MEL can help you test for PFAS contamination in your soil and/or water.
No lab in Maine is accredited to analyze for PFAS yet, so we’ve partnered with a certified lab in Massachusetts.
Once you decide if and how you want to go ahead, we’ll provide the necessary sample containers and instructions – which can be picked up at our lab, or we’ll mail them to you ($10 fee) – the bottles are included in the price. Please note that payment is not expected until samples are received. We will coordinate delivery of your samples to the sub-contracting lab.
If requested, we can submit the results to the Maine Drinking Water Program in a report format that satisfies DWP compliance rules (for Public Water Systems).
There are a couple of options for analysis, depending on the number of compounds you want analyzed in your drinking water or soil.
| PFAS Analysis of Drinking Water | Method | Price per sample (Feb. 2022) |
| 6 compounds - These are the 6 regulated compounds for public water systems- PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFHpA, and PFDA. The sum of these 6 PFAS cannot exceed 20 ppt (parts per trillion). | EPA 537.1 | $220. |
| 18 compounds | EPA 537.1 | $250 |
| 28 compounds (required for possible DEP reimbursement) | EPA 537.1 - modified with isotope dilution | $275 |
| Blank analysis | EPA 537.1 | $ 110 |
| PFAS Analysis of Soil | Method | Price per sample (Feb. 2022) |
| 4-9 compounds | Lab Specific SOP – isotope dilution | $ 330 |
| 24-28 compounds | Lab Specific SOP – isotope dilution | $ 360 |
| Blank analysis | Lab Specific SOP – isotope dilution | $ 110 |
FYI – Blank analysis helps identify the source if PFAS is detected in your sample. It is also required by the DEP for consideration of possible reimbursement. Given the cost, you can certainly waive this option… If interested, we can provide you with a detailed explanation about the significance of blank analysis.
Resources
The State of Maine has a lot of groups working on PFAS recommendations. Most of the information overlaps but there are some small differences in some directives at this time, such as what pens may be used for sample labeling, etc. Be aware of what user group you belong to when choosing a set of instructions-- private well water tester, public water system, municipal sludge generator or farmer, etc.
FOR PRIVATE WELLS - Your friend is the MAINE DEP
Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) PFOA and PFOS webpage: https://www.maine.gov/dep/spills/topics/pfas/
Maine DEP -- PFAS sampling for homeowners. … Includes info about possible DEP reimbursement of testing costs.
Maine DEP Well-water request form … If you live near a DEP-licensed sludge or septage land application site in Maine, you may use this form to request that the DEP sample your well for PFAS.
How to Read Your PFAS Lab Results (Maine DEP): https://www.maine.gov/dep/spills/topics/pfas/PFAS-interpret-lab-report.pdf
How high is too high? Maine PFAS Screening Levels (Maine DEP 2021): https://www.maine.gov/dep/spills/topics/pfas/Maine-PFAS-Screening-Levels-Rev-6.28.21.pdf
FOR PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMS - Your authority is the Maine CDC's Maine Drinking Water Program
Maine Drinking Water Program PFAS: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/dwp/pws/pfas.shtml
FOR MUNICIPAL SLUDGE GENERATORS - Your authority is the Maine DEP
Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) PFOA and PFOS webpage: https://www.maine.gov/dep/spills/topics/pfas/
FOR FARMERS, Your friend is the Maine DEP and the Department of Agriculture
Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) PFOA and PFOS webpage: https://www.maine.gov/dep/spills/topics/pfas/
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry PFAS page: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/ag/pfas/index.shtml
UMaine Extension "Guide to Investigating PFAS Risk on Your Farm" (new website 2/8/22)
Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners (MOFGA) PFAS Resources: https://www.mofga.org/pfas/