PFAS Analysis Supporting U.S. EPA Rule UCMR 5 for Drinking Water

• Sample Matrix: drinking water
• Sample Preparation: samples for UCMR 5 testing are prepared and analyzed following EPA Methods 533 and 537.1 (WAX and S-DVB solid-phase extraction)
• Detection Technique: LC-MS/MS

U.S. EPA Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5)

In the U.S., the fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) requires the monitoring of 30 contaminants (29 PFAS and lithium) in public drinking water systems. The Safe Drinking Water Act requires that UCMR 5 testing include all PFAS for which a drinking water method has been validated (and that are not subject to a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation); therefore, UCMR 5 includes all 29 PFAS that are within the scopes of EPA Methods 533 and 537.1. While both methods use a C18 column for LC-MS/MS analysis, they differ in sample preparation; 533 uses weak anion exchange (WAX) SPE cartridges, and 537.1 uses styrene-divinylbenzene (S-DVB) SPE cartridges. Both methods allow flexibility in specific areas and prohibit changes in others. The full analyte list and recommended products for PFAS analysis in drinking water for UCMR 5 samples are provided below. In addition, you can register and directly compare analyte lists and matrices across PFAS analysis methods here or visit www.restek.com/PFAS to explore our technical resources for PFAS analysis.

Analyte List for EPA UCMR 5 for PFAS Analysis

PFAS acronyms, compound names, and CAS numbers vary across methods and guidelines, and they also depend on compound form (e.g., neutral vs. salt). The following list uses standardized terminology to allow easy comparison across the methods and guidelines in our comprehensive guide. Please refer to U.S. EPA Rule UCMR 5 for method-specific nomenclature.

Recommended Products for EPA UCMR 5 for PFAS Analysis

PFAS delay column: 5 µm, 50 x 3.0 mm (cat.# 580959 [custom product])

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