NSF Certified vs. Tested to NSF Standards

People buy water treatment systems for many reasons. You may be looking for a system to reduce unpleasant taste, odor or discoloration in your water. Or, you may need a system that can reduce harmful contaminants, like lead or parasites.

Whatever your reasons and whatever system you choose, make certain the system you select will do what it claims it will do. How can you be sure the system you purchase will be effective?

Look for the NSF Mark

NSF International tests and certifies that products meet the requirements of strict public health standards. The end result for you: assurance that the system will do what it says it will do. NSF-certified systems do more than just pass a test. For a system to become NSF certified, it must meet not just one, but all five of the requirements shown in this chart.

NSF International puts products through a comprehensive evaluation process, so you’re assured that any NSF-certified product you buy will perform as claimed.

NSF Certified vs. “Tested to NSF Standards”

Know the difference.

Some products are NSF certified. Some only claim to be “tested to NSF Standards.” What’s the difference? Ask yourself the questions below:

Tested to NSF Standards
Yes Contaminant reduction claims are true. Unknown
Yes The system does not add anything harmful to the water. Unknown
Yes The system is structurally sound. Unknown
Yes Advertising, literature and labeling are not misleading. Unknown
Yes The materials and production processes don’t change, giving you
consistent product quality over time.