The term NSF-61 is often tossed around in conversations with little clarification of its actual meaning or significance. Let’s dig into that now.
NSF International
Established in 1944, the initials NSF originally stood for the National Sanitation Foundation and established the first standards for the sanitation of soda fountain and luncheonette equipment. In the early 1990s, as the foundation’s focus and influence expanded, the organization became known simply as NSF International. Currently, NSF International has more than 75 active public health and safety American National Standards and 95 published protocols for appliances, food equipment, drinking water filters and other products. Products that meet these standards bear the NSF mark and designation.
Today, NSF International is the governing body that’s responsible for regulation of food and water systems around the world. It’s the primary source of independent testing and certification services to ensure the safety of all consumer products, including food and water. In fact, consistent and dedicated use of food and water safe materials are an essential part of business for industries directly working within all forms of agriculture and aquaculture. The use of materials certified as safe by the NSF ensures that products exposed to these materials are safe for humans to touch, eat, drink, or use.
NSF 61 Certification for Potable Water
NSF 61 is an essential certification that regulates the quality of drinking water, also known as potable water. Within North America, the NSF certification requires that companies that manufacture, sell, or distribute water must comply with specific standards laid out underneath NSF 61. This includes all cement, paint, adhesives, pipes, and faucets that come into contact with people’s water supply; including liners.
When a product is submitted for NSF 61 certification, it undergoes an intensive 6-month process, chemical testing, audits, and other quality checks to ensure it truly meets the qualifications under NSF 61, including ensuring that standards are maintained even when the product eventually begins to break down under UV exposure. This is the highest rating liners can receive, meaning that products made from these liners are certified safe for direct contact with food and water meant for human consumption.
Without this rigorous testing, it would be possible for many different toxins and chemicals to leach out of materials used for storing and transporting drinking water. Various NSF certification levels exist, but potable water uses like organic and post-harvest agricultural activities, require NSF 61 rated liners.
BTL Liners has products that are NSF 61 certified, safe to use for any potable water purpose, and durable enough to last for decades. Whether you need AquaArmor or ArmorPro for your project, we’ll help you with a custom quote and advice on installation when you contact our friendly team.
