The EPA published UCMR 5 on December 27, 2021, and requires monitoring for 30 chemical contaminants between 2023 and 2025 using analytical methods developed by the EPA and consensus organizations. This monitoring provides a basis for future regulatory actions to protect public health.

Eastex Can Guide You Through the UCMR 5 Process

As an EPA-approved lab, Eastex Environmental has completed a rigorous program to demonstrate our ability to meet UCMR 5 methods and guidelines. We’ve served the Greater Houston Area with superior service and quality analysis for more than 30 years.

We know the unique challenges facing public water systems (PWS) in our region, and we’re here to help you navigate the UCMR 5 process.

If you have already received your EPA notice for sampling, we’re happy to help you plan and budget for the process. Simply click here to request a quote for your system.

Or contact us at jlutes.eastex@gmail.com.

If you haven’t yet received your notice, you can still get prepared to minimize surprises. Speak with one of our experts at 936-222-6081.

How to prepare for UCMR 5 testing?

Sampling for UCMR 5 will happen in stages from 2023 to 2025 so labs are not overwhelmed by the demand for testing. If you’ve already received your notice for sampling from the EPA, then you should know when your sampling will occur.

If your PWS serves more than 10,000 people, then you are able to choose which lab to work with for testing. And the sooner you get started, the better.

Here’s the general process to meet EPA requirements…

1. Receive your EPA notice for sampling
2. Create your EPA Central Data Exchange (CDX) Account
3. Request a quote for your system
4. Approve quote by e-mail
5. Keep in contact with us, pass on the EPA schedule
6. We will schedule your sampling event and guide you through the reporting process

Common Questions About UCMR 5

Who is affected by UCMR 5?

Large Public Water Systems: All PWS serving 10,000+ people will be required to sample and pay for testing with a lab approved to perform UCMR 5 analyses.

Medium Public Water Systems: In an update for UCMR 5, PWS serving 3,300-10,000 people will be required to sample, and they will have an approved lab assigned to them by the EPA.

Small Public Water Systems: A representative sample of PWS serving fewer than 3,300 people will also be required to sample.

What does UCMR 5 Cover?

UCMR 5 includes testing for 30 different contaminants:

• 25 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - shorter chain: Using EPA Method 533
• 4 Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) - longer chain: Using EPA Method 537.1
• 1 Metal - Lithium: Using EPA Method 200.7 or Alternative SM 3120 B or ASTM D1976-20

For more details, you can visit the EPA's Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule page here. 

When does sampling and testing start?

The EPA finalized UCMR 5 regulations in December, 2021. Monitoring will begin in 2023 and continue through 2025.

But that doesn’t mean you should wait. To minimize the headaches and stumbling blocks, you can prepare for sampling starting today.

And Eastex can help you plan and budget for the entire process. Contact us at jlutes.eastex@gmail.com or 936-222-6081 to get help from one of our experts.

How do I find a lab for UCMR 5 testing?

For medium and small PWS (with fewer than 10,000 people), the EPA will direct you to a specific lab for sampling and testing.

For large PWS (over 10,000 people), you can choose from the list of EPA-approved labs.

Eastex Environmental Labs is currently the only lab serving the Greater Houston area to receive full EPA approval for UCMR 5. Our experts are ready to work with you to make sure your sampling and reporting process goes smoothly.

Simply click here to request a UCMR 5 quote for your system. Or contact us at jlutes.eastex@gmail.com or 936-222-6081.