An Experienced Leader In UCMR Sampling & Analysis

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Pace^® has analyzed thousands of drinking water samples under US EPA’s UCMR 3, UCMR 4, and UCMR 5 programs, and our water quality experts are regular presenters about each round of UCMR at water conferences across the country. In addition to EPA-approval for UCMR, Pace^® is certified by every state and US territory for the analysis of drinking water samples for compliance monitoring of regulated contaminants

WHAT IS UCMR 6?

The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) is designed to collect data on contaminants suspected to be present in drinking water but that do not yet have health-based standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). A revised list of up to 30 contaminants is selected every five years. UCMR 6 is the sixth UCMR round to be implemented and is proposed to include testing requirements for Ultrashort-Chain PFAS/Organofluorine Compounds, Pesticides, Semi-VOCs, and VOCs.

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF US EPA’S UCMR 6 PROPOSAL?

EPA issued the proposal on July 1, 2026 for public comment. EPA will review those comments, do additional review, and finalize the Rule by the end of 2026. The following sections will be applicable if the proposal remains unchanged.

WHAT CONTAMINANTS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE UCMR 6 PROPOSAL?

Most notably Microplastics. Numerous states formally requested that it be included as well as other organizations. EPA’s rationale for its exclusion was based on the timeline required for test method development by EPA that would not meet the mandatory schedule required to implement UCMR 6.

GET THE DETAILS ON UCMR 6

Sampling for UCMR 6 will take place between 2028 and 2030.Water systems should start their preparations by reaching out to Pace^® for budgetary estimates.

DOES MY WATER SYSTEM NEED TO COMPLY?

All public water systems serving 3,300 or more people and 800 smaller systems, randomly selected by the EPA, are required to comply with UCMR 6. This represents more than 10,000 water systems.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO SAMPLE?

For UCMR 6, sampling is only required at the Entry Point To The Distribution System (EPTDS) and does not include distribution system locations. Sampling of source water is not required in UCMR 6; however, the sampling schedule is driven by drinking water sources. For example, groundwater systems are required to sample semi-annually during their EPA-assigned 12-month sampling schedule. Surface water and Groundwater Under the Direct Influence (GWUDI) systems are required to sample quarterly during their EPA-assigned 12-month sampling schedule. Public water system operators should always check their EPA-assigned schedule and sampling requirements in the CDX SDAWRS system to ensure full compliance with each round of UCMR.

CAN PACE^® PROVIDE UCMR SAMPLING SERVICES?

Yes, depending on location. Pace^® provides sampling services from over 40 locations around the country. Many systems prefer to out-source UCMR sampling as the contaminants can require containers and chemical preservation that plant operators are unfamiliar with and when cross-contamination caused by sampling is a significant concern, as is the case with PFAS. Public water system operators should always check their EPA-assigned schedule and sampling requirements in the CDX SDAWRS system to ensure full compliance with each round of UCMR.

WHICH TEST METHODS ARE REQUIRED?

If the UCMR 6 proposal remains unchanged it will require analysis by four EPA validated test methods for 30 contaminants. Those methods include seven VOCs by EPA 524.3, thirteen Semi-VOCs by EPA 525.3, three Pesticides by EPA 540, and seven Ultrashort-Chain PFAS and Organofluorine Compounds by EPA 563.

DO I NEED TO USE A UCMR 6 LAB?

Since the UCMR contaminants vary cycle to cycle, the EPA approves UCMR testing laboratories for each new round of UCMR. All UCMR 6 testing must be done by an EPA UCMR 6 approved laboratory. EPA’s laboratory approval process requires an extensive application, passing of Proficiency Testing samples, and a successful upload of results into the CDX SDAWRS system.

ARE PRIVATE WELLS INCLUDED IN UCMR 6?

No. UCMR 6 only covers public water systems that serve 3,300 of more consumers and a set of 800 randomly selected smaller systems. However, in locations where PFAS and other chemicals listed in UCMR 6 are suspected , many private well owners may want to voluntarily test. Some states have set aside budgetary support for these private well owners, and federal dollars are available through grants to the states for disadvantaged communities.

HOW MUCH DOES TESTING COST?

The EPA has estimated the cost of UCMR 6 testing to be approximately $1,900 per set of samples including analysis of Field Reagent Blanks. Large public water systems will be required to cover the cost of testing themselves in most states. The EPA will cover the costs of laboratory testing for smaller systems. Pace^® experts are available to help estimate overall costs.

A NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED LEADER IN UCMR TESTING

The Pace^® UCMR team is nationally recognized and is often invited to present at water utility conferences across the country. In addition to being approved for UCMR, Pace^® maintains all required certifications in every state and US territory for the analysis of drinking water and compliance monitoring of regulated contaminants. Pace^® can also assist water systems in setting up their Safe Drinking Water Accession and Review System (SDWARS) accounts.

REASONS TO CHOOSE PACE®

EXPERIENCED

Pace^® has been an industry leader in persistent organic pollutant testing for over three decades.

CERTIFIED

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

RELIABLE

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

COMMITTED

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