MDEQ Launches Program for PFAS Testing at Michigan Schools and Public Water Systems

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has launched a statewide program for Michigan schools and public drinking water systems to test for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).  Schools with water from wells have been notified by the MDEQ of the need for PFAS testing.  Schools receiving water from a public water system will be notified of analytical results by the drinking water provider.

In January, the MDEQ announced the establishment of new drinking water criterion for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). The criterion, the first of its kind in Michigan for these compounds, is set at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for the combined concentration of PFOA and PFOS for both residential and non-residential drinking water. The new criterion became effective on January 10, 2018 and is part of the Part 201 generic cleanup criteria. 

PFOA and PFOS are fluorinated organic chemicals that are part of the larger group of organic chemicals referred to as PFAS.  Of all the PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS have been the most studied. The new MDEQ criterion of 70 ppt is the same level as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking water health advisory level, which was issued in May 2016. 

Please feel free to contact Merit Laboratories for questions about PFAS testing. Merit is Michigan’s PFAS environmental laboratory, analyzing drinking water samples at its laboratory located in East Lansing.