Frequently Asked Questions

About Standard Methods

Which editions of Standard Methods are approved for use by the USEPA? How do I know if the method I'm using is acceptable for regulatory compliance?

While it is frequently stated that a certain edition of Standard Methods is “approved" by the USEPA, that is not strictly correct. USEPA approves by method, so it is correct to say that methods in an edition are approved. The Federal Register of March 12, 2007 contains the most recent list of those Standard Methods test procedures approved for regulatory compliance. In addition, methods listed on the Standard Methods web site are designated as "EPA-Approved" if that is the case.

The Federal Register notice above does not cite the 21st Edition because that version of Standard Methods was not available when the rule was proposed in 2004. However, USEPA has determined that the methods approved in Standard Methods Online have equivalent versions in the 21st Edition.

If you have any questions, contact the Standard Methods Manager at sposavec@awwa.org.

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