PFAS IN WASTEWATER

Home / PFAS Matrices / Wastewater

PACE® HELPS WATER PROFESSIONALS AND INDUSTRY COMBAT PFAS CONTAMINATION AND COMPLY WITH EVER-CHANGING WASTEWATER REGULATIONS.

A PATHWAY TO CONTAMINATION

Wastewater discharge can be a primary release of PFAS into the environment and has the potential to contaminate drinking water sources. Stormwater runoff from contaminated sites can compound the problem.

Pace Analytical PFAS Air Emissions icon

INDUSTRY

A wide variety of industries contribute to PFAS contamination through wastewater discharges and stormwater runoff.

Pace Analytical PFAS Landfills icon

LANDFILL

Liquid waste can leach PFAS from landfill, resulting in contaminated leachate being sent to wastewater treatment.

Pace Analytical PFAS Wastewater Treatment icon

MUNICIPALITIES

Stormwater runoff from contaminated sites may be released into the environment or combined with sewer overflow.

Pace Analytical PFAS AFFF Precursor icon

AIRPORTS

Airport wastewater and stormwater runoff can be heavily contaminated with PFAS due to the foams use to fight aviation fires.

WHAT ARE PFAS PRECURSORS?

It is estimated that 98-99% of all PFAS are precursors. These precursors can be converted into terminal PFAS compounds through the oxidation processes found in traditional wastewater treatment plants and under natural environmental conditions.

EPA PROGRAMS FOCUSED ON WASTEWATER

Over the next 2-3 years, the EPA plans to strengthen its focus on PFAS in wastewater discharge through a number of existing programs. Learn more about these regulations and programs on our PFAS regulations page.

EFFLUENT LIMITATION GUIDELINES (ELG)

Plan 15 is used to restrict and study PFAS discharges from industrial sources

NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES)

Additional monitoring requirements and new test methods for permitting

COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE, COMPENSATION, AND LIABILITY ACT (CERCLA)

Designate PFAS as a hazardous substance, clearing way for greater accountability for polluters

TOXIC RELEASE INVENTORY (TRI)

Track the release of toxic chemicals into the environment from industry

WHAT’S IN YOUR WASTEWATER?

In December of 2022, the EPA announced that it would remove the low-volume exemption (de minimis) from its TRI reporting requirements. Now, all businesses in the covered industries must report any management of TRI-listed PFAS that might be released into the environment, no matter how small.  

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

Mitigating your risks starts with understanding the regulatory landscape for your industry and the states in which you do business. Pace® PFAS experts can brief your organization on:

  • What the EPA’s Strategic Roadmap means for your industry
  • The regulatory landscape in your operating geographies
  • Testing and sampling costs to help with compliance planning and budgeting

PRIMARY WASTEWATER TEST METHODS

Several methods are available to analyze for targeted and non-targeted PFAS in wastewater. Pace® can help you select the right method based on the medium and the goals of your project.

Pace Analytical PFAS by Isotope Dilution icon

PFAS by Isotope Dilution

Pace® method for targeted PFAS compounds

Pace Analytical PFAS DoD QSM v5.3_v5.4 icon

DOD QSM v5.3; v5.4

Quality control standards for PFAS testing

Pace Analytical PFAS EPA SW-846 Method 8327 icon

EPA SW-846 Method 8327

Recently developed screening method for targeted PFAS

Pace Analytical PFAS EPA Draft Method 1633 icon

EPA Draft Method 1633

Draft method for 40 PFAS compounds in non-potable water, solids, and biota

Pace Analytical PFAS True-TOF icon

True-TOF®

Low-volume test method for total organic fluorine (TOF) in aqueous matrices

Pace Analytical PFAS AOF icon

EPA Draft Method 1621/Adsorbable Organic Fluorine (AOF)

Screening method used to quantify TOF at the ppb level in aqueous matrices

Pace Analytical PFAS TOP Assay icon

Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) Assay

Method for analyzing PFAS precursors in aqueous and solid matrices

REASONS TO CHOOSE PACE®

Pace Analytical PFAS Experienced Icon

EXPERIENCED

Pace® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades.
Pace Analytical PFAS Certified icon

CERTIFIED

We’re certified/accredited by NELAC, ISO, DOD, DOE, and in every state with a PFAS lab certification program.

Pace Analytical PFAS Reliable Icon

RELIABLE

For emergencies, our Rapid Response Team can provide defensible results in as little as 24 hours.

Committed

COMMITTED

We are committed to helping our customers advance their important work through building strong relationships, delivering upon expectations, and providing exceptional customer service.

Pace Analytical PFAS Advanced Icon

ADVANCED

We can test for PFAS in both solid and aqueous matrices, including potable and non-potable waters, soils, and biota.

Pace Analytical PFAS Innovative icon

INNOVATIVE

We’re on the leading edge of science, working with EPA, DOD, ASTM, and others to develop new methods for analyzing PFAS.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP