How to Sample for PFAS
Why are there multiple bottles in my kit?
Your PFAS kit should have 3 bottles in it. Because PFAS are widely used in household products like makeup, cleaning supplies, clothing, cooking utensils and pans, it is possible that we see PFAS in your sample from a source other than your water. Because of this, we include an extra empty sample bottle and one filled with water. We have already tested the water in the final bottle and know there is no PFAS in it, so when you transfer the PFAS free water in the last bottle into the empty sample bottle, we can see if any PFAs from your hands, air, or home are getting into your water sample.
Testing that extra bottle is part of the official method the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends for PFAS testing. It is called: Method 533: Determination of PFAS Substances in Drinking Water
if you would like to learn more about why we follow this method.
Prepare to sample
Check your testing kit for the following
- 3 bottles, one already filled with water
- Chain of custody form
- Return shipping label
- Insulated liner
- Ice packs
- Ziplock bags
Plan your sampling date and shipment
- Ship on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday if possible
- Ship the samples within 3 days of collection
- 2 days prior to sampling put the ice packs in your freezer
Avoid these common mistakes
To avoid contaminating samples with PFAS that originate outside your water, follow these steps:
Wash your hands with tap water before sampling
Do not put on cosmetics, sunscreen, or lotion. These may contain PFAS and cause your sample to show higher PFAS levels.
Do not wear clothes that are waterproof, stain resistant, or that were washed with fabric softener. These might contain PFAS.
Do not sample from a tap with a filter. Choose another unfiltered tap instead.
Collect samples and field blank
Collect your sample
Fill Bottle 1 to the neckCollect the field blank
Pour the contents of Bottle 3 into the empty Bottle 2Seal caps tightly
Ensure no water can leak from the bottles during shipping
Fill out forms
Immediately after sampling, fill out your chain of custody form.
- Add your name to “collected by” and fill in date and time.
- If you didn’t sample your kitchen tap, write in which tap you sampled.
- Put the chain of custody form back in the small bag.
Store samples until shipping
- Place the bottles in the large bag, along with the small bag containing the chain of custody form.
- After sample collection, keep your samples cold but not frozen.
Ship samples
- Pack the frozen ice packs and the bag with the sample bottles into the insulated liner in your box. Try to arrange the packs around the bottles.
- Seal the box with strong shipping tape and apply the return shipment label from UPS. UPS Return Shipment Information
- Schedule a pickup: 1-800-742-5877
- ups.com/pickup