I am worried about PFAS, or I am on a private well
Forever chemicals near a contamination source, or untested well water.
PFAS are not removed by standard filters and need a specific lab test. The right EPA method depends on the sample type; for drinking water, methods 533 and 537.1 are standard. Private wells are not covered by public water testing, so they need their own panel.
What to do
- Use a dedicated PFAS drinking-water test (EPA method 533 or 537.1).
- On a well, also run a general panel for bacteria, nitrate, and metals.
- If PFAS results are high, choose treatment proven to reduce PFAS.
Common questions
Do regular water filters remove PFAS?
Most standard pitcher and refrigerator filters do not. PFAS need a dedicated lab test to confirm, and treatment specifically proven to reduce them, such as certain activated-carbon or reverse-osmosis systems.
Which PFAS test should I use for drinking water?
EPA methods 533 and 537.1 are the standard drinking-water lab methods for PFAS. Use an accredited lab that runs one of them.
I am on a private well. What should I test for?
Private wells are not covered by public water testing, so run your own panel for bacteria, nitrate, and metals, and add a PFAS test if there is a nearby contamination source.
Where to go next
Mail-in and at-home kits plus certified labs to test drinking and well water for PFAS, lead, bacteria, nitrate, hardness, and more.
Filters and treatment systems matched to specific contaminants, for after your results come back.
Official locators for accredited labs. The national ones (EPA, NELAP, A2LA, AIHA) let you search any state, plus selected state programs.
Requirements by state, accredited labs and inspectors, and compliance guidance.
General information to help you find the right test and an accredited lab. This is not medical, legal, or safety advice. For a confirmed exposure or a health concern, talk to a qualified professional, and always confirm a lab's current accreditation with the certifying body.
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