ANSI/NSF Standard 61 covers indirect additives products and materials, including process media, protective materials, joining and sealing materials, pipes and related products, mechanical devices, and mechanical plumbing devices (including faucets). In essence, every material from the well or water intakes through to the faucet are covered.

ANSI/NSF Standard 61 addresses crucial aspects of drinking water system components: whether contaminants that leach or migrate from the product/material into the drinking water are above acceptable levels in finished waters. Standard 61 also requires evaluation of certain materials that have potential to support microbiological growth. Such materials include solvent-based coatings, gaskets, etc.

The standard also covers products, components and materials. When a material is certified under Standard 61, its certification indicates use restrictions on parameters such as maximum use temperature or the minimum surface area to volume ratio when the material is used in a finished product. This option allows manufacturers using certified materials to bypass some or all chemical and microbiological testing when seeking certification, and assures that finished products meet all requirements.

Toxicology staff first reviews the product/material information submitted by a manufacturer. Typically, additional material or ingredient information is required and this information is requested in order to determine all potential contaminants to drinking water. This is an important step, because to properly evaluate a product or material for health effects, complete information about the formulation and impurities associated with each of its ingredients must be known by the certifying agency.

The sampled product/material is tested according to the protocols outlined in the relevant section of NSF 61. Following laboratory testing, contaminant concentrations are "normalized" or converted to at-the-tap concentrations and compared to the standard's maximum allowable level (MAL). If the results are acceptable, the certifying organisation and the manufacturer enter into a contractual agreement and the product is certified and Listed by the certifying organisation. The certifying organisation authorized formulations are retained at the product facilities. Deviations from the authorized formulation are not permitted without advance written notice to, and acceptance by, the certifying organisation.

For further information please contact Materials Testing

Last Updated: 04 January 2010

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