Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — commonly known as “forever chemicals” — have become one of the most significant emerging contaminant challenges in environmental management. With EPA finalizing national drinking water standards and states adopting their own PFAS regulations, organizations across every industry need the ability to track, trend, and report PFAS monitoring data alongside their existing water quality programs. Water quality software provides the platform to manage PFAS data from the first sampling event through compliance reporting.
Why PFAS Monitoring Is Different
PFAS monitoring introduces unique challenges that conventional water quality data management was not designed to handle:
Ultra-Low Detection Limits
PFAS are regulated at parts per trillion (ppt) — concentrations 1,000 times lower than the parts per billion (ppb) levels used for most conventional water quality parameters. This means detection limits, reporting limits, and permit limits are all extremely low, requiring software that can handle these small numeric values precisely and display them meaningfully in reports and charts.
Rapidly Evolving Regulations
PFAS regulations are changing rapidly at both federal and state levels. New compounds are being added to monitoring lists, limits are being tightened, and new programs are being created. Software must be flexible enough to add new PFAS parameters, adjust limits, and accommodate new reporting requirements as regulations evolve — without requiring custom development.
Multiple PFAS Compounds
There are thousands of PFAS compounds, and regulatory programs target different subsets. A single monitoring program may require tracking individual compounds (PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, GenX/HFPO-DA), total PFAS sums, and compound groupings. Software must manage this complexity while maintaining clear reporting.
Specialized Analytical Methods
PFAS analysis uses specialized EPA methods (533, 537.1, 1633) with strict sample handling, preservation, and analysis requirements. EDD files from PFAS analysis include method-specific fields, compound-specific detection limits, and quality control data that the software must parse and validate correctly.
Where PFAS Monitoring Requirements Apply
- Drinking water systems — EPA MCLs for PFOA (4 ppt), PFOS (4 ppt), and other PFAS compounds; compliance monitoring required for all public water systems
- Wastewater treatment plants — PFAS monitoring and limits being added to NPDES permits; influent/effluent and biosolids testing
- Industrial dischargers — Facilities using or manufacturing PFAS-containing products may face permit-specific PFAS limits
- CERCLA/Superfund sites — PFOA and PFOS designated as CERCLA hazardous substances; groundwater monitoring at contaminated sites
- State programs — Many states have adopted PFAS standards more stringent than federal levels, with additional compounds and lower limits
- Airports and military installations — AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) contamination requiring long-term groundwater monitoring
How Water Quality Software Manages PFAS Data
Configurable Parameter Setup
Add any PFAS compound as a monitored parameter with its own regulatory limit, detection limit, analytical method, and reporting units (ppt, ng/L). When new compounds are regulated, add them to your monitoring program without waiting for a software update.
EDD Import with PFAS Support
Import laboratory EDD files from PFAS-capable laboratories. The software maps compound names, captures method-specific detection limits for each analyte, and preserves laboratory qualifiers. Total PFAS sums can be calculated automatically from individual compound results.
Trend Analysis at Trace Levels
Visualize PFAS concentration trends over time with charts scaled to parts per trillion. Track whether concentrations are increasing, stable, or decreasing at each monitoring point. Compare trends across multiple compounds and locations to identify PFAS sources or treatment effectiveness.
Regulatory Limit Comparison
Compare PFAS results against the applicable standard — whether that is a federal MCL, state standard, NPDES permit limit, or site-specific cleanup level. The software flags exceedances and tracks compliance status over time as limits evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are PFAS and why do they require monitoring?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. Often called forever chemicals because they do not break down in the environment, PFAS are linked to adverse health effects at very low concentrations. EPA has established maximum contaminant levels for drinking water and is incorporating PFAS into NPDES permits and cleanup standards.
What PFAS compounds does the software track?
The software tracks any PFAS compound defined in your permit or monitoring program, including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, GenX (HFPO-DA), and total PFAS. Parameters are fully configurable, so new compounds can be added as regulatory requirements evolve.
What are the EPA drinking water MCLs for PFAS?
EPA finalized national drinking water standards for several PFAS compounds in 2024. Individual MCLs were set for PFOA and PFOS at 4 parts per trillion each. MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA were also established. Additional PFAS compounds may be regulated in the future. Check current EPA guidance for the latest standards.
How does water quality software handle ultra-low PFAS detection limits?
PFAS are measured at parts per trillion (ppt) levels, requiring specialized analytical methods like EPA Method 533 and 537.1. Software tracks the ultra-low detection limits associated with these methods, properly handles non-detect results in calculations, and flags samples where the laboratory reporting limit exceeds the regulatory standard.
Are PFAS being added to NPDES permits?
Yes. EPA and state agencies are increasingly incorporating PFAS monitoring and limits into NPDES permits, particularly for wastewater treatment plants, industrial dischargers, and facilities near known PFAS contamination sources. Water quality software helps track these emerging permit requirements alongside existing parameters.
Related Ecesis Solutions
Water Quality Software
Lab imports, data validation, permit tracking and DMR reporting.
Environmental Data
Sensor integration, statistical analysis and trend visualization.
Water & Wastewater
Comprehensive compliance for water utilities.
Compliance Obligations
Track all regulatory obligations and recurring deadlines.
Chemical Management
Track chemicals and SDS documentation.
Incident Reporting
Document spills, releases and environmental incidents.
Need to Track PFAS in Your Monitoring Program?
Call (720) 547-5102 or click below to see how Ecesis handles PFAS data.
