Laboratory Accreditation_Content Page_embedded - PFAS certification

PFAS certification

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is offering certification for PFAS in drinking water (potable water), aqueous (non-potable water), and non-aqueous matrices.

Labs that currently hold WI DNR PFAS certification can be found here: WI PFAS Certified Laboratories

As of March 1, 2021, the DNR no longer expects regulated entities, unless otherwise directed by DNR, to sample for or laboratories to report, three of the 36 PFAS compounds on the default PFAS list. Read an update and view the full list.

Certification options

The matrix and analyte options available for PFAS certification in Wisconsin are listed below.

Drinking water matrix

  • PFAS (group) by EPA 533 (includes 25 compounds specified in EPA 533)
  • PFAS (group) by EPA 537.1 (includes 18 compounds specified in EPA 537.1)

Aqueous and Non-aqueous matrices

As of October 15, 2024, the DNR expects regulated entities, unless otherwise directed by the DNR, to use EPA method 1633 for all non-drinking water matrices.

As of February 1, 2025, the DNR requires regulated entities, unless otherwise directed by the DNR, to use EPA method 1633 for all non-drinking water matrices.

After January 31, 2025, laboratories may no longer use their in-house isotope dilution method utilizing the WI PFAS Aqueous and Non-Aqueous Matrices Method Expectations document. This document will be retired as of January 31, 2025 unless otherwise directed by the DNR.

Steps required to obtain WI accreditation for PFAS

Drinking water matrix

  1. Create and follow an EPA Method 537.1 SOP and/or EPA Method 533 SOP.
  2. Perform the IDC required by the method.
  3. The Departments preference is that the lab report sample results to the MDL and include the MDL and MRL. Report blanks to the MDL.
  4. Send a copy of your draft application form (4800-002) to Tom.Trainor@wisconsin.gov so that the application fee can be reviewed before a check is written.
    NOTE: This is a dynamic form. Save the form to your desktop and open it up using Adobe. If opened directly in a web browser Microsoft Edge must be used.
  5. Submit a completed application packet to the department.
    • Include application form 4800-022 from the WI DNR Lab Certification website along with the required fee.
    • Submit a completed SSN/FEIN form (9400-568) from the website if your laboratory does not currently maintain WI accreditation.
    • Submit a completed application attachment A3 form from the website if you want PFAS accreditation in the drinking water matrix.
    • Submit a passing "WS" PT for PFAS for drinking water using EPA 537.1 and/or EPA 533. The PT must be no more than six months older than the date that the application was received. The lab must pass 80% of the spiked analytes (6 analytes, at a minimum, must be spiked in the PT and PFOS and PFOA each have to be one of those 6 analytes spiked in the PT) to get a passing grade for the group. PFOS and PFOA each must have an acceptable result (not ND).
    • If this is your initial application with WI then submit a copy of your quality manual, an equipment list for the accreditations sought, and proof of intent to perform work in WI.
    • Submit your MDL summaries for each PFAS you will be reporting.
    • Submit a copy of your IDC records.
  6. Your application will be reviewed for completeness and then an on-site evaluation will be scheduled.
  7. Any major deficiencies identified on site will need to be reconciled before accreditation will be granted.

Aqueous and non-aqueous matrices

  1. Create and follow the EPA Method 1633.
  2. Perform the IDC in conformance with the EPA Method 1633.
  3. Report sample and blank results to the MDL.
  4. Send a copy of your draft application form (4800-002) to Tom.Trainor@wisconsin.gov so that the application fee can be reviewed before a check is written.
  5. Submit a completed application packet to the department.
    • Include application form 4800-002 from the WI DNR Lab Certification website along with the required fee.
    • Submit a completed SSN/FEIN form (9400-568) from the website if your laboratory does not currently maintain WI accreditation.
    • Submit a completed application attachment A1 form from the website if you want PFAS accreditation in the aqueous (non-potable waters) matrix.
    • Submit a completed application attachment A2 form from the website if you want PFAS accreditation in the solid matrix.
    • Submit a passing "WP" PT for PFAS for aqueous/solid matrices using the lab's own method that utilizes the WI PFAS Aqueous and Non-Aqueous Matrices Method Expectations document. The WP PT study will satisfy both the aqueous and solid PT requirements. The PT must be no more than six months older than the date that the application was received. The lab must pass 80% of the spiked analytes (6 analytes, at a minimum, must be spiked in the PT and PFOS and PFOA each have to be one of those 6 analytes spiked in the PT) to get a passing grade for the group. PFOS and PFOA each must have an acceptable result (not ND).
    • If this is your initial application with WI then submit a copy of your quality manual, an equipment list for the accreditations sought, and proof of intent to perform work in WI.
    • Submit your MDL summaries for each PFAS you will be reporting.
    • Submit a copy of your IDC records.
  6. Your application will be reviewed for completeness and then an on-site evaluation will be scheduled.
  7. Once the program has determined that your method is suitable, accreditation will be granted.

Application materials can be emailed to Tom.Trainor@wisconsin.gov instead of regular US Mail (except the check for fees).

If your laboratory is interested in accreditation for the drinking water matrix and aqueous (non-potable waters) and/or the non-aqueous matrix, only one application is needed to cover all these matrices.

Out-of-state laboratories will be billed for travel costs associated with the on-site evaluation which includes transportation, lodging and meal costs.

More information