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Clean Water Act Analytical Methods

  • Methods Update Rule - 2021

    Final Rule

EPA publishes laboratory analytical methods (test procedures) that are used by industries and municipalities to analyze the chemical, physical and biological components of wastewater and other environmental samples required by the Clean Water Act.

Current and Recent Actions
  • Methods Update Rule - 2021
  • Methods for 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/PCDFs
  • Methods for Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS)
  • Microbial Source Tracking (MST) Methods
  • Coliphage Methods 1642 & 1643
  • MDL Frequently Asked Questions
Approved CWA Methods
  • Chemical
  • Microbiological
  • Whole Effluent Toxicity
  • Radiochemical
  • Industry-Specific
  • Frequent Questions
Other CWA Methods
Optional methods for analyzing wastewater and biosolids (not approved under 40 CFR Part 136):
  • Chemical
  • Microbiological
    including MST Methods 1696 & 1697
  • Biosolids
Alternate Test Procedures
Development of modified EPA methods or new methods
  • ATP Overview
  • Protocol Documents
  • ATP Questions and Answers
  • How to Get Methods Approved
Regulations and Support Documents
  • Regulatory History for:
    • Methods Update Rules
    • Microbiological methods
    • Oil & grease
    • Cyanide
    • Dioxins & furans
    • Mercury and chromium-VI
  • Other methods support documents
  • Toxic and Priority Pollutant lists
  • Legal authority for methods
Related EPA Programs
  • NPDES permit program
  • Effluent Guidelines program
  • Other EPA method collections
    Including drinking water, air and solid waste methods
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
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Last updated on July 5, 2021