Environmental water testing
PFAS testing laboratory for water
BJL Laboratoires provides PFAS detection and quantification in water. Often called “forever chemicals”, PFAS can be tested to meet the needs of local authorities, industrial companies, environmental consultancies, water utilities, regulated facilities and environmental professionals.
Why test water for PFAS?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of persistent chemicals used in many industrial applications and technical products, including non-stick treatments, firefighting foams, coatings, technical textiles, packaging, industrial processes and specialised formulations.
Their high chemical stability explains their persistence in the environment. Different types of water can be tested for PFAS to assess contamination, meet regulatory requirements, monitor a discharge or characterise a water resource.
View the list of the 20 PFAS monitored in drinking water
Our PFAS water testing services
BJL Laboratoires provides PFAS testing in water to help clients identify, quantify and interpret the presence of these substances in their samples.
Types of water tested
- Drinking water and water intended for human consumption;
- Raw water, water from abstraction points and surface water;
- Industrial process water;
- Aqueous discharges and industrial effluents;
- Water from environmental monitoring programmes;
- Water collected during site assessments or contamination investigations.
PFAS substances tested
Depending on your requirements, testing may cover a targeted list of regulated PFAS, including the 20 PFAS monitored in drinking water, or an extended panel of compounds suited to the context of the investigation.
Frequently tested compounds include well-known PFAS such as PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFBS and PFHxA, together with other substances in the perfluoroalkyl acid family.
Our specialist PFAS testing pages
Find information tailored to each type of water and testing context.
PFAS in drinking water
Testing for PFAS in water intended for human consumption, abstraction points and distribution networks.
PFAS in industrial effluents
Testing of process water, wash water, aqueous discharges and effluents from industrial sites and regulated facilities.
Sampling for PFAS testing
Guidance on bottles, materials to avoid, sample identification, storage and transport.
List of the 20 PFAS
Presentation of the 20 substances monitored in drinking water and the parametric value applicable to their sum.
A service tailored to local authorities, industries and environmental consultancies
PFAS testing in water can meet several objectives, including regulatory compliance, environmental assessment, monitoring of a sensitive site, discharge monitoring, pre-construction studies, treatment process assessment and water resource monitoring.
Local authorities
Water quality monitoring, abstraction point monitoring, network testing and technical support for monitoring programmes.
Industries
Testing of process water, aqueous discharges, effluents and stormwater as part of an environmental monitoring programme.
Environmental consultancies
Reliable analytical data for contamination assessments, regulatory files and water and effluent characterisation campaigns.
How PFAS water testing is carried out
- Definition of the analytical requirements: type of water, purpose of the investigation, list of PFAS, required limits of quantification and any regulatory requirements.
- Sampling preparation: advice on sample containers, required volumes and precautions to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. View the PFAS sampling instructions.
- Receipt of samples: sample identification, registration and verification of the information supplied with the samples.
- Laboratory testing: quantification of PFAS using an analytical method suited to the water matrix and required level of sensitivity.
- Testing report: delivery of a clear report containing the results, units, limits of quantification and technical comments where necessary.
Important precautions for PFAS sampling
PFAS may be present in certain materials or consumables. Specific precautions must be followed during sampling to obtain reliable results.
- Avoid materials that may contain PTFE or other fluoropolymers;
- Use bottles suitable for PFAS testing;
- Avoid contamination from certain technical clothing, coatings or packaging;
- Accurately record the sampling point, date, time and sample matrix;
- Comply with the storage and transport conditions specified by the laboratory.
BJL Laboratoires can advise you before your sampling campaign to help ensure the quality of the analytical results.
Why choose BJL Laboratoires for PFAS testing?
- Technical support before, during and after testing;
- A tailored service suited to the type of water and monitoring objective;
- Clear reports that facilitate interpretation of the results;
- Responsive service for monitoring campaigns and environmental assessments;
- A professional approach for local authorities, industries, consultancies and water utilities.
Request PFAS testing in water
Do you need PFAS testing for drinking water, surface water, process water or an aqueous discharge? Contact BJL Laboratoires to define the service best suited to your requirements.
When requesting a quotation, please specify where possible:
- the type of water to be tested;
- the number of samples;
- the purpose of the testing: compliance, assessment, monitoring, discharge control or regulatory study;
- the required list of PFAS or relevant regulatory framework;
- the required turnaround time.
Frequently asked questions about PFAS testing in water
What is a PFAS?
PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are highly persistent in the environment, which is why they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”.
Why test water for PFAS?
PFAS testing helps assess water quality, monitor a resource, control a discharge or meet regulatory requirements. It is particularly important for drinking water, surface water and industrial sites.
Which PFAS are regulated in drinking water?
European regulations provide for the monitoring of a sum of 20 PFAS in water intended for human consumption, with a parametric value of 0.10 µg/L for distributed water. View the list of the 20 PFAS monitored.
Can PFAS be tested in industrial water?
Yes. PFAS can be tested in process water, industrial effluents, aqueous discharges and stormwater from a site. Learn more about PFAS testing in industrial effluents.
How should water be sampled for PFAS testing?
Sampling requires compatible bottles and equipment to prevent contamination from materials containing PTFE or other fluoropolymers. View the PFAS sampling instructions.
How can I request a quote for PFAS testing?
Simply provide BJL Laboratoires with the type of water, number of samples, testing context, required substances and requested turnaround time.
PFAS water testing: BJL Laboratoires supports your project
As PFAS monitoring requirements continue to develop, reliable analytical results are essential for making informed decisions. BJL Laboratoires supports professionals throughout their PFAS water testing projects, from sampling preparation to delivery of the testing report.
BJL Laboratoires provides analytical expertise for your compliance testing, environmental assessments and monitoring programmes.