Study to Better Understand Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water
In September 2026, EPA announced a new scientific study using to improve the agency's understanding of what pollutants may be present in drinking water. This research by EPA scientists goes beyond traditional testing methods to screen for a broad array of pollutants, including pharmaceuticals, PFAS, and more than 1,000 potential contaminants.
This study will use non-targeted analysis (NTA), which can identify unknown pollutants present in a drinking water sample. While conventional testing methods measure a handful of specific chemicals at a time, NTA allows researchers to scan for thousands of potential pollutants. The resulting insights will help EPA prioritize future actions to ensure that drinking water is safe.
Learn more - NTA Drinking Water Study (pdf)