If you work in any industry that involves potable water systems, you understand the importance of ensuring the water is safe for consumption. That’s why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires a third-party guarantee that any components in contact with the water in these systems will not contaminate public water supplies. The National Sanitation Foundation's NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification (moving forward referred to as NSF 61) of these types of components satisfies this EPA requirement, so you can be confident when selecting them for your water systems.
As part of our Understanding the Basics series, Ashcroft – a leading manufacturer of pressure and temperature instrumentation used in water/wastewater applications – created this article to address the questions we receive from our customers about NSF-61 and the products we offer that meet this certification.
Read on to learn more about NSF 61, the benefits of using NSF 61 certified components and the Ashcroft instruments that bear the NSF 61 stamp of approval. Once you have finished reading, you will be well-versed on the topic and confident about choosing NSF 61-approved products for your water applications.
What is NSF 61?
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 is a critical standard established by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) that focuses on the health effects of any components used in systems that produce drinking water. This certification guarantees that any materials and products in contact with drinking water do not leach harmful contaminants above established limits. It also ensures manufacturing facilities are audited yearly to ensure compliance. The NSF 61 standard is recognized and enforced by regulatory agencies across North America, making it a crucial benchmark for manufacturers of water-related products.
It's worth noting that NSF 61 approval also includes NSF/ANSI/CAN 372, meeting the lead content requirements for “lead-free” plumbing as outlined by state laws in California, Vermont, Maryland, Louisiana, and the U.S. EPA Safe Drinking Water Act.
Why the EPA requires NSF 61 certification.
The primary reason for the EPA mandate is to protect public health. Components and materials used in water systems can leach harmful contaminants into drinking water. These contaminants, like lead, mercury and other organic compounds, can pose significant health risks over time, even at low levels. NSF 61 addresses this concern by requiring component manufacturers to conduct third-party testing to certify that any potential contaminants are within safe limits.
What the EPA gains from the NSF 61 mandate
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Ensuring health and safety: The EPA's enforcement of NSF 61 aims to reduce the potential for long-term health concerns stemming from continued exposure to harmful contaminants.
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Confirmation of regulatory compliance: By ensuring compliance with this regulation, the EPA ensures water systems and manufacturers align with federal and state guidelines, and avoid possible legal or financial consequences.
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Consumer confidence. As public awareness of water quality concerns grows, NSF 61 certification plays a vital role in building consumer trust. It demonstrates the high safety standards in place, reinforcing the integrity of the water supply.
What the consumers gain from the NSF 61 Certified Products
Using NSF 61-certified products in water system applications has numerous advantages for consumers and water component manufacturers.
Improved water quality: NSF 61-certified products undergo thorough testing to ensure they do not contribute harmful contaminants to the water. This ensures the water remains safe for consumption, protecting public health.
Enhanced durability and performance: Components that meet NSF 61 standards are engineered to endure the demands of water system operations without deterioration and are considered superior quality. As a result, these components tend to last longer, ultimately reducing maintenance and replacement expenses over time.
Regulatory approval and acceptance: Using NSF 61-certified products in your water applications simplifies the approval process with regulatory agencies because it demonstrates your commitment to meeting or exceeding safety standards. This in turn helps to facilitate more efficient project approvals and inspections.
Cost savings: Although NSF 61-certified products may come with a slightly higher cost, they provide savings over the long term by reducing health risks, liabilities, and maintenance costs. Plus, using certified products in your system will proactively avoid expensive issues associated with non-compliance and water contamination.
Environmental benefits: By preventing harmful substances from entering the water supply, NSF 61-certified products contribute to environmental protection. This aligns with broader sustainability goals and promotes the responsible use of materials in manufacturing.
Market competitiveness: As a manufacturer of these water system components, obtaining NSF 61 certification reinforces Ashcroft's commitment to quality and safety.
Ashcroft NSF 61 certified pressure instruments.
Ashcroft offers many instruments with NSF 61 certification that are designed for use in potable water applications. These certifications verify that our products meet the stringent health effects requirements for drinking water system components and underscore Ashcroft’s commitment to product safety, quality, and public health.
Ashcroft instruments used in water/wastewater systems and applications.
The following Ashcroft instruments are designed to monitor the pressure of gases or liquids in different systems – including applications found in the water/wastewater industry – and meet the EPAs requirement for NSF 61 certification:
Pressure gauges:
- Ashcroft® 1008-S Pressure Gauge
- Ashcroft® 1009-SW Duralife Pressure Gauge
- Ashcroft® 1279-S Duragauge Pressure Gauge
Figure 1. Ashcroft® Pressure Gauges with NSF 61.
Pressure transducers (aka sensors):
- Ashcroft® G2-Series Pressure Transducer
- Ashcroft® G3-Series Pressure Transducer
- Ashcroft® T2-Series Pressure Transducer
Figure 2. Ashcroft® Pressure Transducers with NSF 61.
Pressure Switches:
- Ashcroft® A Series Miniature Pressure Switch
- Ashcroft® B Series Pressure Switches
- Ashcroft® G Series Pressure Switches
- Ashcroft® L Series Pressure Switches
- Ashcroft® P Series Pressure Switches
Figure 3. Ashcroft® Pressure Switches with NSF 61 certification.
Diaphragm seals and isolation rings: Unlike the instruments listed above, diaphragm seals and isolation rings are designed to protect instruments from water system damage that can be caused by corrosive media or clogging. A
- Ashcroft® 200 and 201 Threaded Diaphragm Seals
- Ashcroft® 80 Wafer Isolation Ring
- Ashcroft® 81 Bolt-thru Isolation Ring
- Ashcroft® 82 Threaded Isolation Ring
Figure 4. Ashcroft® Diaphragm Seals with NSF 61 certification.
Ready to go beyond the basics?
Now you know how NSF 61 ensures safe drinking water by promoting high-quality materials and enhancing public health protection. You also understand the benefits of certification which include improved water system performance, regulatory compliance, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. To dig a little deeper into water/wastewater topics and the solutions available for your specific needs, you may be interested in the following articles:
- Can Pressure Switches be used to Monitor and Control Tank Level Pressure
- Accurate and Reliable Isolation Ring Assemblies for Water/Wastewater Applications
- How to Optimize Water & Wastewater Monitoring Instruments
If you want to know more, feel free to speak with a product expert to get answers to any questions you may have. In the meantime, download our guide to learn more about helpful instrument devices and assemblies.
