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You are here: Water Science & Technology Analytical Methods & Laboratories Clean Water Act Analytical Methods

Clean Water Act Analytical Methods

EPA publishes laboratory analytical methods, or test procedures that are used by industries

and municipalities to analyze the chemical, physical and biological components of

wastewater and other environmental samples that are required by regulations under the

authority of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Most of these methods are published as regulations

in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at Title 40 Part 136. EPA's legal authority to

establish test procedures to measure pollutants in Clean Water Act programs.

EPA's Office of Science and Technology manages the CWA methods program, working with EPA Regions, states, and

stakeholders.

Approved Methods Approved general-purpose methods

Approved industry-specific methods

Whole Effluent Toxicity Methods

Questions and answers

Alternate Test Procedures

and Method Flexibility

Alternate Test Procedure Program

Part 136.6 Flexibility to Modify Methods

Questions and answers

Other EPA Methods CWA methods not contained in EPA regulations

Other Agency Methods

Special Topics Analytic Methods for the Oil and Gas Extraction Point Source Category (PDF) (121 pp,

1.1MB

QA/QC Requirements in Methods Not Published by EPA

Oil & Grease Measurements

Cyanide Measurements

Hexavalent Chromium ('Chromium 6') Measurements

Mercury Measurements

PPCPs Analytical Methods

Microbiological Measurements

Detection and Quantitation Federal Advisory Committee

Effluent Guidelines

Toxic and Priority Pollutants

Whole Effluent Toxicity

Matrix Effects Solutions to Analytical Chemistry Problems with Clean Water Act Methods (PDF) (62

pp, 458K) is a revision of the 'Pumpkin Book'.

FEM The Forum on Environmental Measurements (FEM) is a standing committee of senior

EPA managers that promotes consistency and consensus on measurement issues.

Current Activities Updating CWA Methods: Final Amendments to 40 CFR Part 136

Updating CWA Methods: Proposed Amendments to 40 CFR Part 136

Holding Time Study for Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products, Sterols and

Hormones (PDF) (43 pp, 362K)

Draft Procedure for Analysis of Perfluorinated Carboxylic Acids and Sulfonic Acids in

Sewage Sludge and Biosolids by HPLC/MS/MS (PDF) (55 pp, 770K)

Preparing a protocol with which to validate rapid methods for pathogens using qPCR

technology

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You are here: Water Science & Technology Analytical Methods & Laboratories CWA Methods Approved GeneralPurpose Methods

Approved General-Purpose Methods

The analytical methods promulgated under the authority of Section 304(h) of the Clean

Water Act are sometimes referred to as the "304(h)" or "Part 136" methods. The methods

measure chemical and biological pollutants in media, such as wastewater, ambient water,

sediment, and biosolids (sewage sludge). These various CWA methods are tested in a variety

of labs and matrices. In addition to Part 136 methods, some approved methods are

published or incorporated by reference at 40 CFR Parts 401-503, approved industry-specific methods.

Approved industry-specific methods

Compliance methods specific to pharmaceutical manufacturing and pesticide active ingredients.

Other EPA Methods

Wastewater methods not contained in EPA regulations

CWA Methods of Interest Approved for use at 40 CFR 136

Number Method Title

120.1 Conductance, Specific Conductance (PDF) (3 pp, 14K)

130.1 Hardness, Total (mg/L as CaCO3), Colorimetric, Automated EDTA (PDF) (4 pp, 34K)

150.2 pH, Electrometric (Continuous Monitoring) (PDF) (4 pp, 18K)

160.4 Residue, Volatile, Gravimetric, Ignition at 550°C (PDF) (2 pp, 12K)

180.1 Determination of Turbidity by Nephelometry Revision 2.0 (PDF) (10 pp, 27K)

200.2 Sample Preparation Procedure for Spectrochemical Determination of Total Recoverable Elements Revision

2.8 (PDF) (12 pp, 38K)

200.5 Determination of Trace Elements in Drinking Water by Axially Viewed Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic

Emission Spectrometry (PDF) (36 pp, 473K)

200.7 Determination of Metals and Trace Elements in Water and Wastes by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic

Emission Spectrometry Revision 4.4 (PDF) (58 pp, 223K)

200.8 Determination of Trace Elements in Water and Wastes by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry

Revision 5.4 (PDF) (57 pp, 316K)

200.9 Determination of Trace Elements by Stabilized Temperature Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption

Spectrometry Revision 2.2 (PDF) (42 pp, 166K)

206.5 Arsenic, Sample Digestion Prior to Total Arsenic Analysis by Silver Diethyldithiocarbamate or Hydride

Procedures (PDF) (2 pp, 11K)

218.6 Determination of Dissolved Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water, Groundwater, and Industrial

Wastewater Effluents by Ion Chromatography Revision 3.3 (PDF) (10 pp, 33K)

231.2 Gold, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (2 pp, 12K)

235.2 Iridium, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (2 pp, 12K)

245.1 Determination of Mercury in Water by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Revision 3.0 (PDF) (18 pp,

119K)

245.2 Mercury, Cold Vapor Technique, Automated (PDF) (6 pp, 55K)

245.7 Mercury in Water by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry Revision 2.0 (PDF) (33 pp, 195K)

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Approved General-Purpose Methods | CWA Methods | US EPA

http://water.epa.gov/scitech/methods/cwa/methods_index.cfm[9/5/2012 2:05:50 PM]

252.2 Osmium, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (2 pp, 13K)

253.2 Palladium, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (2 pp, 13K)

255.2 Platinum, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (2 pp, 13K)

265.2 Rhodium, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (2 pp, 13K)

267.2 Ruthenium, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (2 pp, 13K)

279.2 Thallium, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (3 pp, 18K)

283.2 Titanium, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (2 pp, 13K)

289.2 Zinc, Atomic Absorption, Furnace Technique (PDF) (3 pp, 18K)

300.0 Determination of Inorganic Anions by Ion Chromatography Revision 2.1 (PDF) (28 pp, 74K)

300.1 Determination of Inorganic Anions in Drinking Water by Ion Chromatography Revision 1.0 (PDF) (40 pp, 398K)

310.2 Alkalinity, Colorimetric, Automated Methyl Orange (PDF) (4 pp, 28K)

335.4 Determination of Total Cyanide by Semi-Automated Colorimetry Revision 1.0 (PDF) (16 pp, 147K)

350.1 Determination of Ammonia Nitrogen by Semi-Automated Colorimetry Revision 2.0 (PDF) (15 pp, 180K)

351.1 Nitrogen, Kjeldahl, Total, Colorimetric, Automated Phenate (PDF) (7 pp, 83K)

351.2 Determination of Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen by Semi-Automated Colorimetry Revision 2.0 (PDF) (15 pp, 180K)

352.1 Nitrate, Colorimetric, Brucine (PDF) (4 pp, 18K)

353.2 Determination of Nitrate-Nitrite by Automated Colorimetry Revision 2.0 (PDF) (14 pp, 153K)

365.1 Determination of Phosphorus by Semi-Automated Colorimetry Revision 2.0 (PDF) (17 pp, 355K)

365.3 Phosphorus, All Forms, Colorimetric, Ascorbic Acid, Two Reagent (PDF) (4 pp, 17K)

365.4 Phosphorus, Total, Colorimetric, Automated, Block Digester, Automated Analyzer II (PDF) (5 pp, 58K)

375.2 Determination of Sulfate by Automated Colorimetry Revision 2.0 (PDF) (13 pp, 220K)

410.3 Chemical Oxygen Demand, Titrimetric, High-Level for Saline Waters (PDF) (3 pp, 26K)

410.4 Determination of Chemical Oxygen Demand by Semi-Automated Colorimetry Revision 2.0 (PDF) (12 pp,

139K)

420.1 Phenolics, Total Recoverable, Spectrophotometric, Manual 4-AAP With Distillation (PDF) (4 pp, 18K)

420.4 Determination of Total Recoverable Phenolics by Semi-Automated Colorimetry Revision 1.0 (PDF) (14 pp,

127K)

525.1 Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water by Liquids-Solid Extraction and Capillary Column

Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Revision 2.2 (PDF) (40 pp, 444K)

525.2 Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water (PDF) (62 pp, 160K)

601 Purgeable Halocarbons

602 Purgeable Aromatics

603 Acrolein and Acrylonitrile

604 Phenols

605 Benzidines

606 Phthalate Ester

607 Nitrosamines

608 Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs

608.1 The Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (20 pp, 81K)

608.2 The Determination of Certain Organochlorine Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (18 pp,

79K)
Approved General-Purpose Methods | CWA Methods | US EPA

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609 Nitroaromatics and Isophorone

610 Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons

611 Haloethers

612 Chlorinated Hydrocarbons

613 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro Dibenzo-p-Dioxin

614 The Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (20 pp, 82K)

614.1 The Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (17 pp, 74K)

615 The Determination of Chlorinated Herbicides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (21 pp, 92K)

617 The Determination of Organohalide Pesticides and PCBs in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (32 pp,

195K)

619 The Determination of Triazine Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (21 pp, 95K)

622 The Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (21 pp,

123K)

622.1 The Determination of Thiophosphate Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (21 pp, 98K)

624 Purgeables

625 Base/Neutrals and Acids

632 The Determination of Carbamate and Urea Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (19 pp,

85K)

900.0 Gross Alpha and Gross Beta Radioactivity in Drinking water (PDF) (9 pp, 53K)

903.0 Alpha-Emitting Radium Isotopes In Drinking Water (PDF) (7 pp, 31K)

903.1 Radium-226 in Drinking Water Radon Emanation Technique (PDF) (11 pp, 83K)

1000.0 Fathead Minnow, Pimephales promelas, Larval Survival and Growth Test Method (PDF) (page 48) (334 pp,

3.3MB)

1001.0 Fathead Minnow, Pimephales promelas, Embryo-larval Survival and Teratogenicity Test Method (PDF) (page

100) (334 pp, 3.3MB)

1002.0 Daphnid, Ceriodaphnia dubia, Survival and Reproduction Test Method (PDF) (page 128) (334 pp, 3.3MB)

1003.0 Green Alga, Selenastrum capricornutum, Growth Test Method (PDF) (page 181) (334 pp, 3.3MB)

1004.0 Sheepshead Minnow, Cryprinodon variegatus, Larval Survival and Growth Test Method (PDF) (page 53) (470

pp, 5.8MB)

1005.0 Sheepshead Minnow, Cryprinodon variegatus, Embryo-larval Survival and Teratogenicity Test Method (PDF)

(page 110) (470 pp, 5.8MB)

1006.0 Inland Silverside, Menidia beryllina, Larval Survival and Growth Method (PDF) (page 146) (470 pp, 5.8MB)

1007.0 Mysid, Mysidopsis bahia, Survival, Growth, and Fecundity Test Method (PDF) (page 201) (470 pp, 5.8MB)

1008.0 Sea Urchin, Arbacia punctulata, Fertilization Test Method (PDF) (page 275) (470 pp, 5.8MB)

1103.1 Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Water by Membrane Filtration Using membrane-Thermotolerant Escherichia coli

Agar (mTEC)

1106.1 Enterococci in Water by Membrane Filtration Using membrane-Enterococcus-Esculin Iron Agar (mE-EIA)

1600 Membrane Filter Test Method for Enterococci in Water

1601 Male-specific (F+) and Somatic Coliphage in Water by Two-step Enrichment Procedure (PDF) (40 pp, 259K)

1602 Male-specific (F+) and Somatic Coliphage in Water by Single Agar Layer (SAL) Procedure (PDF) (38 pp, 207K)

1603 Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Water by Membrane Filtration Using Modified membrane-Thermotolerant

Escherichia coli Agar (Modified mTEC)

1604 Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli in Water by MembraneFiltration Using a Simultaneous
Approved General-Purpose Methods | CWA Methods | US EPA

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DetectionTechnique (MI Medium) (PDF) (18 pp, 384K)

1605 Aeromonas in Finished Water by Membrane Filtration using Ampicillin-Dextrin Agar withVancomycin (ADAV) (PDF) (36 pp, 141K)

1613B Tetra-through Octa-Chlorinated Dioxins and Furans by Isotope Dilution High Resolution Gas

Chromatography/High Resolution Mass Spectrometry Revision B

1622 Cryptosporidium in Water by Filtration/ Immunomagnetic Separation/Immunofluorescence Assay

Microscopy

1623 Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Water by Filtration/IMS/FA

1624B Volatile Organic Compounds by Isotope Dilution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Revision B

1625B Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Isotope Dilution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Revision B

1627 Method 1627: Kinetic Test Method for the Prediction of Mine Drainage Quality (PDF) (37 pp, 650K)

1631E Mercury in Water by Oxidation, Purge and Trap, and Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry Revision

E

1664A n-Hexane Extractable Material (HEM; Oil and Grease) and Silica Gel Treated n-Hexane Extractable Material

(SGT-HEM; Non-polar Material) by Extraction and Gravimetry Revision A

1664B Method 1664, Revision B: n-Hexane Extractable Material (HEM; Oil and Grease) and Silica Gel Treated nHexane Extractable Material (SGT-HEM; Non-polar Material) by Extraction and Gravimetry (PDF) (35 pp, 495K)

OIA1677Available Cyanide by Flow Injection with Ligand Exchange

1680 Fecal Coliforms in Sewage Sludge (Biosolids) by Multiple-Tube Fermentation using Lauryl Tryptose Broth

(LTB) and EC Medium

1681 Fecal Coliforms in Sewage Sludge (Biosolids) by Multiple-Tube Fermentation using A-1 medium

1682 Salmonella in Sewage Sludge (Biosolids) by Modified Semisolid Rappaport-Vassiliadis (MSRV) Medium

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[1] There are several series of wastewater methods published under 40 CFR Part 136, including the 200 series, the 600 series, and the 1600

series. In addition to the wastewater methods, there are methods for other environmental media: the 300 series for air (MACT standards), the

500 series for drinking water, and the 8000 series for solid waste. ↩Back
Approved Industry-Specific Methods | CWA Methods | US EPA

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Water: CWA Methods Contact Us

Approved GeneralPurpose Methods

Compliance methods to

measure pollutants in

various media for many

Clean Water Act

applications.

Other Methods

Wastewater methods not

contained in EPA

regulations.

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Industry-Specific Methods

Approved Industry-Specific Methods

In addition to general purposes methods, EPA has approved special purpose

analytical methods. These methods were developed to work in samples or for

pollutants specific to certain industrial categories. For example, methods specific to

the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Pesticide Chemicals industrial categories are

listed in Tables IF and IG, respectively, at 40 CFR Part 136.

Methods specific to other industrial categories are listed or incorporated by reference

into the regulations at 40 CFR Parts 401-503. These include methods specific to the

Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard category (40 CFR Part 430), and specific to Use or

Disposal of Sewage Sludge (biosolids) (at 40 CFR Part 503.) Industry-specific

methods that are approved for compliance monitoring in the industry for which they

are designated may be used for general use, if the same method is listed in Tables IA

to IE, or IH at 40 CFR 136.3.

40 CFR Part 136.3, Table IF specifies methods that may be used at 40 CFR Part 439

(pharmaceutical manufacturing point source category).

40 CFR Part 136.3, Table IG, list methods for use at 40 CFR 455 (pesticide chemical

point source category).

Methods that may be used under 40 CFR Part 439, pharmaceutical manufacturing point

source category

This table is derived from Table IF—List of Approved Methods for Pharmaceutical Pollutants. 40 CFR Part 439 is also

available for viewing.

Test Methods for Pharmaceutical Pollutants

Number Method Title

502.2 Volatile Organic Compounds in Water by Purge and Trap Capillary Column Gas Chromatography with

Photoionization and Electrolytic Conductivity Detectors in Series Revision 2.0 (PDF) (34 pp, 150K)

524.2 Measurement of Purgeable OrganicCompounds in Water by Capillary Column Gas Chromatography/Mass

Spectrometry Revision 4.0 (PDF) (43 pp, 164K)

551 Determination of Chlorination Disinfection Byproducts and Chlorinated Solvents in Drinking Water by

Liquid-LiquidExtraction and Gas Chromatography withElectron Capture Detection (PDF) (32 pp, 106K)

1624C Volatile Organic Compounds by Isotope Dilution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Revision C (PDF)

(32 pp, 106K)

1625C Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Isotope Dilution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Revision C

(PDF) (68 pp, 317K)

1666 Volatile Organic Compounds Specific to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry by Isotope Dilution Gas

Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (PDF) (49 pp, 130K)

1667 Formaldehyde, Isobutyraldehyde, and Furfural by Derivatization and High Performance Liquid

Chromatography (PDF) (21 pp, 68K)

1671 Volatile Organic Compounds Specific to the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Industry by Gas

Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detector (PDF) (19 pp, 56K)

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Methods that may be used under 40 CFR 455, pesticide chemical point source category

This table is derived from Table IG—Test Methods for Pesticide Active Ingredients. 40 CFR Part 455 is also available

for viewing.

Test Methods for Pesticide Active Ingredients

Number Method Title

200.7 Determination of Metals and Trace Elements in Water and Wastes by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic

Emission Spectrometry Revision 4.4 (PDF) (58 pp, 223K)

200.9 Determination of Trace Elements by Stabilized Temperature Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption

Spectrometry Revision 2.2 (PDF) (42 pp, 166K)

505 Analysis of Organohalide Pesticides and Commercial Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) Products in Water by

Microextraction and Gas Chromatography Revision 2.0 (PDF) (33 pp, 282K)

507 Determination of Nitrogen- and Phosphorus-Containing Pesticides in Water by Gas Chromatography with a

Nitrogen-Phosphorus Detector Revision 2.0 (PDF) (28 pp, 142K)

508 Determination of Chlorinated Pesticides in Water by Gas Chromatography with an Electron Capture Detector

Revision 3.0 (PDF) (28 pp, 215K)

508.1 Determination of Chlorinated Pesticides, Herbicides, and Organohalides by Liquid-Solid Extraction and

Electron Capture Gas Chromatography Revision 1.0 (PDF) (28 pp, 189K)

508.1 Determination of Chlorinated Pesticides, Herbicides, and Organohalides by Liquid-Solid Extraction and

Electron Capture Gas Chromatography Revision 2.0 (PDF) (36 pp, 216K)

515.1 Determination of Chlorinated Acids in Water by Gas Chromatography with an Electron Capture Detector

Revision 4.0 (PDF) (32 pp, 158K)

515.2 Determination of Chlorinated Acids in Water Using Liquid-Solid Extraction and Gas Chromatography with

an Electron Capture Detector Revision 1.0 (PDF) (38 pp, 170K)

525.1 Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water by Liquids-Solid Extraction and Capillary Column

Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Revision 2.2 (PDF) (40 pp, 444K)

531.1 Measurement of N-Methylcarbamoyloximes and N-Methylcarbamates in Water by Direct Aqueous Injection

High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Post Column Derivatization Revision 3.0 (PDF) (22 pp, 114K)

547 Determination of Glyphosate in Drinking Water by Direct-Aqueous-Injection High Performance Liquid

Chromatography, Post-Column Derivatization, and Fluorescence Detection (PDF) (16 pp, 57K)

548 Determination of Endothall in Drinking Water by Aqueous Derivatization, Liquid-Solid Extraction, and Gas

Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection (PDF) (19 pp, 103K)

548.1 Determination of Endothall in Drinking Water by Ion Exchange Extraction, Acidic Methanol Methylation and

Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Revision 1.0 (PDF) (28 pp, 188K)

553 Determination of Benzidines and Nitrogen-Containing Pesticides in Water by Liquid-Liquid Extraction or

Liquid-Solid Extraction and Reverse Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Particle Beam/Mass

Spectrometry Revision 1.1 (PDF) (39 pp, 173K)

555 Determination of Chlorinated Acids in Water by High Performance Liquid Chromatography with a

Photodiode Array Ultraviolet Detector Revision 1.0 (PDF) (25 pp, 139K)

608 Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs

608.1 The Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (20 pp, 81K)

608.2 The Determination of Certain Organochlorine Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (18 pp,

79K)

614 The Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (20 pp, 82K)

614.1 The Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (17 pp, 74K)

615 The Determination of Chlorinated Herbicides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (21 pp, 92K)
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617 The Determination of Organohalide Pesticides and PCBs in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (32 pp,

195K)

619 The Determination of Triazine Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (21 pp, 95K)

622 The Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (21 pp,

123K)

622.1 The Determination of Thiophosphate Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (21 pp, 98K)

625 Base/Neutrals and Acids

627 The Determination of Dinitroaniline Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (17 pp, 86K)

629 The Determination of Cyanazine in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (17 pp, 82K)

630 The Determination of Dithiocarbamate Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (13 pp, 42K)

630.1 The Determination of Dithiocarbamates Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (14 pp, 58K)

631 The Determination of Benomyl and Carbendazim in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (16 pp, 77K)

632 The Determination of Carbamate and Urea Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (19 pp,

85K)

632.1 The Determination of Carbamate and Amide Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (13 pp,

67K)

633 The Determination of Organonitrogen Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (18 pp, 82K)

633.1 The Determination of Neutral Nitrogen-Containing Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewaters (PDF)

(20 pp, 97K)

637 The Determination of MBTS and TCMTB in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (18 pp, 92K)

645 The Determination of Certain Amine Pesticides and Lethane in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF)

(18 pp, 84K)

1625B Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Isotope Dilution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Revision B

1625C Semivolatile Organic Compounds by Isotope Dilution Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Revision C

(PDF) (68 pp, 317K)

1656 The Determination of Organohalide Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (43 pp, 145K)

1657 The Determination of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (39 pp,

178K)

1658 The Determination of Phenoxy-Acid Herbicides in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (36 pp, 175K)

1659 The Determination of Dazomet in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (17 pp, 61K)

1660 The Determination of Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (18 pp, 54K)

1661 The Determination of Bromoxynil in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater (PDF) (15 pp, 48K)

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Whole Effluent Toxicity | Whole Effluent Toxicity | US EPA

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Whole Effluent Toxicity

Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) refers to the aggregate toxic effect to aquatic organisms from

all pollutants contained in a facility's wastewater (effluent). It is one way we implement the

Clean Water Act's prohibition of the discharge of toxic pollutants in toxic amounts. WET

tests measure wastewater's effects on specific test organisms' ability to survive, grow and

reproduce.

The WET methods listed below are specified at 40 CFR 136.3, Table IA. WET test methods consist of exposing living

aquatic organisms (plants, vertebrates and invertebrates) to various concentrations of a sample of wastewater, usually

from a facility's effluent stream. WET tests are used by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

permitting authority to determine whether a facility's permit will need WET requirements.

At the end of 2004, EPA released a draft of the National Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Implementation Guidance Under

the NPDES Program (PDF) (109 pp, 1.1MB). (The public docket for this guidance can be found at: Regulations.gov (EPAHQ-OW-2004-0037).

WET methods & manuals

Updates to these manuals (PDF) (1 pp, 61K)

Regulatory actions

Guidance Documents

WET Methods and Manuals

Methods for Measuring Acute Toxicity to Freshwater and Marine Organisms

Freshwater

2002.0 Ceriodaphnia dubia acute.

2021.0 Daphnia puplex and Daphnia magna acute.

2000.0 Fathead Minnow, Pimephales promelas, and Bannerfin shiner, Cyprinella leedsi, acute.

2019.0 Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, acute.

Marine

2007.0 Mysid, Americamysis bahia, acute.

2004.0 Sheepshead Minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus, acute.

2006.0 Silverside, Menidia beryllina, Menidia menidia, and Menidia peninsulae, acute.

Short-term Methods for Estimating Chronic Toxicity to Freshwater Organisms

1000.0 Fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, larval survival and growth.

1001.0 Fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, embryo-larval survival and teratogenicity

1002.0 Daphnia, Ceriodaphnia dubia, survival and reproduction

1003.0 Green alga, Selenastrum capricornutum, growth.

Short-term Methods for Estimating Chronic Toxicity to Marine and Estuarine Organisms

1004.0 Sheepshead minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus, larval survival and growth.

1005.0 Sheepshead minnow, Cyprinodon variegatus, embryo-larval survival and teratogenicity.

1006.0 Inland silverside, Menidia beryllina, larval survival and growth.

1007.0 Mysid, Americamysis bahia, survival, growth,and fecundity.

1008.0 Sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata, fertilization.

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Whole Effluent Toxicity | Whole Effluent Toxicity | US EPA

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Last updated on Tuesday, March 06, 2012

Regulatory Actions

2002 Final Rule

Guidelines Establishing Test Procedures for the Analysis of Pollutants; Whole Effluent Toxicity Test Methods; Final Rule

Fact Sheet (PDF) about the final rule (1 pp, 66K)

Final rule published in the Federal Register | Print version (PDF) (22 pp, 178K) (November 19, 2002)

Proposed Rule

Fact Sheet about the proposed rule

Proposed rule published in the Federal Register (September 28, 2001)

Proposed changes to whole effluent toxicity method manuals (PDF) (110 pp, 353K)

1995 Final Rule

Final Rule published in the Federal Register to add Whole Effluent Toxicity Methods to the list at 40 CFR 136.3 (Tables

1A and II) (October 16, 1995)

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Guidance Documents

Final Report: Interlaboratory Variability Study of EPA Short-term Chronic and Acute Whole Effluent Toxicity Test

Methods:

Study, Volume 1 (PDF) (174 pp, 743K)

Study, Volume 2: Appendix (PDF) (211 pp, 1.7MB)

Method Guidance and Recommendations for Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Testing (40 CFR Part 136) (PDF) (60 pp, 184K)

(July 2000)

Includes specific technical guidance on nominal error rate adjustments, confidence intervals, concentration-response

relationships, dilutions series selection, and dilution water. FR Notice of Data Availability (July 28, 2000).

Understanding and Accounting for Method Variability in Whole Effluent Toxicity Applications Under the National

Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (scroll to the bottom of the list) (EPA 833-R-00-003)

This document provides guidance to NPDES regulatory authorities and persons interested in whole effluent toxicity

testing.

Policy Memo: Clarifications Regarding Flexibility in 40 CFR Part 136 Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) Test Methods (April

1996)

The NPDES program has guidance on the application of WET testing to permits under the National Pollutant Discharge

Elimination System (NPDES).

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Approved Methods | CWA Methods | US EPA

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Water: CWA Methods Contact Us

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You are here: Water Science & Technology Analytical Methods & Laboratories CWA Methods Approved Methods

Approved Methods

Questions and Answers

When do I need to use an approved 40 CFR Part 136 method?

When do know I am using an approved method?

Are all CWA compliance methods listed in 40 CFR Part 136?

May I use EPA Office of Resource Conservation and Reclamation's SW846 methods?

What may we do when the EPA approved CWA method does not work for my discharge or CWA application?

Are there approved methods for sewage sludge (biosolids)?

What methods are available for fish tissue?

Where is the site listing of approved methods for air and radiation, solid waste, drinking and waste water,

pesticides and toxic substances, etc.?

When do I need to use an approved 40 CFR Part 136 method?

You need to use an approved 40 CFR Part 136 method when your permit or permitting

authority requires it.

When do know I am using an approved method?

If your method is specified in your permit or in the regulations at CFR Part 136.3 and Parts 401-503. These approved

methods also include modifications to the method that are within the method flexibility discussed at 40 CFR Part

136.6.

Are all CWA compliance methods listed in 40 CFR Part 136?

Most CWA compliance methods are listed in 40 CFR Part 136, but your permitting authority or permit may specify use

of other methods.

May I use EPA Office of Resource Conservation and Reclamation's SW846 methods?

Generally, no, for wastewater measurements. The permittee is required to use approved CWA methods for compliance

purposes. SW846 methods are not necessarily developed for the same monitoring purposes or matrices for which CWA

methods are developed. However, your permitting authority may allow use of SW846 or other methods in sewage

sludge (biosolids).

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What may we do when the EPA approved CWA method does not work for my discharge or

CWA application?

For chemical methods, you may demonstrate that there is interference and implement corrective action as described in

Solutions to Analytical Chemistry Problems with Clean Water Act Methods (PDF) (62 pp, 458K). For microbial methods,

you may submit a limited use ATP application to your permitting authority (e.g., State or EPA Region).

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Are there approved methods for sewage sludge (biosolids)?

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Approved Methods | CWA Methods | US EPA

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EPA has approved the following microbial methods for use in biosolids: EPA Method 1680 and 1681 for fecal coliforms

and EPA Method 1682 for Salmonella.

40 CFR Part 136 chemical methods are not approved specifically for use in biosolids. However, the following EPA

methods have been used:

1613 for dioxin and furans,

1625 for semivolatiles, and

1668 PCBs, Revision B (PDF) (133 pp, 636K; EPA-821-R-08-020).

Other methods may be available in Solid Waste Methods.

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What methods are available for fish tissue?

The Office of Water has used the following EPA methods for chemicals in fish tissue:

1613B: Dioxins and Furans

1614: PBDEs (PDF) (87 pp, 417K)

1668: PCB Congeners, Revision B (PDF) (133 pp, 636K; EPA-821-R-08-020)

1625C: Semivolatile Organic Compounds (PDF) (68 pp, 317K)

1656A: Organohalide Pesticides (PDF) (43 pp, 145K)

1657A: Organophosphorus Pesticides (PDF) (39 pp, 178K)

1631: Mercury

1632A: Arsenic (PDF) (35 pp, 126K)

There are other methods that may be available in Solid Waste Methods.

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Where is the site listing of approved methods for air and radiation, solid waste, drinking

and waste water, pesticides and toxic substances, etc.?

EPA's Forum on Environmental Measurement

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