What Homeowners and Inspectors Need to Know
PFAS — short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are synthetic compounds used in everything from nonstick cookware to waterproof fabrics. They’re called “forever chemicals” for a reason: they don’t break down easily and can accumulate in soil and groundwater over decades. For homeowners and inspectors alike, understanding PFAS testing isn’t just a regulatory checkbox; it’s a matter of long-term health and environmental responsibility.
Why PFAS Testing Matters
The EPA’s 2024 National Primary Drinking Water Regulation established enforceable limits for six PFAS compounds, including PFOA, PFOS, and GenX. These limits — measured in parts per trillion — reflect a growing national consensus: even trace amounts of PFAS can be problematic. Public water systems must begin compliance testing by 2027, but private wells, which are common across North Carolina, Maine, and New Hampshire, fall outside federal oversight.
That means it’s on the homeowner — and often the home inspector — to take the initiative.
InterNACHI’s Standards and PFAS Testing
Under the InterNACHI Standards of Practice (SOP), home inspectors are not required to test for environmental hazards such as asbestos, lead, radon, or PFAS. However, InterNACHI recognizes ancillary services as a valuable way to expand an inspector’s offerings. Water quality testing, when performed by trained professionals using certified laboratories, falls squarely within that optional space.
In short: PFAS testing isn’t mandatory, but it’s an increasingly smart addition to a comprehensive inspection package.
Regional Guidance: North Carolina, Maine, and New Hampshire
North Carolina has identified PFAS as a statewide concern, particularly in the Cape Fear River Basin, where industrial discharges have been documented. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) runs the Statewide PFAS Testing Network to monitor water sources and has established interim health goals of 70 parts per trillion for combined PFAS compounds in private wells. Homeowners in affected counties can request sampling through local health departments.
Maine became the first state to enact broad PFAS management legislation. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) now requires PFAS testing of drinking water wells on or near sites where biosolids were historically applied. In 2025, Maine’s Safe Drinking Water Program will align with EPA’s 4 ppt standard for PFOA and PFOS and extend voluntary testing grants to private well owners.
New Hampshire has had enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFAS since 2019 — currently 12 ppt for PFOA, 15 ppt for PFOS, 18 ppt for PFHxS, and 11 ppt for PFNA. The NH Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) requires routine monitoring of public water systems and recommends private well owners test every five years or after any treatment system change.
How PFAS Testing Works
PFAS sampling demands precision. Inspectors and labs must follow strict collection and preservation procedures — including PFAS-free gloves, sampling containers, and deionized water blanks to prevent cross-contamination. Samples are analyzed using EPA Methods 533, 537.1, or 1633, depending on the matrix and detection level.
Results are compared against EPA or state-specific MCLs. If PFAS levels exceed those limits, treatment options include granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, ion exchange systems, or reverse osmosis (RO) filtration. Each method has maintenance and disposal considerations, which should be explained clearly to the client.
When to Test
For homes relying on private wells, testing every five years — or immediately after property transfer — is recommended. Additional testing should be performed following flood events, new well drilling, or installation of water treatment systems. In higher-risk regions such as southeastern North Carolina, southern Maine, or southern New Hampshire, annual testing may be advisable.
The FPI Difference
At Focused Property Inspections, we take environmental safety as seriously as structural integrity. Through partnerships with accredited laboratories, we provide homeowners with optional PFAS and water quality testing that meets InterNACHI’s ethical and procedural standards. Our inspectors know what to look for, where risks may exist, and how to help homeowners make informed decisions about treatment and disclosure.
PFAS contamination can’t always be seen — but it can be found, measured, and managed. FPI helps make that possible.
References
- InterNACHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics – www.nachi.org/sop.htm
- InterNACHI Water Quality Testing Guidelines – www.nachi.org/water-quality-testing-home-inspectors.htm
- EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for PFAS (April 2024) – www.epa.gov/sdwa/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas
- North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality: PFAS Testing Network – www.deq.nc.gov
- Maine Department of Environmental Protection: PFAS Information and Drinking Water Program – www.maine.gov/dep/spills/topics/pfas
- New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services: PFAS in Drinking Water – www.des.nh.gov
- EPA Methods 533, 537.1, 1633 for PFAS Analysis – www.epa.gov/pfas