Services | Water Quality

Full Service Environmental Laboratories in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona

Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requires that once every five years EPA issue a list of unregulated contaminants to be monitored by public water systems (PWSs).
The fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR 5) was published on December 27, 2021. UCMR 5 requires sample collection for 30 chemical contaminants between 2023 and 2025 using analytical methods developed by EPA and consensus organizations. This action provides EPA and other interested parties with scientifically valid data on the national occurrence of these contaminants in drinking water. Consistent with EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, UCMR 5 will provide new data that is critically needed to improve EPA’s understanding of the frequency that 29 PFAS (and lithium) are found in the nation’s drinking water systems and at what levels. This data will ensure science-based decision-making and help prioritize protection of disadvantaged communities.
 
More information is available from the EPA UCMR website (https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr) and from the EPA UCMR5 website (https://www.epa.gov/dwucmr/fifth-unregulated-contaminant-monitoring-rule). 

PFAS are contaminants of emerging concern often requiring monitoring and remediation of soil and water. Currently, EPA 537 by liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) is the only approved method for determining PFAS in drinking water. Other methods have been developed to meet the growing public pressure for the remediation of PFAS in soil and groundwater. Modified methods like EPA 537 (M) and ASTM D7968 (M) are widely accepted by agencies such as the Department of Defense (DoD), state level pollution control agencies, and public health departments to effectively assess PFAS contamination and remediation.

LEGEND’s methods include EPA 537 (M) and ASTM D7968 (M) by LC/MS/MS to positively identify these compounds at low level detection limits; preventing both false negatives and false positives. Our promise is to offer legally defensible data that is accurate and true. This assures that samples analyzed by our laboratory can be used for regulatory and monitoring purposes.

Naming for this class of chemicals:

  • Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
  • Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCS)
  • Perfluorinated Alkylated Acids (PFAAS)

Including Perfluorooctanoic Acids (PFOA) and Perfluorooctanesulfonic Acids (PFOS) which have been voluntarily phased out by U.S. manufactures.

GenX is a trade name for a group of replacement chemicals with similar chemical structures/properties to PFOAs and is also a persistent contaminant suspected to be toxic in the environment.

To learn more about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), visit the EPA website.

Exposure to PFAS has the potential to accumulate in the body by ingesting PFAS contaminated water and food. Federal and state funded studies have proven that PFAS can cause adverse health effects at a wide range of exposure limits. At high concentrations, PFOA and PFOS can cause birth defects, cancer, and comprise liver, kidney, and thyroid function. Health advisory warnings for PFAS have been issued to protect drinking water and human health.

Communities near PFAS manufacturing facilities and locations where Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) have been used are prone to contamination. Industrial sources of PFAS contaminations include: 

  • Dod sites such as airports and military bases where firefighting training occurs
  • Waste disposal landfills
  • Stain-resistant/waterproof textiles
  • Non-stick cookware
  • Food packaging
  • Rubber and plastics
  • Polishes and paints

Courier Service

Legend offers free sample pick-up in the Metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson areas with a minimum sales volume. 24-hour advance notice is requested for this service and can be arranged with your assigned Project Manager.  Pick-up outside the Metropolitan area can be arranged for a nominal fee.

Supplies

Legend provides all sample containers, preservatives, coolers, custody seals, and chain-of-custody (standard or pre-printed) forms. These items can be ordered through your assigned Project Manager.  Twenty-four hour advanced notice is requested.

Regulatory Compliance Assistance

Legend provides results reported on ADEQ forms and submitted to ADEQ free of charge (samples must be marked for compliance reporting at the time of sample receipt- Legend does not participate in selective reporting). Permit interpretation (methods, reporting limits, etc.) is also provided as a courtesy with coordinating automatic bottle orders and pre-printed chain of custody forms. Self-Monitoring Report Forms (SMRF) completion can be provided for a nominal fee.

Online Data Access and Electronic Data Deliverables (EDDs)

Analytical reports and electronic data deliverables (EDDs) may be accessed online through Legend’s secure online data portal.  Reports and quality control data can be provided in various formats, including Microsoft Excel, Adobe Acrobat (pdf), and Microsoft Access. Customized EDDs can be provided for a fee, depending on the specifications.

Legend provides an extensive array of sampling services for drinking water, wastewater, hazardous waste and air quality parameters, performed by experienced, certified personnel.  These services are designed to meet the specialized needs of our clients.  Legend’s capabilities include:

  • Coordination of sampling events from collection to reporting
  • Ongoing sampling services for permit-required monitoring
  • Assistance with completing compliance reports
  • Statewide sampling

Fees for sampling services are based on technician time for travel and collection, mileage, and equipment rental, if applicable. A minimum of one week lead time is requested for scheduling.

Preservation Key
C6H8O6 Ascorbic Acid
KH2C6H5O7 Potassium Dihydrogen Citrate
EDA Ethylenediamine Solution
HCl Hydrochloric Acid
H2SO4 Sulfuric Acid
HNO3 Nitric Acid
MCAA Monochloroacetic Acid
NaOH Sodium Hydroxide
Na2SO3 Sodium Sulfite
Na2S2O3 Sodium Thiosulfate
NH4Cl Ammonium Chloride
(NH4)2SO4/NH4OH Ammonium Sulfate/Ammonium Hydroxide
ZnAc Zinc Acetate

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Phoenix Facility

17631 North 25th Avenue, Phoenix AZ 85023

(602) 324-6100

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4585 South Palo Verde Road, Suite #423, Tucson, AZ 85706

(520) 327-1234

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