The Water Quality Association's (WQA) laboratory is now accepting requests for reduction testing of PFOA, PFOS and other PFAS compounds with detection limits down to 1 ppt (parts per trillion).

"This is a tremendous step forward in our ability to serve our clients who want to make sure their products can achieve lower reduction levels of PFAS-related compounds," said Tom Bruursema, WQA associate executive director.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS chemicals. EPA recommends a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 ppt and a MCL Goal of 0 for PFOA and PFOS. The agency also proposed a regulation to limit any mixture containing one or more PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS and/or GenX Chemicals.

EPA's official Federal Register notice was published March 29; a public comment deadline is May 30.

"The new testing capability will enable us to test products to the newly proposed EPA MCL," said Zac Gleason, WQA lab director. "This includes both the NSF/ANSI 53/58 PFOA and PFOS compounds and the others included in the EPA proposed MCL."

The lab will also be able to assist with independent testing of new products being designed with PFAS reduction in mind. Companies interested in learning more about WQA's product testing services should reach out to Kyle Whalen, WQA's associate director of business development, at goldseal@wqa.org.