Private Residential Wells

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    PFAS in Drinking Water for Residential Well Owners Factsheet

    Where is EGLE sampling private residential wells?

    Michigan is working hard to find and investigate sources of PFAS contamination that may be impacting private wells in Michigan.  EGLE works with local units of government and MPART agencies to evaluate which homes need to be sampled in areas where residents are using private drinking water wells that could be impacted from a nearby PFAS source.  Residents are contacted by phone or mail requesting permission to sample drinking water from their well.

    Not currently in an area being sampled and want to collect your own drinking water sample?

    A couple factors to consider:

    1. Avoid cross contamination by using proper sampling guidelines:

    PFAS sampling is different from other types of sampling because PFAS are present in many things we use in our everyday life, such as water-resistant and stain-resistant products. PFAS can also be present in:

    • Personal care products such as cosmetics and lotions.
    • Insect repellants and sunscreens.
    • Pizza boxes and fast-food wrappers.
    • Recycled paper products such as paper towels and notebook paper.
    • Sampling equipment--in the material of the equipment itself or due to PFAS being used in the manufacturing process.
    • Ordinary latex gloves.  (These may contain PFAS - samplers must use powderless nitrile gloves which are usually provided in the lab kit)

    PFAS compounds are detected in very small quantities (parts per trillion).  To put this in context, 1 part per trillion is equivalent to a single drop of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools combined.  Even the smallest cross-contamination could contribute to a false positive sample.  Therefore, it is important that residents take precaution when collecting a water sample. To ensure accurate results use the Private Residential Well PFAS Sampling Guidance developed by MPART and any additional instructions provided from the lab to collect your water sample.

    1. Choose the right laboratory:

    It is important to choose a laboratory that is equipped to analyze PFAS in drinking water, and to select an appropriate drinking water test method. One commonly used method is EPA 537.1, which tests for 18 PFAS compounds in drinking water.

    EGLE maintains a certification program for laboratories providing EPA method 537.1 for compliance purposes. Lists of these labs can be found here:

    We recommend you select a lab from one of the lists above to ensure accurate results.  If you have any questions, please call MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315.

  • Need help understanding your test results?

    You can call the MDHHS Drinking Water Hotline at 844-934-1315 to review your water test results with a toxicologist. They can help you understand any potential risks and advise on next steps based on your results