Water Analysis PFAS

PFAS in drinking water – Have your water tested

With the PFAS Water Analysis, you can have your drinking water tested in a laboratory for 20 selected PFAS compounds. These persistent chemicals can enter the environment and drinking water through various pathways. The analysis helps you identify possible PFAS contamination in your water sample.

What are PFAS and why are they tested?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of industrially manufactured chemicals. Because of their high persistence, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals”. They have been used in products such as coatings, textiles and firefighting foams.

Some PFAS can accumulate in the environment and the human body. Certain compounds, including PFOS and PFOA, have been associated with adverse health effects, such as effects on the immune system. The health implications depend on the individual substance and the amount of exposure.

PFAS in water generally cannot be detected by appearance, smell or taste. Targeted laboratory testing makes it possible to identify the compounds examined and determine their concentrations.

Which PFAS limits apply to drinking water?

In Switzerland, the following maximum levels apply to three PFAS compounds in drinking water:

• PFOS: 0.3 µg/L
• PFHxS: 0.3 µg/L
• PFOA: 0.5 µg/L

The EU has also established a maximum level of 0.1 µg/L for the sum of 20 defined PFAS compounds. This value applies to the combined concentrations of these 20 substances, not to each individual compound.

Switzerland is also reviewing its existing maximum levels and considering possible adjustments to European requirements.

When is a PFAS Water Analysis useful?

• If you regularly drink tap water and want to know its PFAS concentration
• If you use water from a private well or spring
• If PFAS contamination has been reported in your region
• If you use the water to prepare baby formula or food
• If you want an independent laboratory test for selected PFAS compounds
• If you use tap water in a soda maker and want to check its composition

What does the PFAS Water Analysis examine?

The PFAS Water Analysis specifically tests your water sample for the following 20 PFAS compounds:

Perfluorinated carboxylic acids

• PFBA – Perfluorobutanoic acid
• PFPeA – Perfluoropentanoic acid
• PFHxA – Perfluorohexanoic acid
• PFHpA – Perfluoroheptanoic acid
• PFOA – Perfluorooctanoic acid
• PFNA – Perfluorononanoic acid
• PFDA – Perfluorodecanoic acid
• PFUnDA – Perfluoroundecanoic acid
• PFDoDA – Perfluorododecanoic acid
• PFTrDA – Perfluorotridecanoic acid

Perfluorinated sulfonic acids

• PFBS – Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid
• PFPeS – Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid
• PFHxS – Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
• PFHpS – Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid
• PFOS – Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
• PFNS – Perfluorononanesulfonic acid
• PFDS – Perfluorodecanesulfonic acid
• PFUnDS – Perfluoroundecanesulfonic acid
• PFDoDS – Perfluorododecanesulfonic acid
• PFTrDS – Perfluorotridecanesulfonic acid

The analysis covers the 20 PFAS compounds included in the European PFAS-20 sum parameter. These include PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA, for which maximum levels already apply in Switzerland.

The laboratory report provides individual results for the PFAS compounds tested, as well as the two sum parameters PFAS-4 and PFAS-20. PFAS-4 consists of PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS. Results are expressed in micrograms per litre (µg/L).

Frequently asked questions about the PFAS Water Analysis

Can you see, smell or taste PFAS in drinking water?

No. PFAS generally cannot be detected by the appearance, smell or taste of water. Targeted laboratory testing is required to identify them.

Are PFAS present in Swiss drinking water?

PFAS have also been detected in drinking water samples in Switzerland. Concentrations can vary depending on the water source and possible contamination pathways. Compliance with applicable legal limits is monitored by the responsible water suppliers and authorities.

What does the PFAS-20 sum parameter mean?

PFAS-20 refers to the combined concentrations of 20 defined PFAS compounds. In the EU, a maximum level of 0.1 µg/L applies to this sum. It should not be confused with an individual limit for each of the 20 substances.

What does the PFAS-4 sum parameter mean?

PFAS-4 refers to the sum of four compounds: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS. These substances receive particular attention because of their potential health effects. In Germany, a maximum level of 0.02 µg/L for this sum will apply from 12 January 2028.

Does the PFAS Water Analysis test for all PFAS compounds?

No. The PFAS group comprises several thousand substances. The PFAS Water Analysis specifically tests for 20 selected compounds. Other PFAS, such as trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), are not included in this analysis.

Are bacteria or other contaminants also tested?

No. The PFAS Water Analysis is limited to the 20 PFAS compounds listed above. Bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides and other water constituents are not examined as part of this analysis.

How long does the PFAS Water Analysis take?

The usual processing time is 2–3 weeks. Once the analysis is complete, you receive a laboratory report with your results.

Have your drinking water tested for PFAS

With the PFAS Water Analysis, you receive a laboratory report detailing the PFAS compounds examined in your water sample. The results help you assess possible contamination and determine whether further investigation may be necessary.

Note: The analysis covers only the 20 PFAS compounds listed above. The results apply to the submitted water sample and do not constitute a complete assessment of drinking water quality.