PureFilter Certifications
NSF 42
What is NSF/ANSI 42 Certification and Why is it Important?
NSF/ANSI 42 certification is an internationally recognized standard for water systems and filters designed to improve the aesthetic quality of drinking water, specifically in terms of taste, odor, and color.
Which Products Are NSF 42 Certified?
The NSF/ANSI 42 standard applies to:
Household water filters (undercounter, countertop, refrigerator systems, etc.)
Professional or industrial filters
Commercial water filters and dispensers
Certification ensures that filters remove or reduce aesthetic problems, such as:
Chlorine residues
Bad taste or smell
Changes in water color
Cloudiness (in some cases)
What Does It Mean for the Consumer?
When you see the word “NSF/ANSI 42” on a water filter, it means that:
It has been tested in independent laboratories
Meets strict quality standards
It is safe to use and significantly improves the drinking water experience
The Difference with Other Certifications
Unlike other standards such as NSF/ANSI 53 (which addresses the removal of harmful contaminants such as lead, cysts, bacteria), NSF 42 does not focus on health safety but on aesthetic quality. Often, the most advanced filters carry combined certifications (42, 53, 401, etc.), for complete protection.
NSF/ANSI 42 certification is your assurance that your filter can significantly improve the taste and purity of the water you drink every day. It's the first step to clean, enjoyable, and safe water in your home or business.
NSF 53
What is NSF/ANSI 53 Certification and How Does It Protect Your Health?
NSF/ANSI 53 certification is one of the most important international standards for water filters designed to reduce specific contaminants associated with human health risks.
If NSF 42 concerns aesthetic improvement (taste, odor, color), NSF 53 focuses on the reduction of harmful substances that may be present in drinking water.
What Does NSF 53 Certification Cover?
Depending on the product, NSF/ANSI 53 certification may include the reduction of:
Lead
Asbestos
Cysts (such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia)
Bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms
Certain pesticides and herbicides
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Turbidity
How is Certification Done?
Filters carrying the NSF/ANSI 53 certification have undergone:
Independent laboratory tests
Performance evaluation under realistic usage conditions
Quality control of construction and materials
Why Is It Important to You?
The NSF 53 rating means that your filter not only delivers aesthetically cleaner water, but provides substantial protection from contaminants that can harm your health.
Ideal for:
Families with young children
Vulnerable population groups
Domestic and professional use where high water quality is required
NSF/ANSI 53 certification is a sign of reliability, safety, and quality for water filters that aim to truly protect your health. If you're looking for a filter that offers more than just taste improvement, this certification is a must.
NSF 401
What is NSF/ANSI 401 Certification and What is its Innovation?
NSF/ANSI 401 certification is a newer and specialized standard that concerns water filters capable of visibly reducing new contaminants – mainly pharmaceuticals and chemicals – which are increasingly found in the public water supply.
The presence of these contaminants in water is causing growing concerns, as they are not always covered by basic standards such as NSF 42 and NSF 53.
What Substances Does NSF 401 Cover?
The NSF/ANSI 401 standard covers specific "emerging compounds", such as:
Drug residues (e.g. ibuprofen, contraceptives)
Hormones
Caffeine
Chemicals from industrial cleaners
Personal care products (such as triclosan)
Herbicides and pesticides
Benzotriazole (anti-corrosion chemical)
What is its Importance for the Consumer?
NSF 401 certification does not address microbiological or cosmetic contaminants, but chemical compounds that originate from modern consumer activities and may have long-term effects on health and the environment.
It is extremely important for:
Cities with a burdened water supply network
Households with vulnerable populations
Consumers seeking absolute purity in their water
Which Filters Are NSF 401 Certified?
Filters with this certification are high-tech, usually combined with NSF 42 and NSF 53 certifications, to offer complete protection:
Aesthetic improvement
Health safety
Dealing with chemical residues
NSF/ANSI 401 is the scientific community's response to the need for clean water in the modern era. If you want a filter that prevents even the most modern contaminants, this certification is the most advanced guarantee.