How to Test Your Water for PFAS (Step-by-Step Guide)
PFAS & Forever Chemicals
How to Test Your Water for PFAS (Step-by-Step Guide)
A complete guide to finding out if your drinking water contains PFAS "forever chemicals," what the results mean, and what to do about them.
TL;DR: How to Test for PFAS in Your Water
Standard water tests (the kind you get at Home Depot or from your county) do not test for PFAS. You need a specialized lab test using EPA Method 533 or 537.1. Here are your options:
- Fastest and most affordable: A mail-in test kit like Cyclopure ($85, tests 55 PFAS compounds) or Tap Score ($335, tests 14 compounds with detailed reporting).
- Most thorough: Send a sample to a certified lab using EPA Method 533 or 537.1. Costs $200 to $500 depending on compounds tested.
- Free option: Several states (New York, Colorado, New Hampshire) offer free PFAS testing for private well owners. Check if your state qualifies below.
- If you are on city water: Start by checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). PFAS testing is now required under the EPA's 2024 rule.
- If PFAS are detected: A PFAS water filter (reverse osmosis or activated carbon) can reduce levels well below the EPA's 4 ppt limit.
For a full overview of PFAS, health risks, and treatment options, see our PFAS Water Filter Guide.
PFAS Test Result Reader
Enter your PFAS test results below. We will tell you where you stand relative to EPA limits and what to do next.
Why Standard Water Tests Don't Include PFAS
If you have had your well water tested, you probably received results for iron, pH, hardness, bacteria, and maybe nitrates. Those are the standard parameters that most well water test kits and county health departments check for.
PFAS are not included in standard tests for three reasons:
- Specialized equipment is required. PFAS must be measured at parts per trillion (ppt) concentrations, which is 1,000 times more sensitive than parts per billion (ppb) used for most contaminants. The instruments needed (liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry, or LC-MS/MS) cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and require trained analysts.
- The testing methods are new. EPA Method 537.1 was published in 2018 and Method 533 in 2019. Most commercial labs did not offer PFAS testing to consumers until 2020 or later.
- Cost. A standard well water panel costs $50 to $150. Adding PFAS analysis adds $85 to $400+ depending on the number of compounds tested, because every sample must go through the LC-MS/MS process.
Your "Clean" Water Test May Not Be Complete
A homeowner in Maryland recently called us after getting what he thought was a clean water test from his county health department. His iron, bacteria, and nitrates were all fine. When he tested for PFAS separately, his PFOA level came back at 18 ppt, more than four times the EPA limit. The standard test simply did not look for it.
The bottom line: if you have not specifically requested a PFAS test, you do not know your PFAS levels. A clean result on a standard water panel does not mean your water is free of forever chemicals. For everything you need to know about PFAS, including how they get into water and what to do about them, see our Complete PFAS Guide.
Testing Options Compared: DIY Kits vs. Certified Labs
There are two primary ways to test your water for PFAS: mail-in test kits (you collect the sample at home and send it to a lab) and direct lab testing (you collect a sample and ship it to a certified lab yourself). Both deliver certified lab results. The difference is convenience, cost, and how many compounds they test for.
| Method | Cost | Compounds Tested | Turnaround | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cyclopure Test Kit | $85 | 55 PFAS (including all EPA 1633 compounds) | 10 to 14 business days | Most homeowners (best value, most compounds) |
| Tap Score (SimpleLab) | $335 | 14 PFAS (EPA Method 537.1) | ~10 business days | Detailed reporting with health risk context |
| Direct Lab Submission | $200 to $500 | 18 to 40+ PFAS (varies by lab) | 10 to 21 business days | Legal/regulatory compliance, mortgage requirements |
| State Free Programs | Free | Varies by state | 2 to 6 weeks | Private well owners in participating states |
Pricing verified March 2026. Costs may vary.
Cyclopure PFAS Test Kit ($85)
- Tests 55 PFAS compounds (most comprehensive consumer kit available)
- Uses DEXSORB extraction media; you ship a dry disc, not water
- Free return shipping included
- 4.7-star Trustpilot rating
- Results in 10 to 14 business days
Tap Score PFAS Test ($335)
- Tests 14 priority PFAS using EPA Method 537.1
- Results include health risk assessment and treatment recommendations
- Detection limit below 2 ppt
- Prepaid shipping both ways
- Good for homeowners who want a full interpretation
What About Instant Test Strips?
There are no reliable instant or dip-strip tests for PFAS. Any product claiming to detect PFAS with a test strip is not measuring at the parts-per-trillion sensitivity required. The EPA limit for PFOA and PFOS is 4 ppt; test strips cannot detect concentrations that low. All legitimate PFAS tests require laboratory analysis with LC-MS/MS equipment.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Water Tested for PFAS
Whether you choose a mail-in kit or direct lab submission, the collection process matters. Contaminating your sample with outside PFAS (from food packaging, cosmetics, or certain plastics) will produce inaccurate results.
Choose Your Testing Method
For most homeowners, a mail-in kit (Cyclopure at $85 or Tap Score at $335) is the simplest approach. If you need results for a real estate transaction, mortgage, or legal matter, work directly with a state-certified lab that uses EPA Method 533 or 537.1.
Prepare for Sample Collection
On collection day: do not use sunscreen, moisturizer, or cosmetics containing PFAS before handling the sample kit. Wash your hands thoroughly with plain soap and water (not antibacterial soap, which can contain PFAS). Do not eat fast food or handle food packaging within an hour of collecting, since grease-resistant wrappers contain PFAS that can transfer to your hands.
Collect the Sample
For well water: Run your tap for 2 to 3 minutes to flush standing water from the pipes. Collect the sample from a cold water tap (not through any existing filter). Use only the container provided in your test kit.
For city water: Collect from your kitchen cold water tap after running for 30 seconds. If you want to know what your utility delivers (before any home treatment), bypass any existing filters.
Ship Your Sample
Most kits include prepaid return shipping. Ship within 24 hours of collection if possible. Cyclopure kits use a dry extraction disc (not liquid water), so there is no rush to ship cold. Standard liquid samples should be kept cool and shipped promptly.
Get Your Results
Expect results in 10 to 21 business days depending on the lab. Results are typically emailed as a PDF lab report. Use the PFAS Test Result Reader above to interpret your numbers, or scroll down to the How to Read Your Results section for a full explanation.
Take Action (If Needed)
If PFAS are detected above EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA or PFOS), treatment is recommended. See What to Do Based on Your Results below, or call Aidan at 800-460-5810 to discuss your specific report.
Avoid These Common Collection Mistakes
Using the wrong container. Never collect a PFAS sample in a random plastic bottle. Some plastics contain PFAS or chemicals that interfere with the test. Always use the container provided by your lab or test kit.
Touching the inside of the container. Your hands can introduce PFAS from personal care products. Handle the container by the outside only.
Sampling through a filter. If you want to know your raw water PFAS levels, collect before any existing treatment system. If you want to verify your filter is working, collect after the filter (and take a "before" sample from untreated water for comparison).
How to Read Your PFAS Test Results
PFAS lab reports can be intimidating. They contain chemical abbreviations, detection limits, and units most homeowners have never seen. Here is how to make sense of it all.
Understanding the Units: Parts Per Trillion (ppt)
PFAS results are reported in nanograms per liter (ng/L), which is the same as parts per trillion (ppt). This is an extremely small concentration. For perspective:
- 1 part per trillion is equivalent to one drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- 1 part per billion (ppb) = 1,000 parts per trillion. Most water contaminants (like iron, nitrates, and lead) are measured in ppb or ppm. PFAS are measured 1,000 times more precisely.
- If your lab reports in micrograms per liter (ug/L), multiply by 1,000 to convert to ppt. For example, 0.004 ug/L = 4 ppt.
Key Terms on Your Lab Report
| Term | What It Means | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Analyte | The specific PFAS compound tested | Focus on PFOA and PFOS first (these have EPA MCLs) |
| Result | The detected concentration | Compare to the EPA limits in the next section |
| ND or <RL | "Not Detected" or below the Reporting Limit | This is the best possible result for that compound |
| J flag | Estimated value (detected but below the reporting limit) | The chemical is present, but the exact amount is uncertain |
| Reporting Limit (RL) | Lowest concentration the lab can confidently measure | For PFAS, this should be 2 ppt or lower for Method 537.1 |
| Method | The EPA-approved test method used | Look for EPA 533, 537.1, or 1633 |
Source: EPA PFAS Drinking Water Laboratory Methods
What If Your Report Shows Different Units?
Some older labs or environmental reports use different units. Here is the conversion: 1 ug/L = 1 ppb = 1,000 ppt. So if your report says PFOS = 0.010 ug/L, that equals 10 ppt, which is above the EPA limit. When in doubt, call Aidan at 800-460-5810 and read him the numbers directly from your report.
EPA PFAS Limits: What Levels Are Safe?
In April 2024, the EPA finalized the first-ever enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water. Here is what those limits mean for you.
PFOA
Maximum Contaminant Level
4.0 ppt
Enforceable federal limit. The strictest MCL the EPA has ever set for any contaminant. Public water systems must comply by 2029.
PFOS
Maximum Contaminant Level
4.0 ppt
Same limit as PFOA. PFOS is the most commonly detected PFAS in U.S. drinking water, primarily from firefighting foam contamination.
Source: EPA Final PFAS Rule, 2024 (updated May 2025)
PFAS Risk Scale
This visual scale shows where common PFAS levels fall relative to the EPA limit:
| PFAS Level (PFOA or PFOS) | Risk Category | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Not Detected (ND) | No concern | No treatment needed. Retest every 2 to 3 years if on a well. |
| 0.1 to 2.0 ppt | Low level detected | Below EPA limits. Consider an RO system for drinking water as a precaution. Retest annually. |
| 2.0 to 4.0 ppt | Near EPA limit | Approaching the legal limit. Treatment recommended, especially for households with children. An under-sink RO system ($595) removes 90%+ of PFAS from drinking water. |
| 4.0 to 20 ppt | Above EPA limit | Exceeds the federal MCL. Treatment is strongly recommended. Consider both point-of-use RO for drinking water and whole-house carbon or ion exchange for all taps. |
| Above 20 ppt | Significantly elevated | Well above EPA limits. Install treatment immediately. Contact your state health department. If on a well, call Aidan at 800-460-5810 to discuss a whole-house approach. |
Action thresholds based on EPA MCLs and health advisory levels. Source: EPA PFAS Regulation
Some States Have Stricter Limits
Several states set PFAS limits below the federal standard. New Jersey limits PFOA at 14 ppt and PFOS at 13 ppt. Vermont limits five PFAS at 20 ppt combined. Maine limits six PFAS at 20 ppt combined. If your state has its own standard, use the stricter number.
What to Do Based on Your Results
Once you have your PFAS test results, the path forward depends on two things: your contamination level and whether you want to treat just drinking water or the whole house.
Option 1: Point-of-Use Reverse Osmosis (Drinking Water Only)
A reverse osmosis system installed under your kitchen sink is the most effective and affordable way to remove PFAS from drinking and cooking water. RO systems push water through a semipermeable membrane that physically blocks PFAS molecules.
- PFAS removal: 90% to 99% (NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems). PFAS exposure is linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and other serious health effects
- Best for: Any contamination level, especially when budget is a concern or when city water is the source
- Cost: The Pure-75 Reverse Osmosis system is $595 and includes the membrane, filters, tank, and faucet
- Limitations: Only treats water at one faucet. Does not address PFAS in shower, laundry, or other taps
Option 2: Whole-House Activated Carbon Filter
Large-bed activated carbon filters with 1.5 to 2.5 cubic feet of media can reduce PFAS at every tap in your home. Carbon adsorbs long-chain PFAS (PFOA, PFOS) effectively. For a complete explanation, see our carbon filters guide.
- PFAS removal: 60% to 90%+ for long-chain PFAS (PFOA, PFOS). Less effective for short-chain PFAS (GenX, PFBS)
- Best for: Well water owners who want whole-house protection and also need chlorine/VOC removal
- Limitations: Performance declines as carbon becomes saturated. Carbon bed must be large enough to provide adequate contact time. Pair with an under-sink RO for maximum drinking water protection
Option 3: Whole-House Ion Exchange (PFAS-Specific)
For confirmed PFAS contamination above EPA limits, a dedicated ion exchange system using PFAS-specific resin is the gold standard for whole-house treatment.
- PFAS removal: 95%+ for both long-chain and short-chain PFAS
- Best for: Well water owners near known contamination sources (military bases, airports, industrial sites) with elevated total PFAS
- Cost: The MAW PFAS Removal System uses ResinTech SIR-110-HP resin at $1,695
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
Email your PFAS test report to support@midatlanticwater.net or call Aidan at 800-460-5810. He will review your results and recommend the right level of treatment for your specific situation. There is no charge for this.
Free and Subsidized PFAS Testing by State
Several states offer free PFAS testing for private well owners. These programs change frequently, so check your state's environmental or health department website for the latest information. For a complete overview of contamination levels and regulations across all 50 states, see our PFAS Contamination by State guide.
New York
Free PFAS testing + rebates. Pilot program covers 6 counties (Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Suffolk, Ulster, Westchester). Up to $5,000 rebate for treatment systems if levels exceed 10 ppt. Apply at health.ny.gov.
Colorado
Free statewide testing. PFAS Testing and Assistance Program (PFAS TAP) provides free well water testing statewide. Free filters for income-eligible households. Available while supplies last.
New Hampshire
Testing + $5,000 treatment rebate. NHDES PFAS Removal Rebate Program offers up to $5,000 toward filtration systems or $10,000 to connect to public water. Apply through NHDES.
Maine
Guidance + targeted testing. State drinking water standard of 20 ppt (combined 6 PFAS). Free testing available in areas near known contamination. Contact Maine CDC for details.
California
Free testing for disadvantaged communities. State Water Board testing about 3,600 wells in underserved areas for 25 PFAS chemicals. Program runs through 2026.
Other States
Check your state's DEP or health department. Many states are launching PFAS testing programs as federal requirements expand. Search "[your state] PFAS well water testing program" for the latest.
State program details verified March 2026. Programs and eligibility may change. Check your state's environmental agency for current information.
Municipal Water: Checking Your Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
If you are on city water (not a private well), your water utility is now required to test for PFAS under the EPA's 2024 National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. The results are published in your annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), also called a Water Quality Report.
How to Find Your CCR
- Check your water bill for a link to the annual report (usually mailed or emailed each July).
- Search the EPA's CCR finder: Visit epa.gov/ccr and enter your zip code.
- Check EWG's Tap Water Database: Visit ewg.org/tapwater and search your zip code. EWG compiles utility testing data and compares it to both legal limits and health guidelines.
- Call your water utility directly and ask for the most recent PFAS test results.
What to Look For
- PFOA and PFOS results: Should be below 4.0 ppt each. If either is above this level, your utility must take corrective action by the compliance deadline (2029).
- Total PFAS: If your CCR reports multiple PFAS compounds, add them up. The EPA uses a "Hazard Index" approach for some PFAS: if the combined index exceeds 1.0, it is considered a violation.
- "Not Detected" vs. not tested: "Not Detected" (ND) means the utility tested and found no PFAS above the reporting limit. If PFAS are not listed at all, the utility may not have tested yet (UCMR 5 testing is ongoing through 2025).
City Water Does Not Mean Safe Water
EWG's analysis found PFAS in the water supplies serving an estimated 176 million Americans. Even if your utility meets the EPA limit, you may want additional protection. A point-of-use reverse osmosis system ($595) provides a final barrier at your kitchen tap regardless of what your utility delivers. For a deeper comparison of home treatment options, see Carbon Filter vs. Reverse Osmosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a PFAS water test cost?
PFAS testing ranges from $85 to $500 depending on the method and number of compounds. The most affordable option is the Cyclopure test kit at $85, which tests for 55 PFAS compounds. Tap Score offers a more detailed 14-compound test for $335. Direct lab submission typically costs $200 to $500. Several states (New York, Colorado, New Hampshire) offer free testing for private well owners.
Can I test for PFAS at home with a test strip?
No. There are no reliable home test strips for PFAS. The EPA limits for PFOA and PFOS are 4 parts per trillion, a concentration too small for any strip or instant test to detect. All legitimate PFAS testing requires a certified laboratory using LC-MS/MS instruments (EPA Method 533 or 537.1). Mail-in kits like Cyclopure and Tap Score let you collect the sample at home, but the actual analysis happens in a lab.
How long does it take to get PFAS test results?
Most PFAS test results take 10 to 21 business days from when the lab receives your sample. Cyclopure reports results in 10 to 14 business days. Tap Score takes about 10 business days. Direct lab submissions vary by lab workload but typically fall within 2 to 3 weeks. State free testing programs may take longer (2 to 6 weeks).
Does boiling water remove PFAS?
No. Boiling water does not remove PFAS. In fact, boiling concentrates PFAS because the water evaporates while the chemicals remain behind. PFAS have extremely high thermal stability (their carbon-fluorine bonds resist breakdown up to 1,000+ degrees Fahrenheit). The only proven household methods for PFAS removal are reverse osmosis, activated carbon filtration, and ion exchange.
Do Brita filters remove PFAS?
Standard Brita pitcher filters have limited effectiveness against PFAS. While they contain some activated carbon, the small amount and short contact time mean they may reduce some PFAS by 30% to 50% but cannot reliably bring levels below the EPA limit. For confirmed PFAS contamination, a reverse osmosis system or a large-bed whole-house carbon filter with adequate contact time is needed.
Is well water more likely to have PFAS than city water?
Not necessarily. Both well water and city water can contain PFAS, depending on the contamination sources in your area. However, city water is now required to be tested and treated under federal law, while private well owners are responsible for testing and treating their own supply. If you live near a military base, airport, industrial facility, or landfill, your well may be at higher risk. Private wells should also be screened for naturally occurring contaminants that utilities test for routinely: see how to test for arsenic in well water for one of the most common.
What is the difference between PFOA and PFOS?
PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) are both long-chain PFAS with 8 carbon atoms. PFOA was widely used in Teflon and other nonstick manufacturing. PFOS was the primary ingredient in Scotchgard and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used for firefighting. Both have the same EPA limit (4 ppt) and similar health concerns. PFOS is the most commonly detected PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
How often should I retest for PFAS?
If your initial test shows no PFAS detected, retest every 2 to 3 years (contamination sources can change). If PFAS are detected below EPA limits, retest annually. If you install a treatment system, test your treated water 30 to 60 days after installation and then every 6 to 12 months to confirm the system is still performing. If your area has known contamination, annual testing is recommended regardless of your initial results.
Can I send my PFAS test results to someone for interpretation?
Yes. Email your lab report to support@midatlanticwater.net or call Aidan at 800-460-5810. Aidan reviews water test results every day and can tell you exactly what your numbers mean and whether treatment is needed. There is no charge for this.
Written by Aidan Walsh, founder of Mid Atlantic Water with over 30 years of experience in residential water treatment. Aidan has helped thousands of homeowners diagnose water quality issues, interpret lab results, and select the right treatment systems for their specific water chemistry. For help interpreting your PFAS test results, call 800-460-5810 or email support@midatlanticwater.net.