PADEP officials are encouraging water systems to monitor for four additional PFAS compounds identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), AND established lower MCLs than PADEP had previously published:

  • PFOA: MCL of 4 ppt
  • PFOS: MCL of 4 ppt
  • Perfluorohexane Sulfonic Acid (PFHxS): MCL of 10 ppt
  • Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA): MCL of 10 ppt
  • Hexafluoropropylene Oxide Dimer Acid (HFPO-DA or GenX): MCL of 10 ppt
  • PFHxS, PFNA, Gen X, and Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS): 1.0 Unitless Hazard Index

Monitoring these additional compounds helps public water systems stay ahead of potential federal regulations while addressing growing public concerns about PFAS contamination.

What does this mean for larger systems?

If you’re a public water supplier serving more than 350, and you performed your testing requirements last year, you may have to continue to analyze your entry points for PFAS.  If you had results at or above 5 ppt for any compound, you may have to continue to monitor.  Your monitoring calendar will be updated to indicate the testing needed.

Expert Testing with EPA-Approved Methods

Our lab is equipped to perform PFAS testing using two methods: EPA Method 533 and EPA Method 537.1 Rev 2—both validated methods for detecting and quantifying PFAS in drinking water at required reporting limits. By partnering with us, you gain access to:

  • Analysis of all six PFAS Compounds: PADEP’s regulated compounds and USEPA’s additional targets.
  • Low-Level Detection: Meet the strict Reporting Limits with confidence.
  • Fast Turnaround Times: Timely results to keep your system on track with quarterly monitoring requirements.

Which Method is Right for Me?

At the recommendation of PADEP, Suburban Testing Labs will analyze your samples for all six PFAS analytes.  You have a choice of two methods: EPA 533, or EPA 537.1 Rev 2.

  • EPA 533
    • We will automatically enroll our clients to utilize this method.
    • Best when analyzing for short-chain PFAS (PFBS and Gen X).
    • Fewer quality control failures requiring resampling.
  • EPA 537.1 Rev. 2
    • More economical for budget conscious water suppliers.
    • Higher risk of re-sampling due to quality control failures.

Additional Quality Control Requirements

All PFAS samples require the collection of a sample and a field reagent blank (FRB) for a total of 2 samples per Entry Point.  An FRB is a sample of PFAS-free water handled precisely like a regular sample through the entire field sampling process, including collection, transportation, and storage.  This ensures no contamination during the collection, transport, and storage process.

The Impact of PFAS on Public Health

Why are PADEP and USEPA requiring testing for these new analytes? PFAS has been used in countless consumer products ranging from firefighting foams to clothing to non-stick cookware. They persist in the environment and human body, leading to potential health risks such as:

  • Increased cholesterol levels
  • Developmental effects in children
  • Immune system impairments
  • Increased risk of cancer

For small water systems, this new mandate can feel overwhelming—but compliance is critical for protecting public health and maintaining community trust.

How Suburban Testing Labs Will Help

At Suburban Testing Labs, we understand small public water suppliers’ challenges when adapting to new regulations. We are proud to be one of Pennsylvania’s few environmental testing laboratories with PFAS testing at our headquarters – no shipping samples out of state. With over 60 years of experience, we are committed to providing high-quality, defensible data and unparalleled customer service.

Our experienced team offers comprehensive PFAS testing and compliance support tailored to your unique needs.

Tailored Client Solutions

We don’t just deliver data—we provide peace of mind. Suburban Testing Labs offers:

  • Sample Collection Services: sampling for PFAS can be complicated, and our highly trained field samplers are available for collection.
  • Sampling Kits: if sampling is what you do best, we can provide you with detailed sampling instructions and sampling kits.
  • Regulatory Guidance: Stay informed about evolving regulations with personalized consultations and updates. Let our Project Managers help you sort through it all.
  • Reliable Reporting: Easy-to-understand reports that help you communicate results with stakeholders and the public.
  • Proactive Risk Mitigation: Identify contamination trends early to implement cost-effective treatment solutions.

Act Now to Ensure Compliance

Don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare for PADEP’s PFAS regulations. Contact Suburban Testing Labs today to schedule your PFAS testing and compliance consultation. Together, we can ensure safe, clean drinking water for your community.

Call us at 610-375-TEST or visit suburbabtestinglabs.com to get started.

About Suburban Testing Labs

Suburban Testing Labs specializes in environmental testing and regulatory compliance support for public water systems. From our state-of-the-art facility, we deliver reliable, timely results that empower clients to protect their communities and meet regulatory requirements.

Suburban Testing Labs: Trusted. Reliable. Local.

Want to learn more about our testing capabilities or how we can support your operations? Contact us today for a personalized consultation or quotation.  Email us at sales@suburbantestinglabs.com or fill out our contact form for a quick response.