![Photos of viruses and sample preparation]() The analytical methods promulgated under Clean Water Act Section 304(h) 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 industry-specific methods are published or incorporated by reference at 40 CFR Parts 401 through 503.
On this page:
- Approved methods listed by method number
- Approved methods listed by analyte (reference tables in 40 CFR 136.3)
Approved Methods Listed by Method Number
- Wastewater & Sewage Sludge
- Ambient Water
Microbiological Pollutants in Wastewater and Sewage Sludge
| Number |
Method Title |
|---|
| 1600 |
Enterococci in Water by Membrane Filtration Using membrane-Enterococcus Indoxyl--D-Glucoside Agar (mEI) |
| 1603 |
Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Water by Membrane Filtration Using Modified membrane-Thermotolerant Escherichia coli Agar (Modified mTEC) |
| 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 |
Microbiological Pollutants in Ambient Water
| Number |
Method Title |
|---|
| 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 |
Enterococci in Water by Membrane Filtration Using membrane-Enterococcus Indoxyl--D-Glucoside Agar (mEI) |
| 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 Membrane Filtration Using a Simultaneous Detection Technique (MI Medium) |
| 1622 |
Cryptosporidium in Water by Filtration/Immunomagnetic Separation/Immunofluorescence Assay Microscopy |
| 1623 |
Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Water by Filtration/IMS/FA |
Approved Methods Listed by Analyte
The lists of approved methods at 40 CFR 136.3, with footnotes, are provided here as a reference. To download specific method publications, refer to the tables above.
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When the water in our rivers, lakes, and oceans becomes polluted; it can endanger wildlife, make our drinking water unsafe, and threaten the waters where we swim and fish. EPA research supports efforts under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.
When the water in our rivers, lakes, and oceans becomes polluted; it can endanger wildlife, make our drinking water unsafe, and threaten the waters where we swim and fish. EPA research supports efforts under the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act.
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