Supporting EPA-Approved Methods 533 and 537.1
AmSpec Group has expanded its accredited analytical capabilities to support PFAS drinking water testing under EPA-approved Methods 533 and 537.1.
Through A&B Labs, now operating as part of AmSpec Group’s Environmental Testing division, the laboratory’s NELAP accreditation has been officially updated to include these methods for drinking water analysis. This expansion strengthens AmSpec’s ability to support public water systems and utilities as PFAS regulations continue to evolve at the federal and state levels.
Why Accredited PFAS Drinking Water Testing Matters
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a broad class of persistent, man-made chemicals that have become a central focus of drinking water regulation due to their widespread occurrence and potential health impacts.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for certain PFAS compounds, establishing enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). These regulations require public water systems to monitor PFAS using EPA-approved laboratory methods.
For drinking water compliance, EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 are the methods specified for:
- PFAS compliance monitoring under the PFAS NPDWR
- Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) reporting
At this time, other analytical techniques have not been evaluated or approved by the EPA for PFAS drinking water compliance. As a result, laboratories accredited to perform Methods 533 and 537.1 play a critical role in generating data that regulators, utilities, and the public can rely on.
Understanding EPA Methods 533 and 537.1
EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 are designed specifically for PFAS analysis in drinking water matrices. Together, they cover a range of PFAS compounds regulated or monitored under current EPA programs.
These methods:
- Follow standardized sample preparation and analysis protocols
- Are required for compliance monitoring under the PFAS NPDWR
- Are used for federally mandated PFAS monitoring programs such as UCMR 5
Because PFAS analysis is technically complex and prone to contamination, method-specific accreditation and laboratory proficiency are essential for producing accurate and defensible results.
What NELAP Accreditation Signifies
NELAP accreditation demonstrates that a laboratory has met rigorous requirements for:
- Method validation and performance
- Quality assurance and quality control
- Staff competency and analytical proficiency
By expanding its NELAP accreditation to include PFAS drinking water Methods 533 and 537.1, AmSpec Group provides utilities with confidence that PFAS results are generated using EPA-approved methods under an accredited quality system.
This accreditation applies specifically to drinking water analysis, reinforcing appropriate method use and regulatory alignment.
What This Means for Public Water Systems and Utilities
As PFAS regulations move from monitoring to enforceable compliance, utilities face increasing expectations for data accuracy, reporting confidence, and public transparency.
Accredited PFAS drinking water testing helps utilities:
- Meet federal and state monitoring requirements
- Produce defensible data suitable for compliance reporting
- Establish baseline conditions and track trends over time
- Prepare for audits, inspections, and public disclosure obligations
Working with accredited laboratories ensures that PFAS data supports informed decision-making and regulatory readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions: PFAS Drinking Water Testing
What is PFAS drinking water testing?
PFAS drinking water testing involves analyzing water samples for specific PFAS compounds using EPA-approved laboratory methods to support regulatory compliance and public health protection.
Why are EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 required?
These methods are specified by the EPA for PFAS compliance monitoring under the PFAS NPDWR and UCMR 5. They have been evaluated for drinking water analysis and are currently the approved standards for regulatory testing.
What does NELAP accreditation add?
NELAP accreditation verifies that a laboratory meets defined quality, proficiency, and method-specific requirements, helping ensure PFAS results are accurate, reproducible, and defensible.
Does this accreditation apply to all PFAS testing?
No. This accreditation applies specifically to drinking water PFAS analysis using Methods 533 and 537.1. Other matrices and methods may require separate accreditation.
Learn More About PFAS Testing Services
To learn more about PFAS drinking water testing and AmSpec Group’s accredited environmental testing capabilities, visit our Environmental Testing page or contact our team to discuss your monitoring and compliance needs.
Sources
Source 1 – https://www.epa.gov/pfas/epa-pfas-drinking-water-laboratory-methods?utm_source
Source 2 –https://www.pfas.com/pfas-regulations/npdwr?utm_source=