Compliance made easy. Access to testing solutions, deadlines, and support.
Ready to Meet EPA Drinking Water Requirements?
Early compliance monitoring is essential to evaluate and implement cost-effective PFAS treatment
solutions before the deadline.
- Understand EPA monitoring requirements for PFOA, PFOS, and other PFAS
- Learn about sampling frequency and deadlines (initial monitoring by April 26, 2027; MCL compliance by 2031)
- Explore recommended EPA test methods and reporting solutions
- Contact AEL for technical support and expert consultation
In May 2025, the EPA announced updates to enforceable standards known as the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation – NPDWR, maintaining MCLs for two PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS.
ALL Community Water Systems (CWS) and Non-Transient, Non-Community Water Systems (NTNCWS) must complete initial monitoring for these PFAS: 2-4 samples at every entry point to the distribution system by April 26, 2027, with the MCL compliance deadline now extended to 2031.
Final PFAS MCLs
| Chemical | Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) (ppt or ng/L) | Trigger Level (ppt or ng/L) |
|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 4.0 ppt | 2.0 ✅ |
| PFOS | 4.0 ppt | 2.0 ✅ |
*Previously, the EPA had set limits for 4 additional PFAS compounds (HFPO-Da (GenX chemicals), PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, as well as the Hazard Index). However, the agency intends to rescind these limits and will reconsider regulatory determinations by Spring 2026.
✅ AEL provides high sensitivity, low-level PFAS results meeting the required MCL and Trigger levels for both methods.
Monitoring Frequency
| System Type | System Size | Monitoring Frequency | EPA Method Required | Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water | All sizes | 4 Sampling Events in one year, 2-4 months apart | EPA 533 or EPA 537.1 | PFOA = 4.0 PFOS = 4.0 |
| Groundwater | Serving > 10K People | 4 Sampling Events in one year, 2-4 months apart | ||
| Groundwater | Serving ≤ 10K People | 2 Sampling Events in one year, 5-7 months apart |
*Methods require Field Blanks to be collected but only analyzed if PFAS are detected in the sample.
For NPDWR compliance, both EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 are approved for monitoring the regulated PFAS compounds:
- EPA Method 533 covers 25 PFAS, including short-chain PFAS not included in 537.1, using isotope dilution for enhanced accuracy across a broader spectrum. (AEL Recommended)
- EPA Method 537.1 targets 18 specific PFAS, has slightly lower detection limits for HFPO-DA (GenX) and was widely adopted during UCMR5.
Using UCMR5 Data to Satisfy NPDWR Monitoring
If you participated in UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 5), a data collection program from 2023 – 2025 for large systems (>10,000 people) and representative small systems, (3,300-10,000 people), you may be able to use collected data to satisfy the initial monitoring requirements under the new PFAS NPDWR regulation if you:
- Covered all entry points to the distribution system.
- Tested for all regulated compounds.
- Used approved EPA methods 533 and or 537.1.
- Detection limits were sensitive enough to meet the trigger levels for samples and blanks.
| UCMR5 Participants | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS Results | What You Must Do | Monitoring Frequency | EPA Method(s) Required |
| NO PFAS hits above Trigger Levels | Counts as initial monitoring under NPDWR with approval | Triennial Monitoring Eligibility | EPA 533 or EPA 537.1 |
| PFAS detected < MCL but ≥ Trigger level | Ongoing compliance monitoring starting in 2027 | Quarterly Possible Reduction after 3 yrs non-detect | EPA 533 or EPA 537.1 (may be required to continue with both) |
| PFAS ≥ MCL | Begin mitigation planning; start ongoing monitoring immediately | Quarterly | |
| *Ask AEL about reprocessing of our prior UCMR5 data to meet the NPDWR standards. | |||
- If no detections occurred, you may be eligible for reduced (triennial) monitoring frequency, subject to state approval.
- If PFAS were detected above the Trigger level but below the MCL, you are required to conduct quarterly monitoring starting in 2027. It takes a minimum of four years of compliant data – one year of quarterly, and three years of annual – to qualify.
- If PFAS were detected at levels exceeding the new MCLs during UCMR 5 monitoring, your system is required to continue quarterly monitoring and implement PFAS treatment solutions for full compliance by 2031.
Why Choose AEL?
Advanced Environmental Laboratory Inc.(AEL) is the largest Drinking Water PFAS testing lab in Florida. We also offer Groundwater, Wastewater, Leachate, Biosolids, and Soils PFAS testing by EPA 1633 and quick screen EPA 8327/ASTM D8421.
With 8 labs statewide, our network offers unmatched convenience and coverage, including courier logistics and field sampling services to support your PFAS compliance needs. Our fully equipped PFAS laboratory capabilities ensure reliable data and results—learn more here.
With 8 labs statewide, our network offers unmatched convenience and coverage, including courier logistics and field sampling services to support your PFAS compliance needs. Our fully equipped PFAS laboratory capabilities ensure reliable data and results—learn more here.
Jacksonville (HQ) | Tampa | Miami | Orlando | Tallahassee | Fort Myers | Gainesville | Lake Placid
AEL is the leading provider of laboratory services for Florida/Georgia municipalities with 30 years of service, 100+ government contracts.
We are TNI/NELAP and ISO 17025 certified with DoD-ELAP accreditation and coverage in FL, GA, AL, NC, VA, and WA plus 19 other states, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean.
AEL is Federally classified as a Small Business Enterprise and eligible for SBE programs where applicable.