Aqua Pennsylvania continues to lead the way in testing drinking water for PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals.” A robot is the latest tool in our toolbox that helps perform precise laboratory testing and highlights Aqua Pennsylvania’s commitment to removing these “forever chemicals” from drinking water.
“Aqua’s lab robot is strictly used for the purpose of testing for PFAS,” said Aqua Lab Water Quality Director Alicia Beauchamp. “The role the robot plays in PFAS testing is one of the most important steps in the process because of its efficiency and accuracy.”
The robot measures and transfers small volumes, on the order of a microliter, of a water sample. In so doing, the robot adds efficiency to the testing process, saving time and improving accuracy in test results. Testing that used to take 3 to 4 days to complete, now takes 24 hours thanks to the assistance of the robot and other technological improvements. The robot allows for more samples to be analyzed, which improves customer service. To put in perspective the amount of PFAS testing Aqua performs in its lab: In 2024, Aqua scientists ran 4,000 water samples for PFAS chemicals. That is double the number of samples from 2023.
The testing Aqua performs in its lab is precise as it can quantitate PFAS compounds in the part per trillion (PPT) range. One part per trillion is equivalent to one droplet of water in 20 Olympic-size swimming pools or one blade of grass in the state of Maryland. The Aqua lab is the only utility-owned and operated lab certified for PFAS testing in the state of Pennsylvania.
PFAS refers to a group of toxic chemicals used for a wide range of items, from non-stick cookware to upholstery manufacturing to firefighter training. In some parts of the country, these chemicals have been sprayed on the ground or dumped by manufacturers and are now being found in some watersheds and groundwater wells. The CDC and the EPA estimate that drinking water represents 20% of American’s overall exposure to PFAS chemicals.
Aqua has been aggressively treating for PFAS in drinking water and is in full compliance with Pennsylvania’s MCL (maximum contaminant level) and working toward full compliance with the U.S. EPA’s MCL which goes into effect in 2029.
