There are a number of International & National organisations which accredit and certify water filters. These bodies all certify products the NSF/ANSI standards. These standards require verification of contamination reduction and evaluate the water filter in terms of materials, structural integrity, labels and sales literature.
The NSF International Water Treatment Device Certification Program requires extensive product testing and unnanounced audits of production facilities. This provides assurance to consumers that water treatment devices they buy meet international safety standards.
You can search for the water filter you are researching and see if it meets with the requirements HERE. The NSF provides a great database for this.
For more information on the NSF go HERE
Water Quality Association is a non profit international trade association representing the residential, commercial and industrial water treatment industry. WQA is a resource and information source, a voice for the industry, providing eductaion and acredditation. For more information go HERE.
What does the NSF/ANSI certification mean on a water filter?
Product listings and certifications by the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF International) are easily confused, which is why we thought it might be beneficial to explain how water filters earn this certification. We want to help you understand what it means when a water filter has NSF certifications and listings on it.
NSF International is a not-for-profit corporation that was founded in 1944 to promote good sanitation. Its main goal is to bring together experts in public health, manufacturing, and sanitation. These experts come from government, industry, academia and public background to develop and administer performance standards for products that have some impact on sanitation and public health.
NSF maintains state-of-the-art laboratories where products can be tested according to the standards they establish.Manufacturers voluntarily submit products for evaluation. If they pass the tests, then they are “listed” and certain tested claims are “certified.” These products are now authorized to display the NSF/ANSI seal on their labels and literature. Although non-governmental, NSF International does have some official status as the lead agency for testing and approving the chemicals used in water treatment plants and the materials of construction used in drinking water systems. This status is due to their contract with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.NSF International standards are recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Dutch Council for Certification (RVC), which is the equivalent organization in the European Community.
The ANSI is a private, nonprofit corporation that was founded in 1918. The goal of ANSI is to help enhance the “global competitiveness of U.S. business and the American quality of life by promoting and facilitating voluntary consensus standards.”NSF International’s reputation for thoroughness, independence and credibility has made it one of the most trusted public agencies in the world. This well-known corporation has also received the distinction of being appointed a registrar for the International Standards Organization (ISO) and a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center for Water Safety and Treatment.There are two NSF International/ANSI Standards for “Drinking Water Treatment Units” (not including others for reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and ultra-violet units):
Standard 42 for Aesthetic Effects and Standard 53 for Health Effects. These standards are similar and most of the basic requirements are the same for both. A water filter that is “NSF-Listed’ or has claims that it is “NSF-Certified” basically means:It’s been thoughtfully designed and carefully constructed.Uses established water treatment media and methods.Its construction materials are tested and documented to be appropriate for potable water use.The filter is tested and verified to conform to minimum standards of mechanical and hydraulic strength.It is also tested and verified to conform to minimum standards of hydraulic functioning (minimum flow rate, maximum initial pressure drop, reasonable freedom from channeling and dumping). Adequately and truthfully labeled and advertised.Routinely re-tested. Its manufacturing procedures, documentation and facilities are inspected and audited annually.In addition to the above “good manufacturing practices” required of all “listed” products, it’s been tested and approved for one or more specific functions that are required to be listed immediately next to the NSF International seal on labels and literature.
Water filters with a Standard 42 (aesthetic effects) certification are designed to minimize non-health related contaminants such as chlorine, taste and odor, and particulates. These filters sorted by classes of performance. For all other claims, there is only a pass or fail.For taste & odor, the classes represent chlorine reduction efficiency:
Class I, a minimum of 75% chlorine reduction.
Class II, 50% reduction.
Class III, 25%.For mechanical filtration, the classes represent particle size ranges that are removed with a minimum 85% efficiency:Class I, ½ -1 micron.
Class II, 1-5 microns.
Class III, 5-15 microns.
Class IV, 15-30 microns.
Class V, 30-50 microns.
Class VI, 50+ microns.
It’s important to note a Class I or Class II rating does not imply cyst reduction. In order for a water filter to qualify for cyst reduction, it must have a 99.95 percent minimum filtration efficiency for 3-4 micron test dust particles, 3.000 micron micro-spheres, or live cryptosporidium oocysts.
Water filters with a Standard 53 (health effects) certification are meant to reduce health-related contaminants that may be present in public or private drinking water. Filters that meet the Standard 53 requirements are able to minimize exposure to microbiological, chemical or particulate contaminants that might be hazardous to your health. These types of filters are typically best suited for individuals who have well water. Some filters fall under the scope of both abovementioned standards since they meet aesthetic and health related claims. Let us know if you have any other questions concerning the difference between NSF/ANSI certifications on water filters!