Expedited Approval of Alternative Test Procedures for the Analysis of Contaminants Under the Safe Drinking Water Act; Analysis and Sampling Procedures
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Rule
Summary
Starting January 16, 2025, the EPA is speeding up approval for new ways to test drinking water for harmful stuff. This means public water systems, labs, and state or tribal agencies get faster, cheaper, and more flexible options to keep our water safe. These changes help save money while making sure your tap water stays healthy and clean.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New PFAS testing option for initial monitoring
Starting January 16, 2025, EPA approved EPA Method 537.1, Version 1.0 as an alternative test for initial monitoring of selected PFAS (PFBS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOS, PFOA, and HFPO-DA/GenX). EPA lists this method for initial PFAS monitoring under 40 CFR 141.901(b)(1) and notes the method is approved to support initial PFAS monitoring until April 26, 2027.
Automated chlorine test approved for routine monitoring
Effective January 16, 2025, EPA approved the e-sens Automated Micro Chlorine Detection (AMCD) Method as an alternative for measuring free and total chlorine in drinking water. EPA determined the e-sens AMCD Method is equally effective relative to the approved Standard Methods (4500-Cl series), allowing public water systems and labs to use this vendor method for compliance monitoring.
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