The method for extraction of halogenated furanones (analogues of 3-chloro-4- (dichloromethyl)-5-hydroxy-2[5H]-furanone, referred to in this paper as MX-analogues) has been refined for application to drinking waters from several different treatment processes. As a result, it can be determined which treatment processes generate the MX-analogues as disinfection byproducts and monitor their subsequent fate. MX-analogues are known to be produced by the chlorination of isolated humic materials in natural waters. While they are only present at ng/L levels, MX-analogues can account for 20-60% of the mutagenicity in drinking water. A working analytical method is needed to accurately measure ng/L levels of MX-analogues in drinking water, for future assessment of human exposure to this potential carcinogen. The original goal was to develop a unified approach for the simultaneous detection of 9 halogenated furanones in drinking water, including MX, E-MX, red-MX, ox-MX, ox-EMX, BMX-1, BMX-2, BMX-3, and mucochloric acid (MCA); mucobromic acid (MBA) was used as a surrogate compound during extraction. However, the evolution of the MX method uncovered functional differences between some of the components, which prevents a single approach from being utilized. Recovery of the MX-analogues from water samples is greatly affected by acidification prior to extraction and the method of extraction. Liquid-liquid extraction, for example, recovered much higher amounts of the MX-analogues from water samples when compared to solid phase extraction with C18 cartridges. This paper outlines key improvements to the method and highlights current applications of the method to chlorinated tap water. Includes 14 references, table, figures.