While no federal regulations exist for residential water treatment filters, purifiers and reverse osmosis systems, voluntary national standards and NSF International protocols have been developed that establish minimum requirements for the safety and performance of these products to treat drinking water. The standards and protocols are explained in detail below. The numbers in the names reflect the order in which the standard or protocol was developed and are not a ranking or rating system.
- NSF/ANSI 42
Filters are certified to reduce aesthetic impurities such as chlorine and taste/odor. These can be point-of-use (under the sink, water pitcher, etc.) or point-of-entry (whole house) treatment systems. - NSF/ANSI 53
Filters are certified to reduce a contaminant with a health effect. Health effects are set in this standard as regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada. Both standards 42 and 53 cover adsorption/filtration which is a process that occurs when liquid, gas or dissolved/suspended matter adheres to the surface of, or in the pores of, an adsorbent media. Carbon filters are an example of this type of product. - NSF/ANSI 44
Water softeners use a cation exchange resin that is regenerated with sodium or potassium chloride. The softener reduces hardness caused by calcium and magnesium ions and replaces them with sodium or potassium ions. - NSF/ANSI 55
Ultraviolet treatment systems use ultraviolet light to inactivate or kill bacteria, viruses and cysts in contaminated water (Class A systems) or to reduce the amount of non-disease causing bacteria in disinfected drinking water (Class B). - NSF/ANSI 58
Reverse osmosis systems incorporate a process that uses reverse pressure to force water through a semi-permeable membrane. Most reverse osmosis systems incorporate one or more additional filters on either side of the membrane. These systems reduce contaminants that are regulated by Health Canada and EPA. - NSF/ANSI 62
Distillation systems heat water to the boiling point, and then collect the water vapor as it condenses, leaving behind contaminants such as heavy metals. Some contaminants that convert readily into gases, such as volatile organic chemicals, can carry over with the water vapor. - NSF/ANSI 177
Shower filters attach directly to the pipe just in front of the homeowner’s showerhead and are certified to only reduce free available chlorine. - NSF/ANSI 244
The filters covered by this standard are intended for use only on public water supplies that have been treated or that are determined to be microbiologically safe. These filters are only intended for protection against intermittent microbiological contamination of otherwise safe drinking water. For example, prior to the issuance of a boil water advisory, you can be assured that your filtration system is protecting you from intermittent microbiological contamination. The standard also includes material safety and structural integrity, similar to other NSF/ANSI drinking water treatment unit standards. Manufacturers can claim bacteria, viruses and cysts reduction for their filtration system. - NSF/ANSI 401
Treatment systems for emerging contaminants include both point-of-use and point-of-entry systems that have been verified to reduce one or more of 15 emerging contaminants (see appendix 1) from drinking water. These emerging contaminants can be pharmaceuticals or chemicals not yet regulated by the EPA or Health Canada. - NSF P477
These point-of-use filters reduce microcystin (see appendix 2) (toxins produced by blue-green algae) below the health advisory set by the EPA. - NSF P473
PFOA/PFOS water filters or systems are evaluated on their ability to reduce PFOA and PFOS in drinking water and to meet strict material safety and structural requirements as defined in NSF/ANSI 53. - NSF P231
Microbiological water purifiers are certified for health and sanitation based on the recommendations of the EPA’s Task Force Report, Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers (1987) (Annex B). - NSF/JWPA P72
Iodine radioisotope point-of-use treatment options are evaluated for reduction of all forms of iodine in drinking water. This protocol was developed in conjunction with the Japan Water Purifier Association (JWPA).
Keep in mind that certification to an NSF/ANSI standard or protocol does not mean that a filter, purifier or treatment system will reduce all possible contaminants. It’s important to verify that the filter, purifier or treatment system is certified to the applicable standard for the reduction of the contaminants of most concern to you or your family. Review our step-by-step guide on selecting home water treatment systems (see appendix 3) for more information.
Appendices
(Appendix 1) Emerging Drinking Water Contaminants
You may have seen media reports in recent years about the presence of emerging or incidental contaminants in drinking water. In fact, 82 percent of consumers report that they are concerned about the negative effects these emerging contaminants may have on their health although at trace levels they are not a public health issue. Contaminants of most concern include pesticides and herbicides followed by prescription drugs and detergents.
What Are Emerging Contaminants?
Most contaminants found in drinking water have traditionally fallen into one of two categories — health effects, for contaminants known to adversely affect health when present in drinking water; or aesthetic effects, for contaminants not affecting health but rather the taste, appearance or odor of drinking water.
Emerging contaminants are a new category of water quality concerns for which evidence of health effects has not yet been established due in part to the trace levels at which these compounds are currently being detected. For this reason, it was decided that a separate testing standard should be developed for product testing purposes.
American National Standard NSF/ANSI 401
NSF/ANSI 401: Emerging Contaminants/Incidental Compounds is an American national standard that verifies the ability of a water treatment device to reduce up to 15 of the emerging contaminants shown below. This list includes some prescription/OTC drugs, new types of herbicides and pesticides and chemicals used as flame retardants and detergents that have been found at trace levels in drinking water.
Products covered by NSF/ANSI 401 include several types of point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) systems including pitchers, faucet mount, counter top, refrigerator, under sink, plumbed-in and sports bottle type filtration systems as well as POU reverse osmosis systems. A list of products that are currently NSF certified to meet this standard can be found pentair everpure on NSF’s drinking water listings page.
| Substance | Average influent challenge ng/L* | Maximum effluent concentration ng/L* |
|---|---|---|
| Meprobamate | 400 ± 20% | 60 |
| Phenytoin | 200 ± 20% | 30 |
| Atenolol | 200 ± 20% | 30 |
| Carbamazepine | 1,400 ± 20% | 200 |
| TCEP | 5,000 ± 20% | 700 |
| TCPP | 5,000 ± 20% | 700 |
| DEET | 1,400 ± 20% | 200 |
| Metolachlor | 1,400 ± 20% | 200 |
| Trimethoprim | 140 ± 20% | 20 |
| Ibuprofen | 400 ± 20% | 60 |
| Naproxen | 140 ± 20% | 20 |
| Estrone | 140 ± 20% | 20 |
| Bisphenol A | 2,000 ± 20% | 300 |
| Linuron | 140 ± 20% | 20 |
| Nonyl phenol | 1,400 ± 20% | 200 |
*While a majority of regulated contaminants like arsenic and lead (see appendix 7) are measured either in milligrams or micrograms per liter, many contaminants covered by NSF/ANSI 401 are only found in trace amounts and thus are measured in a smaller increment known as nanograms per liter (ng/L). To put this in perspective, 1 ng/L is the equivalent of 1/1000th of a microgram per liter, which would be the same as 1 ounce in 7.5 billion gallons of water.
(Appendix 2) Blue Green Algae In Drinking Water
What Is Blue-Green Algae?
Warm weather along with the right nutrients in lakes, such as phosphates from agricultural runoff, create a perfect environment for the growth of blue-green algae. Large areas of blue-green algae growth are known as harmful algal blooms (or HABs), which can create toxic concentrations of a chemical called cyanotoxin. Cyanotoxins are a group of chemical contaminants formed by blue-green algae. The most common type is microcystin, which is toxic to humans and animals. Municpal water treatment systems cannot always quickly and effectively treat microsystin in drinking water.
HABs have occurred across the globe from Lake Erie in the United States, to Lake Koetshuis in the Netherlands, to Lake Taihu in China.
Potential Health Effects From Microcystin
Exposure to unsafe levels of microcystin concentrations through drinking water or swimming, have been known to cause a wide range of symptoms including fever, headache and vomiting, as well as liver and kidney damage in more severe instances.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s recommended drinking water limit of microcystin for children under age 6 is 0.3 ppb (parts per billion). For everyone else, the drinking water limit is 1.6 ppb of microcystin. These official health advisory levels were determined in cooperation with Health Canada.
What to Do If There is a Microcystin Water Advisory
Don’t boil your water. Boiling water that contains microcystin will actually concentrate the toxin. Follow the advice of your municipal water authority regarding drinking, cooking, bathing, dish washing, providing it to pets or filtering the water during the advisory.
Water Filters that Reduce Microcystin
NSF International scientists and public health experts have been testing and certifying products for more than 70 years. They have tested and certified water filters to ensure they reduce microcystin toxins to below the health advisory levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To find products that are NSF certified to reduce microcystin (see appendix 6) in drinking water, visit NSF Certification Listings for Microcystin Filters and find pentair everpure.
(Appendix 3) Home Water Treatment System Selection
How do you know if you need a water filter or a water purification or treatment system? What can you do to find the best filter for your home and where do you start? We have these helpful and important steps to find the right water treatment solution for your home. We test filters and treatment systems for safety and performance to provide assurance that a certified product will do what it says it is going to do.
Step 1: Find Out What Is In Your Water
If you are wondering what contaminants may be in your water, you can start by getting a copy of your water quality report (called a CCR or consumer confident report) from your local water utility/authority (in the U.S. and some cities in Canada). If you are unable to get your report or if you have a private well, you may want to consider having your water independently tested.
Step 2: Decide What Contaminants You Want to Reduce
Once you know what contaminants are in your water, you can better find a treatment solution that is certified to address your water quality concerns.
It’s important to understand that not all filters can reduce all contaminants. Based on the water report or your water testing results, you can decide what contaminants you want to reduce in your drinking water. NSF’s contaminant selection guide (see appendix 5) will help you to locate products that are certified to reduce specific contaminants.
Step 3: Compare Options for Water Treatment
A number of water treatment solutions are available. They range from whole-house systems that treat all the water in your home, to filters for specific areas such as the kitchen faucet, to more portable solutions such as a water pitcher or even countertop filters. Some reduce only one contaminant while others reduce many.
- Point-of-use (POU) systems treat the water where you drink or use your water, and include water pitchers, faucet filters and reverse osmosis (RO) systems.
- Whole-house/point-of-entry (POE) systems treat the water as it enters a residence. They are usually installed near the water meter (municipal) or pressurized storage tank (well water). Whole-house treatment systems include UV microbiological systems, water softeners or whole-house filters for chlorine, taste, odor and particulates.
Visit our listings for NSF-certified versions of these products:
Point-of-Use Filters
- Faucet mount filters
- Under-the-sink or plumbed-in systems
- Under-the-sink systems piped to a separate faucet type
- Plumbed-in to separate faucet systems
- Refrigerator filters
Whole-House Filters
- UV microbiological treatment systems
- Water softeners
- Whole-house chlorine filters
Additional Information
What Are NSF’s Drinking Water Standards?
NSF certifies drinking water filters to standards applicable to each type of treatment option. You may notice the NSF mark on a product along with numbers such as NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 42, which refer to the standard to which the filter has been certified. Manufacturers choose which contaminants their product will reduce and NSF International verifies that their filter will do what it says it is going to do. Because these standards allow manufacturers to certify their products to reduce a variety of contaminants, it’s important to check the packaging for both the standard name (such as NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58) AND a claim for specific contaminant reduction (see appendix 4) such as lead.To review the protocols and NSF/ANSI standards that cover home water treatment systems, visit Standards for Water Treatment Systems.
Replacing Your Filter
Once you have decided on a home water treatment system, it will need regular maintenance to operate properly. Remember to replace your filter when required. Some filters have indicator lights and some may recommend time ranges for replacement. Familiarize yourself with the replacement requirements of your water treatment system. Be sure to include the ongoing cost of replacement filters in your final budget for a home water treatment solution.
(Appendix 4) Contaminant Reduction Claims Guide
All sources of drinking water can contain some contaminants. At low levels, most of these contaminants are not considered to be harmful by agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Health Canada or World Health Organization. Some contaminants are naturally occurring in the environment, including radon, radium and arsenic. People, animals and industry can also add contaminants to our water supplies.
Below is a list of contaminants and drinking water additives that may be found in drinking water. To view a list of systems certified to treat that issue, click on one of the effective product technologies listed in the right hand column. If you don’t see your contaminant issue listed, contact the NSF Consumer Office at info@nsf.org for further assistance.
| Substance | EPA Maximum Contaminant Level | Effective Product Technologies | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,4,5-TP | 0.05 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| 2,4-D | 0.07 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Alachlor | 0.002 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Arsenic (pentavalent) | 0.01 mg/L | Distillation (up to 300 ppb) Filtration (up to 50 ppb) Reverse Osmosis (up to 50 ppb) Reverse Osmosis (up to 300 ppb) | ||||||
| Arsenic (trivalent) | 0.01 mg/L | Distillation | ||||||
| Asbestos | 7 MFL (million fibers per liter) | Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Atenolol | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Atrazine | 0.003 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Bacteria | 0 (zero) | Microbiological Purifiers Ultraviolet Disinfection | ||||||
| Barium | 2 mg/L | Cation Exchange Softeners Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Bisphenol A | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Cadmium | 0.005 mg/L | Distillation Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Carbamazepine | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Carbofuran | 0.04 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Chloramine | 4 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Chlordane | 0.002 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
Chlorides
(Note: part of TDS category)
| 250 mg/L |
Distillation
Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Chlorine | 4 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Chromium | 0.1 mg/L | Distillation Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Copper | 1.0 mg/L | Distillation Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Cysts (Cryptosporidium, Giardia) | 0 (zero) | Filtration Reverse Osmosis Ultraviolet Disinfection | ||||||
| DEET | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Dibromochloropropane | 0.0002 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Estrone | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Ethylene dibromide | 0.00005 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Fluoride | 4.0 mg/L | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Hardness | N/A | Cation Exchange Softener | ||||||
| Heptachlor epoxide | 0.0002 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Hydrogen sulfide | N/A | Filtration | ||||||
| Ibuprofen | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Lead | 0.015 mg/L | Distillation Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Linuron | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Meprobamate | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Metolachlor | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Mercury (inorganic) | 0.002 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Methoxychlor | 0.04 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Microcystin | Health Advisory Levels: Children under 6 years old: At or below 0.3 µg/L Children over 6 and adults: At or below 1.6 µg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) | N/A | Filtration | ||||||
| Naproxen | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Nitrates | 10 mg/L | Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Nitrites | 1 mg/L | Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Nonylphenol | None | Filtration | ||||||
| O-dichlorobenzene | 0.6 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
Particulate/Sediment
Note: Particulate reduction is divided into six classes:
Class I – 0.5 to < 1 micron in size
Class II – 1 to <5 microns in size Class III – 5 to <15 microns in size Class IV – 15 to <30 microns in size Class V – 30 to <50 microns in size Class VI – >50 microns in size | N/A | Filtration | ||||||
| PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) | 0.0005 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Perchlorates | N/A | Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic (PFOS) acid | Lifetime exposure health advisory at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) | Filtration, listed by type:
| ||||||
| Phenytoin | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Radium 226/228 | 5 pCi/L | Cation Exchange Softener Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Radon | 300 pCi/L (proposed) | Filtration | ||||||
| Selenium | 0.05 mg/L | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Sodium (Note: part of TDS category) | N/A | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Sulfate (Note: part of TDS category) | 250 mg/L | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Styrene | 0.1 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| TCEP | None | Filtration | ||||||
| TCPP | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Total dissolved solids (TDS) | 500 mg/L | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Toxaphene | 0.003 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Trichloroethylene (TCE) | 0.08 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Trimethoprim | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Turbidity | N/A | Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| ||||||||
| Xylenes | 10 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Zinc | 5 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
(Appendix 5) Contaminant Reduction Claims Guide
All sources of drinking water can contain some contaminants. At low levels, most of these contaminants are not considered to be harmful by agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Health Canada or World Health Organization. Some contaminants are naturally occurring in the environment, including radon, radium and arsenic. People, animals and industry can also add contaminants to our water supplies.
Below is a list of contaminants and drinking water additives that may be found in drinking water. To view a list of systems certified to treat that issue, click on one of the effective product technologies listed in the right hand column. If you don’t see your contaminant issue listed, contact the NSF Consumer Office at info@nsf.org for further assistance.
| Substance | EPA Maximum Contaminant Level | Effective Product Technologies | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,4,5-TP | 0.05 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| 2,4-D | 0.07 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Alachlor | 0.002 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Arsenic (pentavalent) | 0.01 mg/L | Distillation (up to 300 ppb) Filtration (up to 50 ppb) Reverse Osmosis (up to 50 ppb) Reverse Osmosis (up to 300 ppb) | ||||||
| Arsenic (trivalent) | 0.01 mg/L | Distillation | ||||||
| Asbestos | 7 MFL (million fibers per liter) | Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Atenolol | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Atrazine | 0.003 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Bacteria | 0 (zero) | Microbiological Purifiers Ultraviolet Disinfection | ||||||
| Barium | 2 mg/L | Cation Exchange Softeners Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Bisphenol A | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Cadmium | 0.005 mg/L | Distillation Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Carbamazepine | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Carbofuran | 0.04 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Chloramine | 4 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Chlordane | 0.002 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
Chlorides
(Note: part of TDS category)
| 250 mg/L |
Distillation
Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Chlorine | 4 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Chromium | 0.1 mg/L | Distillation Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Copper | 1.0 mg/L | Distillation Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Cysts (Cryptosporidium, Giardia) | 0 (zero) | Filtration Reverse Osmosis Ultraviolet Disinfection | ||||||
| DEET | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Dibromochloropropane | 0.0002 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Estrone | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Ethylene dibromide | 0.00005 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Fluoride | 4.0 mg/L | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Hardness | N/A | Cation Exchange Softener | ||||||
| Heptachlor epoxide | 0.0002 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Hydrogen sulfide | N/A | Filtration | ||||||
| Ibuprofen | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Lead | 0.015 mg/L | Distillation Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Linuron | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Meprobamate | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Metolachlor | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Mercury (inorganic) | 0.002 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Methoxychlor | 0.04 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Microcystin | Health Advisory Levels: Children under 6 years old: At or below 0.3 µg/L Children over 6 and adults: At or below 1.6 µg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) | N/A | Filtration | ||||||
| Naproxen | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Nitrates | 10 mg/L | Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Nitrites | 1 mg/L | Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Nonylphenol | None | Filtration | ||||||
| O-dichlorobenzene | 0.6 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
Particulate/Sediment
Note: Particulate reduction is divided into six classes:
Class I – 0.5 to < 1 micron in size
Class II – 1 to <5 microns in size Class III – 5 to <15 microns in size Class IV – 15 to <30 microns in size Class V – 30 to <50 microns in size Class VI – >50 microns in size | N/A | Filtration | ||||||
| PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) | 0.0005 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Perchlorates | N/A | Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic (PFOS) acid | Lifetime exposure health advisory at 70 parts per trillion (ppt) | Filtration, listed by type:
| ||||||
| Phenytoin | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Radium 226/228 | 5 pCi/L | Cation Exchange Softener Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Radon | 300 pCi/L (proposed) | Filtration | ||||||
| Selenium | 0.05 mg/L | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Sodium (Note: part of TDS category) | N/A | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Sulfate (Note: part of TDS category) | 250 mg/L | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Styrene | 0.1 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| TCEP | None | Filtration | ||||||
| TCPP | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Total dissolved solids (TDS) | 500 mg/L | Distillation Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| Toxaphene | 0.003 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
| Trichloroethylene (TCE) | 0.08 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Trimethoprim | None | Filtration | ||||||
| Turbidity | N/A | Filtration Reverse Osmosis | ||||||
| ||||||||
| Xylenes | 10 mg/L | Filtration (also see VOC reduction) | ||||||
| Zinc | 5 mg/L | Filtration | ||||||
(Appendix 6) NSF International Certifies First Water Filters That Reduce Microcystin in Drinking Water
Protocol certifies products effective at decreasing microcystin from blue-green algae in drinking water to below EPA health advisory levels
ANN ARBOR, Mich. Global public health organization NSF International has developed a test method - NSF Protocol 477: Drinking Water Treatment Units Microcystin - that verifies a water filter’s ability to reduce microcystin to below the health advisory levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The first products to earn certification to the protocol are Access Business Group’s eSpring models 100185, 100188 and 100189 and Coway Co., Ltd. models CIFN11-PLUS, CIFN11S-PLUS, CIFN14-PLUS, CIFN8-PLUS and CIFN85-PLUS.
Microcystin is the most common type of cyanotoxin, a group of chemical contaminants formed by blue-green algae. Warm weather along with the right nutrients in lakes, such as phosphates from agricultural runoff, create the perfect environment for the exponential growth of blue-green algae, also known as harmful algae blooms or HABs. HABs can lead to toxic concentrations of cyanotoxins, especially microcystin, that can overwhelm public water treatment systems. The presence of HABs have been identified across the globe from Lake Erie in the United States, to Lake Koetshuis in the Netherlands, to Lake Taihu in China.
Exposure to unsafe levels of microcystin concentrations through drinking water or recreational water use, such as swimming, have been known to cause a wide range of symptoms including fever, headache and vomiting as well as liver and kidney damage in more severe instances. Microcystin exposure for pets, either through drinking or ingestion, can also produce serious health risks.
“Certification to NSF Protocol P477: Drinking Water Treatment Units Microcystin is important to Coway because cyanotoxin blooms involving microcystin are a global public health concern,” said Sanghyeon Kang, Research Division Director, Coway, Co. Ltd. “We can now offer solutions to help people with impacted water supplies.”
The public health risk posed by cyanotoxins has led legislators in the U.S. to pass a bill requiring the EPA to develop and submit to Congress a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with cyanotoxins in drinking water provided by public water systems.
NSF International developed the microcystin test protocol at the request of regulatory agencies concerned about communities with elevated levels of microcystin in the lakes and rivers that serve as their primary source for public drinking water. Water filters certified to NSF Protocol 477: Drinking Water Treatment Units Microcystin are designed to provide an additional barrier of protection against microcystin and to supplement the treatment of municipal drinking water. If the water utility notifies the public of a cyanotoxin event, people using the municipal water system should always follow the instructions from the utility even if a certified filter is in place.
To earn NSF International certification, water treatment systems including water filters must undergo extensive testing to confirm that they meet the strict requirements of NSF/ANSI 53, an American National Standard for drinking water treatment units. In addition to verifying that the system is structurally sound, NSF verifies that:
- The contaminant reduction claims such as microcystin reduction shown on the label are true.
- The system does not add anything harmful to the water.
- The product labeling, advertising and literature are not misleading.
To make a microcystin reduction claim, a water filter must be able to reduce microcystin to below the EPA health advisory limit for infants and young children which is currently set at 0.3 parts per billion. Products must be retested periodically and re-certified every year, which ensures that products continue to meet all requirements over time.
There are plans to expand NSF Protocol 477 to include requirements for other cyanotoxins such as anatoxin-a and cylindrospermopsin in the future.
“This is a very important issue to NSF International as we have been developing national standards, testing and certifying drinking water treatment technologies for more than 70 years,” said Clif McLellan, Vice President of Water Systems at NSF International. “With the availability of NSF Protocol 477: Drinking Water Treatment Units Microcystin, manufacturers now have a way to demonstrate to consumers that their water filters can effectively reduce microcystin to below EPA health advisory limits and provide an additional barrier to cyanotoxins over and above treatment by the municipal water utility.”
For more information about NSF Protocol 477: Drinking Water Treatment Units Microcystin please contact Rick Andrew, Global Business Development Director of Water Systems at NSF International at andrew@nsf.org.
Editor’s Note: To schedule an interview with Stefan Buck, Business Unit Manager, Water Systems, NSF International, please contact media@nsf.org or call +1 734 214 6242.
About NSF International: NSF International is a global independent organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the water, food, health sciences and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. Operating in more than 165 countries, NSF International is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Indoor Environment.
NSF led the development of the American National Standards for all materials and products that treat or come in contact with drinking water. Today, all major plumbing codes require certification to NSF standards for pipes and plumbing components in commercial and residential buildings. NSF International is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
(Appendix 7) Lead In Drinking Water
Although many countries have adopted regulations in recent years that limit the use of lead in the manufacture of residential plumbing products, older fixtures and lead water lines are still in service in many areas and can potentially contribute lead into a home’s drinking water supply.
NSF International has created a Consumer Guide to NSF Certified Lead Filtration Devices for Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water (see appendix 8) that explains the NSF standards and the process by which NSF International verifies a filter’s ability to reduce lead in drinking water. Some of the products listed in the guide may also be certified to reduce other contaminants besides lead.
Sources of Lead
If you live in an older home, check to see if a lead service line connects your home to the public water system. If you cannot locate the pipe or identify the pipe material, contact the local water department to see if it can inspect the water line coming into the home or check its records to confirm if the home is connected to the water system by a lead service line. The department would also be able to advise if any city water pipes in your area are known to contain lead.
Even if your home doesn’t have a lead service line, you can still have unsafe levels of lead in the water supply due to leaching of lead from fixtures like faucets as well as solder used to join pipes. Water testing can be helpful in determining if a home’s lead content is below current public health limits, which range from 0.010 mg/L in Canada and Europe (also the current WHO limit) to 0.015 mg/L in the U.S. If lead concentrations exceed the public health limits for your country, you may need to consider having older plumbing lines or fixtures replaced (assuming they are the source of the problem), using certified bottled water or using a home water treatment product certified for lead reduction.
Home Water Treatment Options
While replacing lead service lines and old fixtures may be desirable, it isn't always possible, especially if you live in a multi-unit building or rent. Depending on the lead levels being detected, home water treatment devices may be a more practical alternative. Potential treatment options for lead can include filters, reverse osmosis units and distillers. Make sure the system is certified under NSF/ANSI standards for lead reduction, which means that the system has been independently verified to be able to reduce lead from 0.150 mg/L to 0.010 mg/L or less.
If you have a private well and have high lead levels, the problem could be due to low pH. When pH levels drop below 7.0, water becomes acidic which can cause lead to leach from plumbing fixtures. Acid neutralizing systems are generally used to correct this situation. By adding a chemical like soda ash to the water to boost pH above 7.0, the system can help reduce both lead and copper leaching attributable to low pH.
If you do choose to use a water treatment system, remember that most water treatment systems have replaceable components or require regular service, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions and replace filters at the recommended interval.
Low-Lead Content Laws
Many countries have adopted regulations in recent years requiring that manufacturers of plumbing fixtures reduce the amount of lead they use during the manufacturing process. In the U.S., current lead laws limit the amount of allowable lead to less than 0.25 percent by weight.
When shopping for faucets and other plumbing fixture fittings, be sure to read the label to verify that the products are certified for low lead content.
(Appendix 8) Certified Product Listings for Lead Reduction
About this guide
There has been an unprecedented demand for information on home water filters certified to reduce the levels of lead in the municipal water serving residents and businesses across the continent. NSF International has received many requests for information on which filters are certified for lead reduction and any limitations in the use of these filters.
Our team of experts and scientists created this guide that lists all NSF-certified filters for lead reduction in drinking water. We also explain the NSF drinking water treatment standards and the process by which NSF International verifies a filter’s ability to reduce lead in drinking water.
About NSF International and Its Role Certifying Water Filters
Who is NSF International?
NSF International is an independent, not-for-profit organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the food, water and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. Founded in 1944 at the University of Michigan School of Public Health (as the National Sanitation Foundation), NSF International is now an independent organization that is committed to protecting human health and safety. NSF International’s standards and product certifications are relied on extensively by regulators, manufacturers, retailers, consumers and public health officials. Additionally, NSF International is a World Health Organization/Pan American Health Organization Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Indoor Environment.
How are NSF standards developed?
NSF International uses a consensus-based process to develop national standards which means that regulators (including the U.S. EPA), consumers, academia and industry are involved in developing standards to ensure they are protective of public health. NSF International is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for standards development and product certification. NSF International drinking water certification programs are accredited by ANSI to ensure objectivity and transparency. Additionally, NSF standards receive public health ratification from its Council of Public Health Consultants which is comprised of representatives from government, academia and public health. NSF International has developed over 90 consensus national standards.
What are NSF's water filtration standards?
In the 1970s, NSF International led the development of the American National Standards for materials and products that treat or come in contact with drinking water, including water filters used in homes and businesses. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for Drinking Water Treatment Units is the nationally recognized standard for evaluating and certifying drinking water treatment systems for the reduction of contaminants from drinking water. NSF/ANSI Standard 58 is the national recognized standard for Water Treatment Systems that use reverse osmosis technology. Water filters are tested and certified to NSF/ANSI 53 and 58 to ensure they reduce contaminants, including lead, per the requirements of the standards.
How does NSF test water filtration products?
Manufacturers voluntarily submit products to NSF International for independent testing and certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 and 58. NSF International performs a thorough product review and evaluation, and conducts rigorous product testing to verify that the product meets the requirements of the standard. This product testing and evaluation is carried out in NSF’s ISO 17025-accredited laboratories located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. NSF certified water filters for lead reduction have been evaluated in a study using water that contains 150 parts per billion (ppb) of lead. This lead concentration is ten times higher than the U.S. EPA maximum allowable level in drinking water. The filters are challenged at this level of contaminated water for beyond the filter’s claimed service life-cycle. Certification is only confirmed when the product has met all of the lead reduction and other requirements of the standard. NSF also audits the facilities in which the products are manufactured annually to ensure the product being manufactured meets the standard.
Filters Certified to Reduce Lead
Several different types of water filters have been certified by NSF for reducing lead in drinking water:
Filters Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 Reduction Claims for Drinking Water Treatment Systems
- Pour-through pitcher/carafe: Water drips through a filter in a water pitcher using gravity.
- Faucet mount: Mounts on kitchen faucet. Uses diverter to direct water through a filter.
- Counter-top connected to sink faucet: Connects to existing sink faucet through a hose/tubing.
- Plumbed-in to separate tap or to kitchen sink: Installs under a sink; filtered water is usually dispensed through a separate faucet directly to the kitchen sink.
- Refrigerator filter: Installed in your refrigerator and typically dispensed through the refrigerator door.
Filters Certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58 Reduction Claims for Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): Connects to your plumbing under the sink and uses a membrane filter to reduce lead (also can reduce minerals/Total Dissolved Solids).
Look for the NSF mark to ensure the filter or cartridge you are buying is certified by NSF International to NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58, and that lead is listed on the packaging as one of the contaminants that will be reduced. If you would like to confirm a filter or treatment system is NSF certified for reducing lead in drinking water, please call NSF International’s consumer information specialist at 1.800.673.8010 or send an email to info@nsf.org.
How Filters Reduce Lead in Water
NSF International certified water filters reduce the amount of lead in drinking water:
- Water dispensers or filters attached to the faucet allows the water to flow through adsorption media which captures contaminants such as lead.
- Contaminants, such as lead, are trapped in the filter and remain inside the filter, reducing their presence in the finished drinking water.
- Filters must be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommended filter capacity so they can continue to reduce lead and other contaminants for which they are certified. NSF certified filters reduce the contaminants as shown on the product's box or manual.
- Many filters have meters or indicators that show when the filter needs to be replaced. Review the manufacturer’s specifications for details on filter change frequency and filter capacity.
Please keep in mind:
- Only qualified laboratory testing can reliably confirm the amount of lead in drinking water. Home test kits may not provide an accurate measurement of water quality.
- Minerals are present in all natural waters (sometimes referred to as Total Dissolved Solids) and do not indicate the presence or absence of lead. The presence of Total Dissolved Solids (minerals) in filtered water does not mean the water filter is not working to reduce lead.
How to Properly Use NSF Certified Water Filters
Water filters need to be changed regularly in order to reduce lead and the other contaminants for which they are certified. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with your water treatment system and replace filter cartridges and other items as recommended using NSF certified filters.
Why filters must be changed
Many filtration systems use carbon, charcoal or a blend of filter media to help reduce impurities. These systems generally reduce contaminants in one of two ways:
- Some contaminants are filtered mechanically, meaning the particles are large enough to be trapped in the pores of the filter. Eventually, the pores of the filter become so clogged with debris that water is unable to move through the filter effectively.
- Other contaminants adhere or adsorb to the surface of the filter media. Over time, the surface area of the filter media becomes filled and no more contaminants can be adsorbed.
While the former is easy to spot (the flow rate of the water being produced by the system slows dramatically), it's not as easy to tell when the surface area of the filter media has become full and needs to be changed.
How often they need to be changed
The recommended filter change cycle varies from one product to the next. Home filtration systems usually have established "service cycles," however extra precaution should be take when tap water contains high levels of contaminants.
- Certification to NSF/ANSI 53 requires manufacturers to state the filter capacity, which is the volume of water that can pass through a filter before it must be changed.
- To ensure the filter continues to reduce contaminants, replace it when it has reached the manufacturer's recommended filter capacity. The filter capacity will be listed in the specifications on your product's owner's manual or on the product packaging. Many products also have a device that indicates when the filter must be changed.
Choosing the right replacement cartridge
Filter cartridges are not universal.
- While a non-certified cartridge may look similar in size and even appear to fit inside the housing of a water treatment system, even the smallest size difference could allow contaminated water to go around the cartridge rather than through it.
- Non-certified filter cartridges may not be of the same quality as the manufacturer's recommended replacement. This could result in the water not being filtered effectively or even the introduction of chemicals into the water from materials that were never verified to be acceptable for drinking water.
To ensure your water treatment system is performing effectively, use the proper replacement cartridge and change your filter at the recommended interval.
http://www.nsf.org
Water you can Trust : PENTAIR - EVERPURE 🇺🇲️ ®
🇨🇾️ : DASK Services 💧❄️☀️🔧
🇨🇾️ : DASK Services 💧❄️☀️🔧
While Everpure filtration systems from Pentair protect the water in foodservice operations worldwide, we also care about the quality of your water at home. We are committed to providing commercial-grade residential filtration solutions to help ensure that every glass of water you drink or serve to family and friends at home is fresh, clean and sparkling clear. 🥛☕
#water_filters_cyprus
#φίλτρα_νερού_κύπρος
#Filtration_Faucets
#Water_Appliances
#reverse_osmosis_systems
#φίλτρα_νερού_κύπρος
#Filtration_Faucets
#Water_Appliances
#reverse_osmosis_systems
No comments:
Post a Comment