scope:

The point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) systems addressed by this Standard are designed to be used for the reduction of specific substances that may be present in drinking water (public or private) considered to be microbiologically safe and of known quality. Systems covered under this Standard are intended to address one or more of the following: reduce substances affecting the aesthetic quality of the water, add chemicals for scale control, or limit microbial growth in the system (bacteriostatic). Substances may be soluble or particulate in nature. It is recognized that a system may be effective in controlling one or more of these substances but is not required to control all. Systems with manufacturer claims that include components or functions covered under other NSF or NSF/ANSI Standards or Criteria shall conform to the applicable requirements therein. Filter systems covered by this Standard are not intended to be used with drinking water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

NOTE - Systems that are compliant with NSF/ANSI 55 Class A or other standards that cover technologies to treat microbiologically unsafe water (e.g., US EPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers or NSF P231) are examples of demonstrating adequate disinfection before or after the system.

Purpose

It is the purpose of this Standard to establish minimum requirements for materials, design and construction, and performance of drinking water treatment systems that are designed to reduce specific aesthetic related (nonhealth effects) contaminants in public or private water supplies. This Standard also specifies the minimum product literature and labeling information that a manufacturer shall supply to authorized representatives and system owners as well as the minimum service related obligations that the manufacturer shall extend to system owners.