NSF 58

NSF International Standard /
American National Standard
NSF/ANSI 58 - 2009
Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water
Treatment Systems
NSF International, an independent, notfor-profit, non-governmental organization,

is dedicated to being the leading global
provider of public health and safety-based
risk management solutions while serving
the interests of all stakeholders.
This Standard is subject to revision.

Contact NSF to confirm this revision is current.
Users of this Standard may request clarifications and

interpretations, or propose revisions by contacting:
Chair, Drinking Water Treatment Units
c/o NSF International
789 North Dixboro Road, P. O. Box 130140
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113-0140 USA
Phone: (734) 769-8010 Telex: 753215 NSF INTL
FAX: (734) 769-0109
E-mail: info@nsf.org
Web: http://www.nsf.org
NSF International Standard/

American National Standard
for Drinking Water Treatment Units
Reverse osmosis
drinking water treatment systems
Standard Developer
NSF International
NSF International
Designated as an ANSI standard

August 27, 2009
American National Standards Institute
Recommended for adoption by

The NSF Joint Committee on Drinking Water Treatment Units
The NSF Council of Public Health Consultants
Adopted by
The NSF Board of Directors
November 1986
Revised May 1990

Revised November 1992
Revised January 1996
Revised September 1996
Revised May 2000
Revised November 2000
Addendum June 2002
Addendum October 2002
Revised December 2003
Editorial revision March 2004
Revised March 2004
Revised June 2005
Revised March 2006
Revised October 2007
Revised August 2009
Published by
NSF International
P. O. Box 130140, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113-0140, USA
For ordering copies or for making inquiries with regard to this Standard, please reference the designation
NSF/ANSI 58 2009.
Copyright 2009 NSF International
Previous editions 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1996, 1992, 1990, 1986
Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from
NSF International.
Printed in the United States of America.
ii
Disclaimers
NSF, in performing its functions in accordance with its objectives, does not assume or undertake to discharge
any responsibility of the manufacturer or any other party. The opinions and findings of NSF represent its professional judgment. NSF shall not be responsible to anyone for the use of or reliance upon this Standard by
anyone. NSF shall not incur any obligation or liability for damages, including consequential damages, arising
out of or in connection with the use, interpretation of, or reliance upon this Standard.
NSF Standards provide basic criteria to promote sanitation and protection of the public health. Provisions for
mechanical and electrical safety have not been included in this Standard because governmental agencies or
other national standards-setting organizations provide safety requirements.
Participation in NSF Standards development activities by regulatory agency representatives (federal, local,
state) shall not constitute their agency's endorsement of NSF or any of its Standards.
Preference is given to the use of performance criteria measurable by examination or testing in NSF Standards
development when such performance criteria may reasonably be used in lieu of design, materials, or construction criteria.
The illustrations, if provided, are intended to assist in understanding their adjacent standard requirements.
However, the illustrations may not include all requirements for a specific product or unit, nor do they show the
only method of fabricating such arrangements. Such partial drawings shall not be used to justify improper or
incomplete design and construction.
Unless otherwise referenced, the annexes are not considered an integral part of NSF Standards. The a nnexes are provided as general guidelines to the manufacturer, regulatory agency, user, or certifying organization.
The information contained in this Disclaimer is not part of this American National Standard (ANS) and has not been
processed in accordance with ANSIs requirements for an ANS. Therefore, this Disclaimer may contain material that has
not been subjected to public review or a consensus process. In addition, it does not contain requirements necessary for
conformance to the Standard.
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iv
Contents
1
General ................................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Scope ............................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Chemical and mechanical reduction performance claims ............................................................... 1
Normative references ............................................................................................................................. 1
Definitions ............................................................................................................................................... 2
Materials ................................................................................................................................................. 5
4.1 Materials in contact with drinking water ........................................................................................... 5
4.2 Membrane preservatives.................................................................................................................. 6
4.3 Temperature resistance ................................................................................................................... 6
4.4 Materials evaluation ......................................................................................................................... 6
4.5 Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis .......................................................... 8
Table 1 Extraction testing parameters .......................................................................................... 9
Table 2 Formulation dependent extraction testing parameters .................................................. 11
Table 3 Materials listed in U. S. Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 21, not requiring formulation review ................................................................................ 13
Table 4 Non-specific extraction testing parameters.................................................................... 13
Structural performance ......................................................................................................................... 14

5.1 Structural integrity .......................................................................................................................... 14
Table 5 Structural integrity methods ........................................................................................... 18
Minimum performance requirements.................................................................................................... 19

6.1 General .......................................................................................................................................... 19
6.2 Flow control.................................................................................................................................... 19
6.3 Reject water connections ............................................................................................................... 19
6.4 Storage tank capacity..................................................................................................................... 19
6.5 Product water dispensing outlets ................................................................................................... 19
6.6 Drinking fountain outlets................................................................................................................. 19
6.7 Performance indication .................................................................................................................. 20
6.8 Hazards .......................................................................................................................................... 21
6.9 TDS reduction, recovery rating, and efficiency rating claims......................................................... 21
Table 6 Contaminant reduction requirements............................................................................. 21
6.10
Alternate air gap device test method ....................................................................................... 26
Elective performance claims test methods ........................................................................................ 28

7.1 Chemical reduction claims ............................................................................................................. 28
Table 7 Organic chemicals included by surrogate testing .......................................................... 28
7.2 Mechanical filtration claims ............................................................................................................ 38
7.3 Data transfer protocol (DTP) .......................................................................................................... 42
Instructions and information ................................................................................................................. 45

8.1 Installation, operation, and maintenance instructions .................................................................... 45
8.2 Data plate ....................................................................................................................................... 48
8.3 Performance data sheet................................................................................................................. 49
Table 10 Performance data sheet requirements ........................................................................ 51
Table 11 Performance data sheet reduction claims for organic chemicals
included by surrogate testing................................................................................................... 52
Table 12 Performance data sheet performance claims for percent reduction............................ 53
Annex A
.................................................................................................................................................A1
A.1 Marking the product .......................................................................................................................A1
A.2 Listing certified companies.............................................................................................................A1
A.3 Annual audits .................................................................................................................................A1
A.4 Testing ...........................................................................................................................................A1
A.5 Toxicological evaluation of materials formulations ........................................................................A2
A.6 Corrective action ............................................................................................................................A2
A.7 Enforcement ...................................................................................................................................A2
A.8 Administrative review .....................................................................................................................A2
A.9 Appeals ..........................................................................................................................................A2
A.10
Complaints...............................................................................................................................A2
A.11
Advertising ...............................................................................................................................A3
A.12
Records ...................................................................................................................................A3
A.13
Public notice ............................................................................................................................A3
A.14
Confidentiality ..........................................................................................................................A3
Annex B
.................................................................................................................................................B1
B.1 Example 1 ......................................................................................................................................B1
B.2 Example 2 ......................................................................................................................................B2
vi
2009 NSF
Foreword
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
The purpose of this Standard is to establish minimum requirements for materials, design and construction,
and performance of point-of-use reverse osmosis drinking water treatment systems. NSF/ANSI 58 also specifies minimum product literature requirements that manufacturers must provide to authorized representatives
and owners. Minimum service related obligations for manufacturers to extend to system owners are also
specified in this Standard.
Water contact materials in Drinking Water Treatment Units listed under NSF/ANSI 42, 44, 53, 55, 58, and 62
are tested and evaluated under a separate protocol from NSF/ANSI 61 with criteria that were developed specifically for the intended end-use. NSF/ANSI 61 listing should not be additionally required for acceptance of
these listed units for water contact application.
This edition of the Standard contains the following revisions:
Issue 50
The revision in this issue added language to clarify the usage of the word removes along with the percentage
of removal is acceptable when describing the cyst reduction claim and to correct an error that occurred during
the reformatting for the sampling systems without storage tanks sections of 7.1.2.7, 7.1.3.5.3, 7.2.1.6,
7.2.2.6, & 7.2.3.6.
Issue 55
The revision in this issue revised the procedure for extraction testing with and without media.
Suggestions for improvement of this Standard are welcome. Comments should be sent to Chair, Joint Committee on Drinking Water Treatment Units, c/o NSF International, Standards Department, P. O. Box 130140,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113-0140, USA.
The information contained in this Foreword is not part of this American National Standard (ANS) and has not been processed in accordance with ANSIs requirements for an ANS. Therefore, this Foreword may contain material that has not
been subjected to public review or a consensus process. In addition, it does not contain requirements necessary for conformance to the Standard.
vii
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
NSF/ANSI Standard
for Drinking Water Treatment Units
Reverse osmosis
drinking water treatment systems
1 General
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Standard is to establish minimum requirements for materials, design and construction,
and performance of reverse osmosis drinking water treatment systems. This Standard also specifies the
minimum product literature that manufacturers shall supply to authorized representatives and owners, as well
as the minimum service-related obligations that manufacturers shall extend to system owners.
1.2 Scope
The point-of-use reverse osmosis drinking water treatment systems addressed by this Standard are designed
to be used for the reduction of specific substances that may be present in drinking water supplies (public or
private) considered to be microbiologically safe and of known quality (except that claims for the reduction of
filterable cysts may be permitted). Systems covered by this Standard are intended for reduction of total
dissolved solids (TDS) and other contaminants specified herein. Systems with components or functions
covered under other NSF or NSF/ANSI Standards or Criteria shall conform to the applicable requirements
therein.
1.3 Chemical and mechanical reduction performance claims
1.3.1 All NSF/ANSI 58 performance claims shall be verified and substantiated by test data generated under
the requirements of NSF/ANSI 58.
1.3.2 When performance claims are made for substances not specifically addressed in the scope of this
Standard or for those substances not specifically addressed but falling under the scope of NSF/ANSI 58,
claims not specifically addressed in the Standard shall be so identified.
2 Normative references
The following documents contain provisions that constitute requirements of this Standard. At the time of
publication, the indicated editions were valid. All standards are subject to revision, and parties are
encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions of the standards indicated
below.
APHA, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, twentieth edition
NSF/ANSI 53 2004. Drinking water treatment units Health effects

3
American Public Health Association (APHA), 1015 Fifteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 www.apha.org
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
NSF/ANSI 61 2004. Drinking water system components Health effects

Ontario Ministry of the Environment 1977. An Interim Method for Determination of Asbestos Fibre
4
Concentration in Water by Transmission Electron Microscopy
SAE J726 Air Cleaner Test Code, June 1993
USEPA-600/4-84-053. Methods for Organic Chemical Analysis of Municipal and Industrial Wastewater, June
6
1984
USEPA600/4B79/020. Methods for the Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, March 1983
USEPA600/RB93/100. Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental Samples,

6
August 1993
USEPA600/R94/111. Methods for the Determination of Metals in Environmental Samples, Supplement 1,
6
May 1994
USEPA600/490/020. Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water, Supplement
6
1, July 1990
USEPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, 40 CFR Part 141
USEPA National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations, 40 CFR Part 143
USFDA Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, (Food and drugs) Direct Food Additive Substances parts 170
7
through 199, April 1, 1992
3 Definitions
The following are definitions of terms used in this document:
3.1 accessible: Fabricated to be exposed for cleaning and inspection using simple tools (e. g., screwdriver,
pliers, open-end wrench).
3.2 advisory concentration: The minimum concentration attainable for a given substance using good
manufacturing practices and appropriate process controls. In some cases the advisory concentration is equal
to the limit of detection of the preferred analytical method for the substance.
3.3 air gap (drain system): The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere between the
outlet of the waste pipe and the flood level rim of the receptacle into which it is discharging.
3.4 air gap (water distribution system): The unobstructed vertical distance through the free atmosphere
between the lowest opening from any pipe or faucet supplying water to a tank, plumbing fixture, or other
device, and the flood level rim of the receptacle.
Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Toronto, Canada M4V 1P5 www.ene.gov.on.ca
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096 www.sae.org
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory, Cincinnati, OH
45268 www.epa.gov
7
Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 www.gpo.gov
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
3.5 candidate system: A reverse osmosis (RO) system with a membrane element similar to that of a
surrogate system, for which data transfer from the surrogate system is requested by the manufacturer of the
candidate system. The candidate system is specifically a system that is attempting to qualify for a data
transfer in accordance with 7.3.
NOTE Membranes shall be considered similar if they are manufactured by the same company, in the same
manner, using the same materials, and contain the same pore size, distribution, nominal pore size, and strength.
3.6 chemical reduction: A reduction in the quantity of one or more specified organic or inorganic
contaminants in drinking water.
3.7 component: A separate or distinct part of a drinking water treatment system. Components include, but
are not limited to, appurtenant accessories such as membranes, filters, housing, tubing, storage tanks,
faucets, valves, connectors to the feed water supply, and connectors to the waste discharge line.
3.8 contaminant: An undesirable physical, chemical, or microbiological substance or parameter in water that
may have an adverse health effect, aesthetic effect, or both.
3.9 critical level: A point on a backflow prevention device that determines the minimum elevation of the
device above the flood level rim of the fixture or receptacle served.
3.10
cyst: The resistant stage in the life cycle of waterborne protozoa, which may be found in surface
drinking water supplies and includes oocysts of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts and cysts of Giardia and
Entamoeba.
3.11
daily production rate (DPR): The volume of product water produced by a system per day.
3.12
disposable component: A component that requires periodic replacement.
3.13
disposable pressure vessel: A pressure vessel that is to be replaced at the end of each rated
service cycle and has an estimated service life of one year or less.
3.14
drinking water: Water that is intended for human consumption.
3.15
efficiency rating: The percentage of the influent water to the system that is available to the user as
reverse osmosis treated water under operating conditions that approximate typical daily use.
3.16
exposure water: Water that has definitive characteristics prior to contact with a system or
component/s in extraction procedures.
3.17
extractant water: Water that has been in contact with a system or component/s for a specified
duration.
3.18
flow control: A device for controlling the flow rate of a specified stream.
3.19
influent challenge: The mixture of water and contaminants entering a system.
3.20
initial dynamic pressure: The pressure as measured at a pressure gauge immediately preceding
connection to the system being tested (see figure 1) when the system is filled with water and flowing.
3.21
maximum contaminant concentration (MCC): The maximum permissible concentration of a
contaminant in drinking water as established by a recognized regulatory agency, such as the USEPA or
Health Canada.
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NSF/ANSI 58 2009
3.22
maximum drinking water level (MDWL): The maximum concentration of a contaminant or
substance in drinking water that a system is allowed to contribute to the product water, as established in this
Standard.
3.23
membrane: A semipermeable barrier that allows passage of water. Commonly used reverse osmosis
membranes include cellulose acetate, cellulose triacetate, and aromatic polyamide polymers.
3.24
membrane element: The assembly of a membrane with feed and permeate channel spacers,
permeate collection tube, outer wrap, and seals typically in a spiral-wound configuration.
3.25
microbiologically unsafe water: Water that (1) is known to contain disease-causing bacteria,
viruses, or other disease-causing microbiological agents, (2) shows a positive test for an indicator organism or
protozoa, or (3) is determined unsafe by an appropriate health or regulatory agency.
3.26
nonregulated contaminant: A substance in water that may have an adverse health effect but has
not been regulated by the USEPA.
3.27
open to atmosphere: A term that describes an RO system with the outlet spigot fully open and the
storage tank (if present) bypassed or completely empty.
NOTE If the system uses a captive air storage tank the valve on the tank shall be closed when performing open to
atmosphere testing.
3.28
permeate: The water that is treated by passage through a membrane.
3.29
point-of-use drinking water treatment system: A plumbed-in or faucet-mounted system used to
treat the drinking water at a single tap or multiple taps but not used to treat the water for the majority of the
facility.
3.30
pressure vessel: A component of a system intended to hold water under pressure higher than
atmospheric pressure.
3.31
product water: Water that has been treated by a system.
3.32
readily accessible: Fabricated to be exposed for cleaning and inspection without the use of tools.
3.33
readily visible: Capable of being readily accessible and clearly visible on the exterior of the system
in the normal operating position.
3.34
recovery rating: The percentage of the influent water to the membrane portion of the system that is
available to the user as reverse osmosis treated water when the system is operated without a storage tank or
when the storage tank is bypassed.
3.35
reject volume: The volume of influent challenge water that is introduced to the system but does not
pass through the membrane into the permeate.
3.36
reject water: The portion of the influent not converted to product water.
3.37
replaceable treatment components: Any replaceable preformed or prepackaged component
containing a membrane, filter, media, or a combination thereof.
3.38
reverse osmosis (RO): A process that reverses, by the application of pressure, the flow of water in a
natural process of osmosis so that water passes from a more concentrated solution to a more dilute solution
through a semipermeable membrane.
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NSF/ANSI 58 2009
3.39
service cycle: The capacity of a system between servicing or replacement of disposable
components of the system.
3.40
storage tank capacity: The volume of water available from the storage tank at a defined pressure.
3.41
surrogate system: An RO system submitted by a membrane element manufacturer for testing to
generate data that may be used by candidate systems in accordance with 7.3.
3.42
system: A series of components, including a reverse osmosis membrane and appurtenant
accessories, intended to be assembled together as a single point-of-use water treatment device.
3.43
total dissolved solids (TDS): The remaining solids from a filtrate evaporated to dryness and dried to
a constant weight at 180 C (356 F) after passing through a 0.45 m glass fiber filter.
3.44
turbidity: A condition caused by the presence of suspended matter, colloidal matter, or both, that
results in the scattering and absorption of light rays.
3.45
unit void volume: The total water-holding volume of a treatment system with the replaceable
treatment components and disposable components in place.
3.46
unit volume: The total water-holding volume of a treatment system with replaceable treatment
components and disposable components removed.
3.47
watertight: A term that describes equipment and material of such precision of construction and fit as
to be impermeable to water.
3.48
weepage: The formation of bubbles or droplets of water on the outside of a fiber glass tank during the
initial phase of a pressure test due to the expression of water that was trapped between the tank liner and the
fiber glass wrap during the tank manufacturers testing.
3.49
working pressure: Feedwater or inlet water pressure to a system.
3.49.1 maximum working pressure: The maximum operating pressure recommended by the
manufacturer.
4 Materials
4.1 Materials in contact with drinking water
Materials in contact with drinking water shall not impart levels of extractable contaminants that exceed the
MCC or MDWL values specified in tables 1 and 2 when evaluated and tested in accordance with 4.2.
NOTE The concentration of active agents or additives used in the drinking water treatment process shall be
evaluated in the product water as specified in 6.10. The concentration of active agents or additives used in the
drinking water treatment process shall not be evaluated during extraction testing.
4.1.1 Complete formulation information on any material not certified as specifically compliant with the
sections of the U. S. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, listed in table 3, shall be reviewed to determine
whether the material presents a health effects concern in contact with drinking water and to assess the
material's potential for contributing contaminants to the drinking water. As a minimum level of information for
materials requiring submission of formulation information, the complete chemical identity and proportion by
weight (in some cases approximate weights or proportions may suffice) and ingredient sources of supply shall
be provided.
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
The following additional information is required when available:

a list of the known or suspected impurities within the product or material and the maximum percent or
parts by weight of each impurity;
the water solubility, hydrolysis products, and extraction rates of chemicals within the product or
material; and
a list of toxicological studies relevant to the chemicals and impurities present in the product,
component, or material.
4.1.2 The product shall be tested in accordance with 4.4.3. If the product does not impart a concentration of
an extractable contaminant at a level that exceeds either the MCC, MDWL, or advisory concentrations in table
1, 2, or 4, the product shall be deemed to have met the requirements of 4. If the product does impart a
concentration of an extractable contaminant at a level that exceeds the advisory concentration, but not the
MCC or MDWL, the product shall be deemed to have met the requirements of 4, but the manufacturer shall
be notified of the concentration of the extractable contaminant, and a new product sample/s shall be
immediately retested in accordance with 4.4.3.3. For the parameters in table 4, the required follow-up
analyses shall also be performed after the product has been exposed according to 4.4.3.3, if they were not
performed as part of the initial exposure under 4.4.3.2.
4.1.3 Whole-system extraction testing may be waived if components, when separately tested, meet the
requirements of this Standard and are assembled in a manner that does not introduce any new components,
increase the surface area-to-volume ratio of previously evaluated components, or present potential concern
based on cumulative factors.
4.2 Membrane preservatives
After system installation and flushing in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, membrane
preservatives shall not be present in the product water at a level of toxicological significance when the system
is evaluated and tested in accordance with 4.4.3.
4.3 Temperature resistance
4.3.1
Materials shall be tested in accordance with 4.4.3 to verify suitable temperature resistance.
4.3.2 Components of systems designed for exclusive application on cold water lines shall be constructed of
materials suitable for a maximum operating temperature of 38 C (100 F).
4.4 Materials evaluation
4.4.1
Analytical methods
All analyses shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable method/s referred to in 2.
4.4.2
Exposure water
4.4.2.1 Systems and components shall be exposed to locally available tap water that has been adjusted to
contain 50 5 mg/L total dissolved solids and to have a pH of 6.75 0.25. Exposure water used to evaluate
systems or components shall be 23 2 C (73 3 F). Any existing concentrations of extraction testing
parameters listed in tables 1, 2, and 4 found to be present in the exposure water shall be subtracted from the
values obtained in the analysis of the extractant water.
4.4.2.2 Components designed to be installed downstream from the membrane shall be exposed to a 1:20
dilution of the exposure water listed in 4.4.2.1. Deionized water shall be used as the diluent.
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4.4.3
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
Exposure
4.4.3.1 The system or component/s of a system shall be installed, flushed, and conditioned in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions. If instructions are not provided, systems shall be operated with the outlet
closed until the storage tank is full, or component/s shall be flushed with one unit volume using the exposure
water (see 4.4.2) at an initial inlet static pressure of 340 kPa (50 psig). Sufficient components or systems shall
be exposed to provide the required volume for analysis, but no more than eight shall be exposed.
4.4.3.2 After flushing and conditioning in accordance with 4.4.3.1, systems shall be refilled with exposure
water as specified in 4.4.2 and maintained for 24 h at an ambient temperature of 23 2 C (73 3 F). A 2-L
water sample shall be collected for analysis by emptying the storage tank completely and then sub-sampling
a 2 L volume. If the water-holding volume of the storage tank is less than 2 L, sufficient samples shall be
exposed to provide the required volume of extractant water. The system outlet shall then be closed, and the
system shall be maintained for another 24 h at an ambient temperature of 23 2 C (73 3 F). A 2-L water
sample shall again be collected for analysis by emptying the storage tank completely and then sub-sampling
a 2 L volume. This process shall be repeated to give a total of three 24-h exposures and 2-L samples.
Systems without storage tanks shall be exposed as membrane elements, except that the recovery shall be
dictated by the system. Samples collected shall be composited and analyzed in accordance with 4.4.1.
This sequence is summarized as follows:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Install the test system/s on the test stand.

Flush and condition with exposure water.
Close the system outlet and maintain for 24 h.
Empty the storage tank/s, if applicable, and sample.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for a total of three sampling events.
Composite the three samples and analyze.
Components other than membrane elements shall follow the same process, but shall be flushed according to
the manufacturers instructions prior to each 24-h exposure. A minimum sample volume of 2 L shall be
collected at each sample point. If the water-holding volume of the product is greater than 2 L, the entire
volume shall be collected in a suitable collection vessel, and a 2-L subsample obtained from this volume. If
the water-holding volume of the product is less than 2 L, sufficient samples shall be exposed to provide the
required 2-L volume of extractant water. Samples collected shall be composited and analyzed in accordance
with 4.4.1.
Membrane elements shall follow the same process, with the recovery set at the manufacturers specification
through the use of reject flow control. One membrane element shall be exposed in a suitable housing, with a
2-L sample drawn as product water after each 24-h exposure. The initial exposure shall involve flushing and
conditioning in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Subsequent exposure shall involve no
additional flushing and conditioning after the 2-L sample is drawn. Samples collected shall be composited and
analyzed in accordance with 4.4.1.
4.4.3.3 A minimum sample volume of 2 L shall be collected at each sample point. If the water-holding volume
of the product is greater than 2 L, the entire volume shall be collected in a suitable collection vessel, and a 2-L
subsample obtained from this volume. If the water-holding volume of the product is less than 2 L, sufficient
samples shall be exposed to provide the required 2-L volume of extractant water.
4.4.3.4 Systems with adsorptive or absorptive media shall be tested with and without the media. Testing
without media shall include removal of any granular adsorptive or absorptive media, and removal of any
adsorptive or absorptive replacement elements.
4.4.3.5 If the level of an extractable contaminant exceeds an advisory concentration in table 1, 2, or 4, the
72-h test exposure sequence in 4.4.3.2 shall be repeated three times using a new product sample/s. The
extractant water from the third 24-h exposure of the third 72-h sequence shall be analyzed to determine
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
whether the concentration of the extractable contaminant has been reduced to a concentration less than or
equal to the advisory concentration.
4.5 Gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis
4.5.1
General requirements for GC/MS analysis
The minimum instrument operation requirements for GC/MS analysis shall be in accordance with USEPA
Method 625 with the following modifications:
The average chromatographic peak area of each internal standard in the calibration curve shall be
determined. The chromatographic peak area of each internal standard in the continuing calibration shall
be greater than 50% and not more than 200% of that average;
While a continuing calibration check (CCC) is performed, concentrations of 10% of the target
compounds for each analysis (e. g., base/neutral, base/neutral/acid, acid) shall be allowed to fall outside
the range of 70% to 130% (outlier) of the true value. None of the concentrations shall be allowed to fall
below 50% or above 200% of the true value. If a positive sample analyte result is identified for any outlier,
a second CCC shall be performed. If the second CCC determines the sample analyte result no longer to
be an outlier, the sample shall be reanalyzed. However, if the second CCC also determines the analyte to
be an outlier, a new calibration curve shall be determined and the sample shall be reanalyzed; and
If commercially available mass spectral libraries are utilized, a minimum size of 100,000 compounds
shall be required.
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
Table 3 Materials listed in U. S. Code of Federal Regulations,

Title 21, not requiring formulation review
Sections
172.880
178.3700
172.888
178.3720
172.878
172.884
172.886
178.3710
173.25
173.65
178.3620
part 184
Material
petrolatum
synthetic petroleum wax
white mineral oil
odorless white petroleum hydrocarbons
petroleum wax
ion exchange resins provided that the sub-section stating the composition of the resin is
specified
divinyl benzene copolymer
mineral oil
Direct food substances affirmed as generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with any conditions of use specified for the substance.
Solvents that may be considered for solvent bonding without review are limited to acetone,
methyl ethyl ketone, cyclohexanone, and tetrahydrofuran. Mixtures such as solvent cements shall be evaluated against NSF/ANSI 61, or shall be subject to formulation review.
solvents
NOTE Solvent bonding is not recommended, as solvents soak into synthetic materials and
leach back out into water at relatively high levels for long periods of time. In addition, solvents
can contaminate the work area and can be adsorbed by carbon in the work area. Solvents that
have been reprocessed or recycled shall not be used.
Table 4 Non-specific extraction testing parameters

Required
parameter
Advisory
concentration (mg/L)
USEPA
method/s
phenolics
0.05
420.4
total organic
carbon (TOC)
1.0
415.2
Advisory
concentration (mg/L)
USEPA
method/s
50
160.1
No follow-up recommended
351.2
Analysis for specific compound/s in material

formulations,
ammonium
analysis,
2
Base/Neutral scan by GC/MS (for non-polar
3
compounds), LC/MS (for target polar compounds)
Formulation
dependent
parameter
total dissolved
solids (TDS)
total kjeldahl
nitrogen (TKN)
1
0.5
Additional testing
Analysis for specific phenolic compound/s in

material formulations, Base/Neutral/Acid
2
scan by GC/MS
Analysis for specific compound/s in material
formulations, Base/Neutral/Acid scan by
2
(for non-polar compounds),
GC/MS
3
LC/MS (for target polar compounds)
Follow-up testing
The additional testing required may include one or more of the analyses.
Gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy (GC/MS).
Liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy (LC/MS).
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5 Structural performance
5.1 Structural integrity
The pressure vessel/s and all other components of a water treatment system that are subject to line pressure
shall be designed and constructed to maintain structural integrity at a pressure of 690 kPa (100 psig) or the
maximum working pressure, whichever is greater.
5.1.1
General
The purpose of testing structural integrity performance is to evaluate the materials, design, and fabrication
quality of the complete water treatment system.
5.1.2
Acceptance
Each test of structural integrity (cyclic pressure, hydrostatic pressure, and burst pressure) shall be performed
on a separate system. If the complete water treatment system is tested, a separate test of the system
pressure vessel is not required.
Complete systems, pressure vessels, and components shall be tested for structural integrity in accordance
with 5.1 at the pressures specified in table 5. When more than one pressure is specified in table 5, testing
shall be done at the higher pressure.
Complete systems, pressure vessels, and components shall be watertight when tested for structural integrity
under 5.1.
NOTE Weepage shall be considered acceptable at the beginning of a test, but weepage shall not begin in the
middle of a test.
5.1.3
Structural integrity test methods
5.1.3.1 Apparatus
An enclosure shall be provided for each system tested to prevent injury to personnel or property damage if
the system fails. An apparatus that may be used for the cyclic and hydrostatic test is shown schematically in
figure 1. Pressure-measuring instruments shall have a precision and accuracy of 2% at the point of
measurement.
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Pump
Counter
Low
level
alarm
Solenoid
valves
Close up of cyclic controllers
Cycle timer
Basic hydrostatic and cyclic testing
Pressure
gauge
Pressure
relief
Low
level
alarm
Sump
Solenoid
valve
Air
cushion
tank
Test
unit
Drain
Figure 1 Structural testing apparatus
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5.1.3.2 Hydrostatic pressure test complete systems

Systems designed to operate only at atmospheric pressure shall be exempt from the hydrostatic pressure
test, but shall be watertight in normal use. The following procedure shall be used for the hydrostatic pressure
testing of other complete systems:
a) A water temperature of 13 to 24 C (55 to 75 F) shall be used. The test water shall be adjusted to a
temperature at which condensation will not form on the surface of the test unit.
b) The inlet of the test system shall be connected to the apparatus shown in figure 1. The system shall
be in conformance with its normal state of use, with the option of plugging drain lines.
c) The test system shall be filled with water and flushed to purge air from the system. The system outlet
shall be closed and the control valve placed in the service position. All parts of the unit, including inlet and
outlet fittings, that may be subject to line pressure in normal operation shall be pressurized.
d) The hydrostatic pressure shall be raised at a constant rate so that the test pressure specified in table
5 is reached within 5 min. The rate of pressure increase shall not be more than 690 kPa (100 psi) per
second.
e) The test pressure shall be maintained for 15 min. The system shall be inspected periodically through
the end of the test period to check whether the system is watertight.
5.1.3.3 Hydrostatic pressure test metallic pressure vessels
The permanent increase in the circumference of the pressure vessel shall not be more than 0.2% of the
original circumference when the vessel is tested in accordance with the procedures below. The circumference
shall be measured at the midpoint of the side wall of the vessel and at 30 cm (12 in) intervals. The top or
bottom head deflection of the pressure vessel shall not exhibit a permanent deflection exceeding 0.5% of the
vessel diameter.
The test rig for metal tanks shall allow the installation of instrumentation required to measure the change in
tank circumference and the deflection of the top and bottom heads. This may require elevating the tank.
Distance measuring instruments or methods shall be accurate to 0.0025 cm (0.001 in).
The following procedure shall be used for the hydrostatic pressure testing of metallic pressure vessels:
a) The unit shall be installed on the elevated rack or stand. The test unit shall be prepared and filled as
specified in 5.1.3.2, steps a), b), and c).
b) An appropriate measuring device, such as an extensometer or dial micrometer, shall be installed
vertically against the tank bottom head and either the tank top head, top-mounted control valve, or
another component solidly mounted to the tank top.
c) An appropriate measuring device, such as an extensometer or periphery tape, shall be installed
around the tank perpendicular to its axis and 15 cm (6 in) above its bottom. Additional measurement
devices shall be placed, vertically spaced not more than 30 cm (12 in) apart, up the side sheet of the
tank. The upper most device shall be within 30 cm (12 in) of the tank top head. If the tank length is less
than 61 cm (24 in), a measuring device should be placed at the midsection. When extensometers are
used, the flexible wire shall be wrapped once around the tank perpendicular to its axis and 15 cm (6 in)
above its bottom. One end of the wire shall be fastened to a solid post at the same elevation. The other
end shall be fastened to a second post at the same elevation by means of a spring so as to maintain the
wire taut. The blocks shall be fastened to each end of the wire, adjacent to the tank, so that they are
spaced 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 in) apart. For larger tanks, the spacing shall be permitted to be increased to
avoid contact between the blocks and the tank. Blocks shall be attached to each wire wrap as previously
specified.
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d) Initial readings shall be taken from the measurement devices before pressurizing the test unit. When
extensometers are used, the distance between the blocks on each wire shall be measured with a
micrometer caliper.
e) The test unit shall be pressurized as specified in 5.1.3.2, steps d) and e).
f) Final readings shall be taken from the extensometers or measurement devices with no pressure on
the unit.
g) The difference between the readings of each measurement device is the measure of permanent
deformation of either the tank bottom or top head. The difference in measurement around the tank is the
increase in tank circumference.
5.1.3.4 Burst test nonmetallic pressure vessels
The following procedure shall be used for the burst testing of nonmetallic pressure vessels:
a) A water temperature of 13 to 24 C (55 to 75 F) shall be used. The test water shall be adjusted to a
temperature at which condensation will not form on the surface of the test unit.
b) A complete unit shall be assembled as normally installed and operated.
c) The pressure vessel shall be connected to a water supply through a pump system with a pressure
measurement device that has a method of indicating maximum pressure during a test, a check valve, a
shut-off valve, and a drain valve. Threaded fittings shall be used for the system subject to the high
pressure.
d) All remaining pressure vessel openings shall be closed by using threaded fittings, where possible.
The entire system shall be filled with water and flushed to purge air from the unit.
e) The hydrostatic pressure shall be raised until the burst pressure specified in table 5 is reached or the
vessel fails at a lower pressure. The rate of pressure increase shall be no more than 690 kPa (100 psig)
per second and shall be sufficient to reach the burst pressure within 70 s of the start of the test. The
desired pressure shall be maintained for an instant and released.
5.1.3.5 Cycle test
The following procedure shall be used for the cyclic testing:
a) A water temperature of 20 3 C (68 5 F) shall be used throughout the test. The test water shall
be adjusted to a temperature at which condensation will not form on the surface of the test unit.
b) The inlet of the test system shall be connected to the test apparatus as shown in figure 1. The system
shall be in conformance with its normal state of use, with the option of plugging drain lines.
c) The test system shall be filled with water and flushed to purge air from the system. The system outlet
shall be closed and the control valve placed in the service position. All parts of the unit, including inlet and
outlet fittings, that may be subject to line pressure in normal operation shall be pressurized.
d) The counter shall be set to zero, or its initial reading recorded, and pressure cycling shall be inititated.
The pressure rise shall be 1 s and the pressure in the test unit shall return to 14 kPa (2 psig) before the
initiation of another cycle.
e) The pressure shall be cycled as specified in table 5. The system shall be inspected periodically
through the end of the test period to check whether the system is watertight.
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Table 5 Structural integrity methods

Complete systems
Hydrostatic pressure
1
test
Burst pressure
1
test
Cyclic pressure test
complete systems
3 x maximum working
pressure or 2,070 kPa
(300 psig)
none
100,000 cycles at 0 to
1,040 kPa (0 to 150 psig)
or maximum working
pressure
pumped systems with

components subject to
pump pressure
1.5 x maximum working pressure
3 x maximum working pressure
none
none
10,000 cycles at 0 to 690

kPa (0 to 100 psig)
Burst pressure
test
Cyclic pressure test
faucet attached systems

Components
1.5 x maximum working pressure or 1,040

kPa (150 psig)
Hydrostatic pressure
test
metallic pressure
vessels
3 x maximum working
(300 psig)
none
nonmetallic pressure
vessels
3 x maximum working
(300 psig)
4 x maximum working pressure or

2,760 kPa (400
psig)
disposable metallic pressure vessels and components
3 x maximum working
(300 psig)
none
disposable nonmetallic
pressure vessels and
components
3 x maximum working
(300 psig)
4 x maximum working pressure or

2,760 kPa (400
psig)
1,040 kPa (0 to 150 psig)
or maximum working
pressure
1,040 kPa(0 to 150 psig)
or maximum working
pressure
1,040 kPa (0 to 150 psig)
or maximum working
pressure
1,040 kPa (0 to 150 psig)
or maximum working
pressure
low pressure storage

tanks (690 kPa (100 psig)
or less)
4 x maximum working
pressure
none
none
When a choice is given in the table, testing shall be done at the greater pressure.
Metallic pressure vessels require measurement of circumference and head deflection. The pressure vessel circumference shall not exhibit a permanent increase of more than 0.2% when measured at the midsection and at 30 cm (12
in) intervals. The top and bottom head deflection of the pressure vessel shall not exhibit a permanent deflection exceeding 0.5% of the vessel diameter.
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6 Minimum performance requirements

6.1 General
A system evaluated under this Standard shall be designed and constructed so that its intended purpose will
be accomplished when the system is installed and operated in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
6.2 Flow control
If the performance of a system or component is dependent on a specified flow rate, an automatic fixed flow
control shall be provided as an integral part of the system to regulate the flow.
6.3 Reject water connections
If provided, reject water connections shall be designed to comply with applicable plumbing codes, and shall
be designed and constructed for connection to the drain system through a vertical air gap, as defined in 3.3,
of two pipe diameters or 25 mm (1 in), whichever is larger. If an alternate drain system air gap device, such as
an air-gap-type faucet, is supplied with the system, the alternate system air gap device shall be tested in
accordance with 6.10. The critical level of the alternate air gap device shall be clearly marked on the faucet.
6.4 Storage tank capacity
Storage tank capacity shall be within 10% of the manufacturer's claimed volume when the tank is precharged with the manufacturer's recommended air charge pressure in the tank and tested at a static water
pressure of 350 kPa (50 psig).
6.4.1
Storage tank capacity test
6.4.1.1 Apparatus
A test apparatus capable of supplying the manufacturers recommended air charge and a static water
pressure of 350 kPa (50 psig) shall be used.
6.4.1.2 Test procedure
a) Condition the test samples at room temperature for 24 h prior to test.
b) Verify that the air charge in the test sample is at the manufacturers specification, and adjust if
necessary.
c) Fill the test sample with test water to an initial dynamic pressure of 350 18 kPa (50 3 psig).
d) Measure the amount of water in the test sample.
6.5 Product water dispensing outlets
Product water dispensing outlets, if provided, shall be designed, constructed, and located so that the
discharge orifice is directed downward and the lower edge of the outlet shall be at an elevation not less than
51 mm (2 in) above the flood rim of the waste receptacle.
6.6 Drinking fountain outlets
6.6.1 The drinking water outlet shall be protected by a guard designed to (1) prevent a user from directly
contacting the outlet while drinking from the system, and (2) prevent foreign matter from dropping vertically
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into the outlet. The guard shall be of such width, height, and design that the user's mouth or lips cannot
readily touch the outlet. Spaces between the outlet and guard shall be readily accessible for cleaning.
6.6.2
The outlet and guard shall be designed to discourage hose connections and other improper uses.
6.6.3 The drinking fountain outlet shall be set to direct water flow at an angle from the vertical to prevent
water in a jet from returning to the outlet. The flow from the outlet shall not touch the guard.
6.6.4 The lower edge of the drinking water outlet shall be at least 51 mm (2 in) above the flood rim of the
waste receptacle.
6.7 Performance indication
6.7.1
TDS reduction claims
The system shall be provided with a TDS monitor to measure product water quality, or the following statement
shall appear in the performance data sheet and installation and operating instructions: "This reverse osmosis
system contains a replaceable treatment component critical for effective reduction of total dissolved solids.
The product water shall be tested periodically to verify that the system is performing satisfactorily."
6.7.2
Chemical reduction and mechanical filtration claims
In addition to the requirements of 6.7.1, a system making claims for the reduction of health-related inorganic,
organic, or particulate contaminants shall be provided with an effective means to warn the user when the
system is not performing its functions. This may be accomplished by one of the following:
terminating discharge of product water;
sounding an alarm connected to an acceptable power source;
flashing a light connected to an acceptable power source;
providing the user with an obvious, readily interpretable indication of the system's failure to perform,
such as decreasing the flow of water by 50% or more for systems making mechanical filtration claims;
providing a sampling service by the manufacturer, either directly or through an authorized dealer, at
least once every six months;
providing a sampling kit for analysis of TDS or other appropriate contaminants; or
providing a TDS monitor to measure the product water quality.
If an activated carbon disposable component is provided for organic reduction claims, simple explicit
instructions for determining the need for servicing of the component shall be provided.
6.7.3
Nitrate/nitrite reduction claims
Systems making nitrate/nitrite reduction claims shall be provided with one of the following to warn the user
when the system is not performing its function:
a nitrate/nitrite monitor on the product water stream; or
a sampling and analysis kit for nitrate/nitrite with explicit instructions of recommended frequency of
analysis.
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6.8 Hazards
All component parts shall be free of rough or sharp edges or other hazards that may cause injury to persons
adjusting, servicing, or using the system.
6.9 TDS reduction, recovery rating, and efficiency rating claims
6.9.1
TDS reduction claims
Reverse osmosis drinking water treatment systems shall reduce the influent challenge level of 750 40 mg/L
TDS by at least 75% when tested in accordance with 6.9.
Table 6 Contaminant reduction requirements
Contaminant
TDS
1
Individual
influent sample
point limits1
mg/L
750 20%
Average
influent
challenge
level mg/L
750 40
Maximum
allowable
product water
level mg/L
187
USEPA
method/s
Compound
160.1
NaCL
Equals average influent challenge concentration variability plus one of the following, in order of availability:
1. Acceptable Continuing Calibration Verification (CCV) limits stated in the appropriate USEPA method.
2. Acceptable spike recoveries as stated in the appropriate USEPA method.
3. Opinion of laboratory professionals no guidance available in USEPA method.
6.9.1.1 Recovery rating and efficiency rating claims

Claims of recovery rating and efficiency rating made in advertising literature; in the installation, operation and
maintenance instructions; on the data plate; or in the performance data sheet shall be equal to or less than
the specific rating determined when the system is tested in accordance with 6.9.
Systems equipped with both an automatic shut-off device and either a pressurized or a non-pressurized
storage tank shall report an efficiency rating and may report a recovery rating as an option. All other systems
may report a recovery rating, but no efficiency rating shall be determined or reported.
6.9.2
Recovery rating, and efficiency rating testing
The system shall be tested for TDS reduction claims prior to or during any other chemical contaminant
reduction testing. Tests for recovery rating and efficiency rating shall only be conducted in conjunction with a
TDS reduction test. While a recovery rating may be determined for all types of systems, an efficiency rating
shall only be determined for systems equipped with an automatic shut-off device.
6.9.3
Apparatus
A test apparatus capable of providing specified flow rates and pressures shall be used. An example of an
appropriate test apparatus appears in figure 2.
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10
7
4
10
6
13
12
14
19
D ra in a n d s a m ple
9
D ra in
7
13
14
8
19
D ra in a nd s a m ple
Drain
5
1. Storage tank
2. Pressure regulator
3. Corrosion resistant
circulation centrifugal
pump
4. Pressure gauge (pressure
recorder)
5. Sample valve inlet
S am p le
6. Test systems
7. RO product water line
11
8. Solenoid valve
9. Timer with impulse counter
17
15
18
16
1
13
10.
Timer, electrical
disconnect switch
11.
Feed water to test

system
12.
Thermometer
(temperature recorder)
13.
Valve, stream isolation
14.
Valve, system faucet
15.
Chart recorder,
recording conductivity
monitor
16.
Check valve
17.
Bypass flow throttling

valve
18.
Bypass return
19.
Reject water line
NOTE Faucets shall be used in testing all systems under or over the sink.
Figure
2
test
apparatus
Figure
1 Example
Example
test
apparatus
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6.9.4
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
Analytical methods
All analyses shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable methods referred to in 2.
6.9.5
TDS reduction test water
Chlorine free deionized water shall be used with the following specific characteristics maintained throughout
the test for TDS reduction claims:
turbidity
pH
temperature
conductivity
1 NTU
7.5 0.5
25 1 C (77 2 F)
1 S/cm
Sodium chloride (NaCl) shall be added to the test water in 6.9.5 to achieve a challenge concentration of 750
40 mg/L TDS.
6.9.6
Method TDS reduction, daily production rate, recovery rating, and efficiency rating
Two systems shall be conditioned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions using test water
specified in 6.9.5. The systems shall be tested using the appropriate influent challenge water at an initial
dynamic pressure of 350 18 kPa (50 3 psig). The pressure shall not be readjusted, although the system
may experience some change in dynamic pressure. Pre-membrane and post-membrane filters shall be
removed prior to testing.
6.9.7
Sampling
6.9.7.1 Systems with storage tank and automatic shut-off
Influent and product water samples shall be collected and analyzed for TDS at the following elapsed times on
Day 1 of testing: 4, 12, and 16 h. The storage tank shall be emptied at each sample point. On Days 2 to 4 of
testing, 5% of the first day's production rate shall be withdrawn from the storage tank every 6 h. A TDS
sample shall be collected and analyzed from the tank. Days 5 and 6 represent a 54-h stagnation period,
under pressure, during which no product water shall be withdrawn. At the start of Day 7, 144 h into the test, a
TDS sample shall be collected and analyzed, followed by the emptying of the storage tank. A final TDS
sample shall be collected and analyzed on Day 7 for the first 4-h period, and the storage tank shall be
emptied after the TDS sample collection.
On Days 1 and 7, the recovery rating of the system shall be determined as follows:
After the tank has been emptied at the 4-h sample point, the system shall be permitted to operate with the
permeate outlet opened until the flows of permeate and reject water have stabilized. After stabilization
has occurred, separate collections of a 100-mL sample of permeate and the corresponding volume of
reject water shall begin. Only reject water that passes through the systems concentrate flow restrictor
shall be measured and its volume used in the calculation of the recovery rating. The volume of reject
water collected during the production of 100 mL of permeate shall be recorded in milliliters. The recovery
rating shall be calculated as a percent recovery using the following formula:
Percent recovery =
100 mL Permeate
x 100
Reject Water Volume 100 mL Permeate
NOTE With some systems, disengagement of system plumbing at a specific time may be required to
measure reject flow through the concentrate flow restrictor.
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On Days 1 and 7, after the recovery-rating test is complete, the following shall also be done:
Step 1 After the tank has been emptied at the end of the first 4 h, collection of reject water from the
system shall begin. When the system shuts down, the elapsed time to fill the tank shall be recorded. The
volume of reject collected shall be recorded as Reject Volume, Step 1. The total volume of water
discharged to waste from the system shall be included in the Reject Volume, Step 1.
Step 2 Product water shall be withdrawn until the system's operation is again initiated. If the volume of
water withdrawn is less than 250 mL at the time of system initiation, product water shall continue to be
withdrawn until a minimum of 250 mL has been withdrawn. This volume of water shall be recorded as
Product Water, Step 2. When the system shuts down the second time, the time elapsed to fill the tank
shall be recorded. The volume of reject water discharged to drain shall be collected and measured during
the drain and refill periods, and shall be recorded as Reject Volume Step 2. The total volume of water
discharged to waste from the system shall be included in the Reject Volume, Step 2. The tank shall then
be emptied and the volume of product water measured and recorded as Product Water, Step 1. The daily
production rate and efficiency rating shall be calculated using the recorded times and volumes, measured
in liters (gallons), using the following formulas:
Daily Production Rate (volume/day) =
Total Product Water Volume collected during steps 1 & 2
x 24 h/d
Total hours to fill and refill tank
Efficiency Rating =
Product Water Volume Step 1
Product Water Volume Step 1 Reject Water Volume
Product Water Volume Step 2
Product Water Volume Step 2 Reject Water Volume
Step 1
100
Step 2
Results from Day 1 and Day 7 shall be averaged for daily production rate, recovery rating, and efficiency
rating system evaluations, respectively. Efficiency rating and recovery rating data shall only be used if the
system passes the TDS test.
NOTE Systems that take longer than 5 h to fill the storage tank, as determined during the flushing procedure, shall
have the daily production rate determined a day prior to the beginning and after the end of the TDS reduction test.
6.9.7.2 Counter top systems with storage tanks or reservoirs
Day 1 of testing: 4, 12, and 16 h. The storage tank shall be emptied at each sample point. On Days 2 to 4 of
testing, 5% of the first day's production rate shall be withdrawn from the storage tank every 6 h. A TDS
sample shall be collected and analyzed from the tank. . Days 5 and 6 represent a 54-h stagnation period,
TDS sample shall be collected and analyzed, followed by the emptying of the storage tank. A final TDS
sample shall be collected and analyzed on Day 7 for the first 4-h period, and the storage tank shall be
emptied after the TDS sample collection.
After the tank has been emptied at the 4-h sample point, the system shall be permitted to operate with the
permeate outlet opened until the flow of permeate and reject water have stabilized. After stabilization has
occurred, separate collections of a 100-mL sample of permeate and the corresponding volume of reject
water shall begin. The volume of reject water collected during the production of 100 mL of permeate shall
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be recorded in milliliters. The recovery rating shall be calculated as a percent recovery using the following
formula:
Percent recovery =
100 mL Permeate
x 100
On Days 1 and 7 after the recovery rating test is complete, the following shall also be done:
The storage tank shall have been emptied after 4 h of operation and the product water volume recorded
in liters (gallons). Collection of reject water shall begin immediately. The total volume of water discharged
to waste from the system shall be included in the reject volume. After 8 h, the total product water volume
and total reject water volume shall be recorded in liters (gallons). The daily production rate shall be
calculated from the 4-h data as follows:
Daily Production Rate (volume/day) = Volume of Product Water collected in 4 h x 6
For systems equipped with an automatic shut-off device, the efficiency rating shall be calculated as follows
from the 8-h data where simultaneous product water and reject water volumes have been collected:
Efficiency Rating =
Product Water Stored Volume

x 100
Product Water Stored Volume Reject Water Volume Collected
Results from Day 1 and Day 7 shall be averaged for daily production rate, efficiency rating (if appropriate),
and recovery rating system evaluations, respectively. Recovery rating and efficiency rating data shall only be
used if the system passes the TDS test.
6.9.7.3 Systems without storage tanks
Day 1 of testing: 4, 12, and 16 h. On Days 2 to 4 of testing, 5% of the first day's production capacity or 500
mL, whichever is greater, shall be collected every 6 h. A TDS sample shall be collected and analyzed from
the tank. Days 5 and 6 represent a 54-h stagnation, under pressure, during which no product water is to be
collected. At the start of Day 7, 144 h into the test, a TDS sample shall be collected and analyzed. A final TDS
sample shall be collected and analyzed on Day 7 for the first 4-h period. Influent and product water samples
shall be collected and analyzed for TDS at the time intervals specified.
The recovery rating shall be determined as follows:
On Days 1 and 7, the product water outlet shall remain open and all product water shall be collected.
After 4 h of operation, separate collections of a 100-mL sample of permeate and the corresponding
volume of reject water shall begin. The volume of reject water collected during the production of 100 mL
of permeate shall be recorded in milliliters. The recovery rating shall be calculated as a percent recovery
using the following formula:
Percent recovery =
100 mL Permeate
x 100
After the recovery rating test is complete, collection of product water shall continue for 4 h. The total
volume of product water collected in 4 h shall be recorded in liters (gallons). The daily production rate
shall be calculated from the 4-h data as follows:
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Results from Day 1 and Day 7 shall be averaged for daily production rate and recovery rating system
evaluations, respectively. Recovery rating data shall only be used if the system passes the TDS test.
6.9.7.4 Systems with no shut-off provisions
Influent and product water samples shall be collected and analyzed for TDS at 4-h intervals on Day 1 of
testing, including 4, 8, 12, and 16 h. The storage tank shall be emptied and the product water volume
recorded in liters (gallons) at each 4-h sample point. On Days 2 to 4 of testing, 5% of the first day's production
rate shall be withdrawn from the storage tank every 6 h. A TDS sample shall be collected and analyzed from
the tank. Days 5 and 6 represent a 54-h stagnation period, under pressure, during which no product water
shall be withdrawn. At the start of Day 7, 144 h into the test, a TDS sample shall be collected and analyzed,
followed by emptying of the storage tank. Two final TDS samples shall be collected and analyzed on Day 7
for the first two 4-h periods, and the storage tank shall be emptied after each TDS sample collection. After the
last sample for TDS is collected, the storage tank shall be emptied. The daily production rate shall be
calculated from the 4-h data as follows:
After the tank has been emptied at the first 4-h sample point, the system shall be permitted to operate
with the permeate outlet opened until the flow of permeate and reject water have stabilized. After
stabilization has occurred, separate collections of a 100 mL sample of permeate and the corresponding
volume of reject water shall begin. The volume of reject water collected during the production of 100 mL
of permeate shall be recorded in milliliters. The recovery rating shall be calculated as a percent recovery
using the following formula:
Percent recovery =
100 mL Permeate
x 100
Results from Day 1 and Day 7 shall be averaged for daily production rate and recovery rating system
evaluations, respectively. Recovery rating data shall only be used if the system passes the TDS test.
6.10
Alternate air gap device test method
The device shall demonstrate no evidence of back siphonage while submerged to the critical level and
subjected to an inlet vacuum of 85 kPa (25 in of mercury).
6.10.1 Method
The air gap device shall be tested using a vacuum supply of 85 kPa (25 in of mercury). The vacuum shall be
applied to the outlet side of the device while fully submerged in tap water. The stabilized water level achieved
shall be considered the device's critical level. The vacuum shall then be applied to the inlet side of the device
for 1 min while submerged to the critical level.
A test apparatus capable of providing 85 kPa (25 in of mercury) shall be used. Refer to figure 3 for an
example test apparatus.
26
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
7 Elective performance claims test methods

7.1 Chemical reduction claims
7.1.1
Volatile organic chemical (VOC) reduction claims
Systems with carbon filters downstream of the permeate storage tank shall be tested in accordance with
NSF/ANSI 53. VOC reduction for nonintegral carbon filters downstream of the RO membrane shall be tested
in accordance with 7.1.1.1 or 7.1.1.2.
Claims for chemical reduction may be made for a group of VOCs and other organic chemicals shown in table
7 when tested in accordance with 7.1.1. The system shall reduce the arithmetic mean of the influent challenge
concentration of chloroform at 300 30 g/L at each sample point by at least 95% when tested in accordance
with 7.1.1.
NOTE The use of chloroform as the surrogate is limited to systems using an activated carbon filter component to
accomplish the VOC reduction.
Table 7 Organic chemicals included by surrogate testing
Chemical
alachlor
atrazine
benzene
carbofuran
carbon tetrachloride
chlorobenzene
chloropicrin
2,4-D
dibromochloropropane (DBCP)
o-dichlorobenzene
p-dichlorobenzene
1,2-dichloroethane
1,1-dichloroethylene
cis-1,2-dichloroethylene
trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
1,2-dichloropropane
cis-1,3-dichloropropylene
dinoseb
endrin
ethylbenzene
ethylene dibromide (EDB)
haloacetonitriles (HAN):
bromochloroacetonitrile
dibromoacetonitrile
dichloroacetonitrile
trichloroacetonitrile
haloketones (HK):
1,1-dichloro-2-propanone
1,1,1-trichloro-2-propanone
heptachlor
USEPA
MCL
mg/L (ppm)
0.002
0.003
0.005
0.04
0.005
0.1
0.07
0.0002
0.6
0.075
0.005
0.007
0.07
0.1
0.005
0.007
0.002
0.7
0.00005
Influent challenge concen1

tration mg/L
(ppm)
0.05
0.1
0.081
0.19
0.078
0.077
0.015
0.11
0.052
0.080
0.040
0.088
0.083
0.17
0.086
0.080
0.079
0.17
0.053
0.088
0.044
0.0004
> 98
> 97
> 99
> 99
98
> 99
99
98
> 99
> 99
> 98
954
> 99
> 99
> 99
> 99
> 99
99
99
> 99
> 99
Maximum
product water
concentration
mg/L (ppm)
0.0012
0.0032
0.0012
0.0012
0.00183
0.0012
0.0002 3
0.00173
0.00002 2
0.0012
0.0012
0.00484
0.0012
0.0052
0.0012
0.0012
0.0012
0.00023
0.00059 3
0.0012
2
0.00002
0.022
0.024
0.0096
0.015
98
98
98
98
0.00053
0.00063
0.00023
0.00033
0.0072
0.0082
0.025
99
96
> 99
0.00013
0.00033
0.00001 2
Chemical
reduction
percent
28
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
Table 7 Organic chemicals included by surrogate testing
0.0002
0.05
0.0002
0.04
0.001
0.004
0.1
0.005
1.0
0.05
0.07
0.2
0.005
0.005
Influent challenge concen1

tration mg/L
(ppm)
0.01075
0.044
0.060
0.055
0.050
0.096
0.12
0.15
0.081
0.081
0.078
0.27
0.042
0.16
0.084
0.15
0.18
0.080
10
USEPA
MCL
mg/L (ppm)
Chemical
heptachlor epoxide
hexachlorobutadiene
hexachlorocyclopentadiene
lindane
methoxychlor
pentachlorophenol
simazine
styrene
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
tetrachloroethylene
toluene
2,4,5-TP (silvex)
tribromoacetic acid
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
1,1,1-trichloroethane
trichloroethylene
trihalomethanes includes:
chloroform (surrogate
chemical)
bromoform
bromodichloromethane
chlorodibromomethane
xylenes (total)
98
> 98
> 99
> 99
> 99
> 99
> 97
> 99
> 99
> 99
> 99
99
> 98
> 99
95
> 99
> 99
Maximum
product water
concentration
mg/L (ppm)
0.00025
2
0.001
0.0000022
0.00001 2
2
0.0001
2
0.001
0.0042
0.00052
0.0012
2
0.001
2
0.001
0.00163
0.0012
0.00052
0.00463
0.00052
0.0012
0.30
95
0.015
0.070
> 99
0.0012
Chemical
reduction
percent
Influent challenge levels are average influent concentrations determined in surrogate qualification testing.
Maximum product water level was not observed but is set at the detection limit of the analysis.
Maximum product water level is set at the value determined in surrogate qualification testing.
Chemical reduction percent and maximum product water level calculated at chloroform 95% breakthrough point as
determined in surrogate qualification testing.
The surrogate test results for heptachlor epoxide demonstrated a 98% reduction. These data were used to calculate
an upper occurrence concentration, which would produce a maximum product water level at the MCL.
concluded
7.1.1.1 VOC reduction claims accelerated method
7.1.1.1.1
Apparatus
7.1.1.1.2
Analytical methods
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7.1.1.1.3
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
VOC reduction test water
A public water supply shall be used with the following specific characteristics maintained throughout the test
for VOC reduction claims.
total dissolved solids (TDS)
pH
turbidity
temperature
total organic carbon (TOC)
hardness (as CaCO3)
7.1.1.1.4
20 50 mg/L
6.0 0.5
1 NTU
21 3 C (70 5 F)
1 mg/L
17 mg/L
VOC influent challenge water
Chloroform (CHCl3) shall be added to the test water specified in 7.1.1.1.3 to achieve an average challenge
concentration of 0.300 0.030 mg/L.
NOTE Reduction of cysts, turbidity, and asbestos shall not be tested with chemical reduction or TDS tests.
7.1.1.1.5
Method
Two systems shall be conditioned in accordance with the manufacturers instructions using the test water
specified in 7.1.1.1.3. The system shall be tested using VOC influent challenge water as specified in 7.1.1.1.4
at an initial dynamic pressure of 350 18 kPa (50 3 psig). The pressure shall not be readjusted, although
the system may experience some change in dynamic pressure. The accelerated flow rate, specified by the
manufacturer, shall be greater than the maximum flow rate determined when the system is operated with the
permeate outlet opened.
Before the carbon filter is tested for VOC reduction, it shall be removed from the RO system.
7.1.1.1.6
Sampling
For systems tested to 120% of the capacity, the accelerated flow rate shall be maintained until the 100%
capacity sample has been taken. For systems tested to 200% of the capacity, the accelerated flow rate shall
be maintained until the 160% capacity sample has been taken. For the remainder of the test, the flow rate
shall be set at the maximum flow rate of the system determined when the system is operated with the
permeate outlet opened.
7.1.1.1.6.1 Systems equipped with warning device/s
Systems equipped with warning device/s, in accordance with 6.7.2, shall have influent and product water
samples collected and analyzed to determine VOC reduction. Prior to the initial sampling, 10 unit volumes of
influent challenge water shall be passed through the system. An initial influent and product water sample shall
then be taken, followed by sample collections at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%,
110%, and 120% of estimated service cycle of replaceable treatment components.
7.1.1.1.6.2 Systems lacking a warning device
Systems lacking a warning device shall have influent and product water samples collected and analyzed to
determine VOC reduction. Prior to the initial sampling, 10 unit volumes of influent challenge water shall be
passed through the system. An initial influent and product water sample shall be taken followed by sample
collections at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, 140%, 160%, 180%, and 200% of the estimated service
cycle of replaceable treatment components. Testing up to 200% of the estimated capacity will provide a 2:1
safety factor.
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7.1.1.2 VOC reduction claims Non-accelerated

7.1.1.2.1
Apparatus
7.1.1.2.2
Analytical methods
7.1.1.2.3
VOC reduction test water Non-integral carbon filters downstream of RO membrane
for VOC reduction claims.
pH
turbidity
temperature
total organic carbon (TOC)
hardness (as CaCO3)
7.1.1.2.4
20 50 mg/L
6.0 0.5
1 NTU
21 3 C (70 5 F)
1 mg/L
17 mg/L
VOC influent challenge water
Chloroform (CHCl3) shall be added to the test water specified in 7.1.1.2.3 to achieve an average challenge
concentration of 0.300 0.030 mg/L.
NOTE Reduction of cysts, turbidity, and asbestos shall not be tested with chemical reduction or TDS tests.
7.1.1.2.5
Method
Two systems shall be conditioned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions using the test water
specified in 7.1.1.2.3. The systems shall be tested using the VOC influent challenge water as specified in
7.1.1.2.4 at an initial dynamic pressure of 350 18 kPa (50 3 psig) an at the manufacturers recommended
daily production rate. The pressure shall not be readjusted, although the system may experience some
change in dynamic pressure.
Before the carbon filter is tested for VOC reduction, it shall be removed from the RO system.
7.1.1.2.6
Sampling
7.1.1.2.6.1 Systems equipped with warning device/s
Systems equipped with warning device/s, in accordance with 6.7.2, shall have influent and product water
samples collected and analyzed to determine VOC reduction. Prior to the initial sampling, 10 unit volumes of
influent challenge water shall be passed through the system. An initial influent and product water sample shall
then be taken, followed by sample collections at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%,
110%, and 120% of estimated service cycle of replaceable treatment components.
7.1.1.2.6.2 Systems lacking a warning device
Systems lacking a warning device shall have influent and product water samples collected and analyzed to
determine VOC reduction. Prior to the initial sampling, 10 unit volumes of influent challenge water shall be
passed through the system. An initial influent and product water sample shall be taken followed by sample
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collections at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%, 120%, 140%, 160%, 180%, and 200% of the estimated service
cycle of replaceable treatment components. Testing up to 200% of the estimated capacity will provide a 2:1
safety factor.
7.1.2
Inorganic chemical reduction claims
Claims for inorganic chemical reduction may be made for the specific contaminants shown in table 8. To
qualify for a specific contaminant reduction claim, the system shall reduce the level of the contaminant from
the influent challenge level so that the arithmetic mean of all product water sample results and 90% of the
individual product water samples is less than or equal to the maximum allowable product water concentration
in table 8 when tested in accordance with 7.1.2.
7.1.2.1 Pentavalent arsenic reduction claims
Arsenic reduction by reverse osmosis is species dependent. Pentavalent arsenic [also known as As(V),
As(+5), and arsenate] can be removed by reverse osmosis. It has been shown that trivalent arsenic [also
known as As(III), As(+3), and arsenite] will be oxidized to pentavalent arsenic in the presence of a detectable
free chlorine residual or in the presence of other effective oxidants.8 Some water supplies may contain only
pentavalent arsenic. Claims for pentavalent arsenic reduction shall only be made on water supplies meeting
one of the following criteria:
a residual free chlorine concentration is detectable at the reverse osmosis system inlet; or
the water at the reverse osmosis system inlet has been demonstrated to contain only pentavalent
arsenic.
Individual
influent
sample
1
point limits
mg/L
0.30 20%,
0.30 25%3
0.050 20%,
0.050 25%3
10.0 20%,
10.0 25% 3
Contaminant
arsenic (pentavalent)2
arsenic (pentavalent)2
barium
cadmium
0.03 25%
chromium
(hexavalent)5
0.3 20%,
0.3 25% 6
chromium
(trivalent)5
0.3 30%7
chromium
(hexavalent
and trivalent)
0.3 25%
copper
3.0 20%,
Average
influent
challenge
level mg/L
Maximum
allowable
product
water level
mg/L
USEPA
method/s
Na2HAsO4
7H2O
Na2HAsO4
7H2O
0.30
10%
0.010
200.74, 200.8
0.050
10%
0.010
200.74, 200.8
10.0
10%
2.0
200.7, 200.8
BaCl2 2H2O
0.03
10%
0.005
200.8, 200.9
CdCl2 2.5 H2O

or Cd(NO3)2
0.1
200.7, 200.8,
200.9
Na2Cr2O7 2
H2O
0.1
CrCl3 6 H2O
0.05 (for each

species)
SM3500-CrD
and 200.8
1.3
200.7, 200.8
CuSO4 5 H2O
0.3 10%
(added as
hexavalent)
0.3 10%
(added as trivalent)
0.3 10%
(added as 0.15
mg/L hexavalent and 0.15
mg/L trivalent)
3.0 10%
Laboratory Study on the Oxidation of Arsenic III to Arsenic V, EPA/600/R-01/021, March 2001
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2009 NSF
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Contaminant
fluoride
Individual
influent
sample
1
point limits
mg/L
3.0 25%3
8.0 25%
lead
0.15 25%
mercury
0.006 25%
perchlorate
0.13
selenium
0.10 25%
radium 226/2288
1
25%
N/ A
Average
influent
challenge
level mg/L
Maximum
allowable
product
water level
mg/L
USEPA
method/s
Compounds
8.0
10%
1.5
340.2
0.15
10%
0.010
200.8, 200.9
0.002
200.8, 245.1
HgCI2
0.004
314.0
NaClO4
0.05
200.8, 200.9
50/50 mix of
Na2SeO3 and
Na2SeO4
5 pCi/L
0.006 10%
(added as mercuric chloride)
0.13 10%
0.10 10%
(added as 0.05
mg/L selenite
and 0.05 mg/L
selenate)
25 pCi/L
NaF
PbCl2 or Pb
(NO3)2
1. Acceptable Continuing Calibration Verification (CCV) limits stated in the appropriate USEPA method.
Arsenic shall be added in the pentavalent form and analyzed for total arsenic. Arsenic reduction is species-dependent;
therefore, reduction claims shall only be made on chlorinated water supplies where trivalent arsenic has been oxidized to
the pentavalent form, as indicated by the presence of a detectable residual of free chlorine at the system inlet.
3
The first limits apply to analysis conducted according to the first USEPA method, and the second limits apply to analysis conducted according to the second USEPA method.
4
For arsenic, USEPA Method 200.7 shall be used for analysis of influent sample concentrations only.
Chromium shall be added as chromate for hexavalent chromium reduction and measured as total chromium. Trivalent
chromium reduction may be claimed only after addtional testing.
6
The first limits apply to analysis conducted according to USEPA method 200.7, and the second limits apply to analysis
conducted according to USEPA method 200.8 or 200.9.
7
Trivalent chromium is a calculated parameter. The range is based on the propagated error of two analyses.
For test purposes, barium shall be added to the influent challenge water and shall be analyzed in the influent challenge
water and product water. The reduction of radium is not concentration-dependent; therefore, barium shall be added at 10
mg/L with a maximum product water level of 2.0 mg/L. Barium is used as a surrogate based on its relationship with radium on the periodic table and the difficulty in using radium for routine testing.
concluded
7.1.2.2 Apparatus
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2009 NSF
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7.1.2.3 Analytical methods
7.1.2.4 Test water
7.1.2.4.1
TDS reduction test water
the test:
turbidity
pH
temperature
conductivity
1 NTU
7.5 0.5
25 1 C (77 2 F)
1 S/cm
Sodium chloride (NaCl) shall be added to the test water to achieve a challenge concentration of 750 40
mg/L TDS.
7.1.2.4.2
Inorganic chemical reduction test water
for inorganic chemical reduction claims:
turbidity
pH
temperature
200 500 mg/L

1 NTU
7.5 0.5
25 1 C (77 2 F)
NOTE The test water shall not contain interfering substances that cause false positive or false negative
performance results (e. g., flocculating iron may adsorb the contaminants being tested).
7.1.2.5 Inorganic substance challenge water
For pentavalent arsenic, barium, chromium, radium, and perchlorate, the test compound listed in table 8 shall
be added to the TDS influent challenge water (see 7.1.2.4.1) to achieve the influent concentration specified in
table 8.
For the remaining inorganic substances, the test compound listed in table 8 shall be added to either the TDS
influent challenge water (see 7.1.2.4.1) or the inorganic chemical reduction test water (see 7.1.2.4.2) to
achieve the influent concentration specified in table 8.
7.1.2.6 Method
Two systems shall be conditioned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions using the appropriate
general test water specified in 7.1.2.4.1 or 7.1.2.4.2. The systems shall be tested using the appropriate
influent challenge water at an initial dynamic pressure of 350 18 kPa (50 3 psig). The pressure shall not
be readjusted, although the system may experience some change in dynamic pressure. Pre-membrane and
post-membrane filters shall be removed prior to testing.
7.1.2.7 Sampling
Influent and product water samples shall be collected and analyzed for all test contaminants following 4 h and
12 h on Day 1 of testing. The storage tank shall be emptied at each sample point. On Days 2 to 4 of testing,
5% of the first day's production rate shall be withdrawn from the storage tank every 6 h. A test contaminant
34
2009 NSF
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sample shall be collected and analyzed, followed by emptying of the storage tank. A final sample shall be
collected and analyzed on Day 7 for the first 4-h period, and the storage tank shall be emptied after each test
contaminant sample collection. After the last sample for test contaminants is collected, the storage tank shall
be emptied.
7.1.2.7.1
Systems with storage tank and automatic shut-off
be emptied.
7.1.2.7.2
Counter top systems with storage tanks or reservoirs
8 h of testing on Day 1. The storage tank shall be emptied at each sample point. On days 2 to 4 of testing, 5%
of the first day's production rate shall be withdrawn from the storage tank every 6 h from which a test
contaminant sample shall be collected and analyzed. Days 5 and 6 represent a 54-h stagnation period, under
pressure, during which no product water shall be withdrawn. At the start of Day 7, 144 h into the test, a
be emptied.
7.1.2.7.3
Systems without storage tanks
8 h on Day 1 of testing. On Days 2 to 4 of testing, samples shall be collected every 6 h and analyzed for TDS.
Days 5 and 6 represent a 54-h stagnation period, under pressure, during which no product water shall be
withdrawn. At the start of Day 7, 144 h into the test, a test contaminant sample shall be collected and
analyzed. A final sample shall be collected and analyzed on Day 7 for the first 4-h period.
7.1.2.7.4
Systems with no shut-off provisions
Influent and product water samples shall be collected and analyzed for test contaminants at 4-h intervals on
Day 1 of testing, including 4, 8, 12, and 16 h. The storage tank shall be emptied and the product water volume
shall be recorded in liters (gallons) at each 4-h sample point. On Days 2 to 4 of testing, 5% of the first day's
production rate shall be withdrawn from the storage tank every 6 h. A test contaminant sample shall be
collected and analyzed from the tank. Days 5 and 6 represent a 54-h stagnation period, under pressure,
during which no product water shall be withdrawn. At the start of Day 7, 144 h into the test, a sample shall be
collected and analyzed, followed by emptying of the storage tank. A final sample shall be collected and
analyzed on Day 7 for the first 4-h period, and the storage tank shall be emptied after each test contaminant
sample collection. After the last sample for test contaminants is collected, the storage tank shall be emptied.
7.1.3
Nitrate/nitrite reduction claims
Claims for nitrate/nitrite reduction shall be tested at a system pressure applicable to the intended end use in
accordance with 7.1.3. To qualify for a nitrate/nitrite reduction claim, the system shall reduce the level of the
contaminant from the influent challenge level so that the arithmetic mean of all product water sample results
35
2009 NSF
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and 90% of the individual product water samples is less than or equal to the maximum allowable product
water concentration in table 9.
Contaminant
Individual influ1
ent sample point
limits mg/L
Average influent challenge

level mg/L
Maximum
allowable
product water
level mg/L
30.0 20%
30.0 10%
(added as 27
mg/L NO3 and
3 mg/L NO2)
10.0
nitrate plus
nitrite (as N)2
1
USEPA
method/s
Compounds
300
NaNO3 NaNO2
1 Acceptable Continuing Calibration Verification (CCV) limits stated in the appropriate USEPA method.
Some public and private water supplies will exceed 30 mg/L of NO3 and may contain nitrite (NO2), which is more toxic.
Additional treatment or individual design, or both, shall be applied to ensure that the product water level consistently
meets the MCLs for such water supplies.
3
Of the 10 mg/L maximum product water level, no more than 1.0 mg/L shall be in the form of NO2 as N.
7.1.3.1 Apparatus
7.1.3.3 Test water
the test:
turbidity
pH
temperature
conductivity
1 NTU
7.5 0.5
25 1 C (77 2 F)
1 S/cm
Sodium chloride (NaCl) shall be added to the test water to achieve a challenge concentration of 750 40
mg/L TDS.
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2009 NSF
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7.1.3.4 Method
The method specified in 6.9.6 shall be followed, except that the initial dynamic pressure shall be applicable to
the intended end use. The pressure shall not be readjusted, although the system may experience some
change in dynamic pressure. Pre-membrane and post-membrane filters shall be removed prior to testing.
7.1.3.4.1
Systems recommended for a minimum influent water system pressure lower than 280 kPa (40
psig) and higher than 140 kPa (20 psig) shall be tested at 210 kPa (30 psig).
7.1.3.4.2
Systems recommended for a minimum influent water system pressure of 280 kPa (40 psig) or
greater shall be tested at 350 kPa (50 psig).
7.1.3.5 Sampling
7.1.3.5.1
be emptied.
7.1.3.5.2
be emptied.
7.1.3.5.3
withdrawn. At the start of Day 7, 144 h into the test, a test contaminant sample shall be collected and
analyzed. A final sample shall be collected and analyzed on Day 7 for the first 4-h period,
7.1.3.5.4
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2009 NSF
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7.2 Mechanical filtration claims
7.2.1
Asbestos reduction claims

7
The system shall reduce the asbestos fibers from an influent challenge concentration of 10 to 10 fibers per
liter by at least 99% when tested in accordance with 7.2.1. The asbestos reduction shall be for fibers
exceeding 10 m in length.
7.2.1.1 Apparatus
All analyses shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable methods referred to in 2. Post-membrane
filters shall be removed prior to testing.
7.2.1.3 Test water
A public water supply shall be used with the following specific characteristics maintained throughout the test:
turbidity
pH
temperature
200 500 mg/L

1 NTU
7.5 0.5
25 1 C (77 2 F)
7.2.1.4 Influent challenge
A 50-50 blend of chrysotile and anthophyllite asbestos shall be added to the general test water specified in
7.2.1.3 to produce a fiber concentration in the range of 107 to 108 fibers per liter. Only fibers greater than 10
m shall be counted.
7.2.1.5 Method
Two systems shall be conditioned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions using the general test
water specified in 7.2.1.3. The systems shall be tested using the appropriate influent challenge water at an
initial static pressure of 350 18 kPa (50 3 psig). The pressure shall not be readjusted, although the system
may experience some drop in dynamic pressure.
7.2.1.6 Sampling
7.2.1.6.1
be emptied.
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2009 NSF
7.2.1.6.2
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
withdrawn. At the start of Day 7, 144 h into the test, a sample shall be collected and analyzed. A final sample
shall be collected and analyzed on Day 7 for the first 4-h period.
7.2.1.6.3
be emptied.
7.2.1.6.4
7.2.2
Cyst reduction claims
The system shall reduce the number of 3- to 4-m particles from an influent challenge level of at least 50,000
(5 x 104) particles per milliliter by at least 99.95% when tested in accordance with 7.2.2.
7.2.2.1 Apparatus
Standard particle counting techniques available from particle counter manufacturers shall be used for cyst
reduction tests. Post-membrane filters shall be removed prior to testing.
7.2.2.3 General test water
turbidity
pH
temperature
200 500 mg/L

1 NTU
7.5 0.5
25 1 C (77 2 F)
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Fine test dust or latex beads shall be added to the influent challenge water specified in 7.2.2.3 to achieve at
least 50,000 (5 x 104) particles per milliliter of 3- to 4-m diameter. A fine grade, standardized test dust that
meets SAE J726 specifications shall be used. The test dust shall have a nominal size classification of 0- to 5m and shall have 96% (by volume %) of its particles within the 0- to 5-m range and 20% to 40% (by volume
9
%) of its particles greater than 2.5 m.
7.2.2.5 Method
7.2.2.6 Sampling
7.2.2.6.1
be emptied.
7.2.2.6.2
7.2.2.6.3
be emptied.
7.2.2.6.4
9
A test dust that meets these specifications is avaiable from Powder Technologies, Inc., P.O. Box 1464, Burnsville, MN
55337 www.powdertechusa.com
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7.2.3
Turbidity reduction (organic and inorganic solids) claims
The system shall reduce the influent challenge level of 11 1 NTU (nephelometric turbidity unit) to not more
than 0.5 NTU when tested in accordance with 7.2.3. This level of turbidity reduction shall be maintained at all
sampling points during testing.
NOTE Turbidity reduction is not a surrogate for cyst reduction or any other health effect contaminant reduction.
7.2.3.1 Apparatus
All analyses shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable methods referred to in 2. Post-membrane
filters shall be removed prior to testing.
7.2.3.3 General test water
turbidity
pH
temperature
200 500 mg/L

1 NTU
7.5 0.5
25 1 C (77 2 F)
The fine test dust specified in 7.2.2.4 shall be added to the general test water specified in 7.2.3.3 to achieve a
turbidity level of 11 1 NTU.
7.2.3.5 Method
7.2.3.6 Sampling
7.2.3.6.1
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be emptied.
7.2.3.6.2
7.2.3.6.3
be emptied.
7.2.3.6.4
7.3 Data transfer protocol (DTP)
7.3.1
Data transfer protocol
This protocol describes the procedures whereby specific data generated by the testing of a membrane
element in a surrogate system may be used for a candidate system. The following contaminant reduction
claims may be included when applying this procedure. This procedure is specifically for systems with a shutoff valve and storage tank. The following reduction claims may be transferred using this protocol:
Ionic reduction claims
arsenic (Pentavalent);
barium;
cadmium;
chromium (Hexavalent);
chromium (Trivalent);
copper;
fluoride;
lead;
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radium (226/228); and

selenium
Mechanical filtration claims
7.3.2
turbidity
Procedure
The following procedures describe the requirements to develop a DTP for a membrane element (or group of
elements) and the method for candidate systems to qualify for a data transfer under the DTP.
7.3.2.1 Protocol limitations (membrane supplier)
A manufacturer shall submit a membrane element in a surrogate system with a shut-off valve and a storage
tank for performance testing in accordance with 7.3.2.3. This protocol shall only be used if the membranes are
produced by the same manufacturer (company); by the same process; in the same manner; using the same
materials; with the same manufacturing conditions, specifications and tolerances; and containing the same
pore size, distribution, and nominal pore size.
NOTE The manner and conditions in which membranes are produced affect their primary characteristics (e. g.,
pore size, distribution, nominal pore size, molecular weight cutoff, salt rejection). Changes in manufacturing
variables that impact membrane structure shall not be allowed for this data transfer protocol. Although data
transfer is appropriate between product lines using the same membrane, it is not appropriate between product
lines using membranes with different manufacturing conditions, specifications, or product tolerances.
A representative membrane element with the largest amount of active membrane area shall be tested for TDS
reduction and DPR in a surrogate system (shut-off valve and storage tank) as specified in 6.9.'
NOTE The membrane element with the largest active membrane area that is made with a specific manufacturing
process as defined above shall be tested for TDS reduction and DPR in a surrogate system (shut-off valve and
storage tank) as specified in 6.9. The surrogate system shall also be tested for chemical and mechanical reduction
performance in accordance with 7. The chemical and mechanical reduction claims may be transferred to a qualifying
candidate system with less active membrane area in accordance with 7.3.1.
Example Testing of the membrane element with the largest amount of active surface area that is
made with a specific manufacturing process shall be used to establish reduction claims. These
reduction claims may then be transferred to candidate systems with membrane elements that have
been qualified by this protocol and only vary in membrane surface area.
NOTE Only membrane elements that have DPR ranges from 19 to 450 Lpd (5 gpd to 120 gpd) shall
qualify for the data transfer protocol. Flux shall be calculated using 410 kPa (50 psig) pressure across the
membrane without backpressure at a temperature of 24 2 C (75 3 F) and a TDS of 750 ppm as
sodium chloride.
7.3.2.2 Protocol limitations (candidate system)
TDS reduction, DPR, and recovery shall be tested for each candidate system. The DTP shall be limited to the
candidate system using membrane elements qualified for the data transfer protocol under 7.3.2.1.
7.3.2.3 Required testing (membrane supplier)
a) The membrane element manufacturer shall supply membrane elements for testing to open
atmosphere and for testing in a surrogate system. The surrogate system shall be a typical POU system
and shall utilize an automatic shut-off valve and pressurized storage tank.
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b) The membrane elements in the surrogate system shall be tested in accordance with 6.9 to determine
TDS reduction, recovery, and DPR.
c) TDS reduction and DPR shall be tested with the system outlet open to atmosphere during days 1 and
7 of the surrogate system testing. The TDS samples shall be taken at the end of the recovery test on
days 1 and 7. The DPR open to atmosphere shall be calculated from data collected during the recovery
tests on days 1 and 7.
NOTE During the procedure for collecting open-to-atmosphere samples, the low flow of permeate from the
membrane results in samples that reflect permeate that would be generated during normal closed spigot
operation. The open discharge shall be operated long enough to ensure that all sumps and plumbing
components have been cleared of all previous permeate. A minimum of 5 times the unit void volume of any
internal component between the membrane element and the sample collection point shall be flushed from the
system before collecting open to atmosphere samples.
d) The membrane elements in the surrogate system shall be tested in accordance with 6.9 to any of the
allowed contaminants listed in 7.3.1 of the DTP.
e) Testing of units under 7.3.2.3b) and c) shall be performed on the same units. Testing of units under
7.3.2.3d) may be performed on other identical surrogate systems.
7.3.2.4 Required testing (candidate system)
a) The system shall be tested in accordance with 6.9 to determine TDS reduction, recovery, and DPR.
b) TDS reduction and DPR shall be tested with the system outlet open to atmosphere during days 1 and
7 of the candidates system testing. The TDS samples shall be taken at the end of the recovery test on
days 1 and 7. The DPR open to atmosphere shall be calculated from data collected during the recovery
test on days 1 and 7.
NOTE During the procedure for collecting open-to-atmosphere samples, the low flow of permeate from the
membrane results in samples that reflect permeate that would be generated during normal closed spigot
operation. The open discharge shall be operated long enough to ensure that all sumps and plumbing
components have been cleared of all previous permeate. A minimum of five times the unit void volume of any
internal component between the membrane element and the sample collection point shall be flushed from the
system before collecting open to atmosphere samples.
c) Testing of units according to 7.3.2.4a) and b) shall be performed on the same units.
7.3.2.5 Data comparison (membrane supplier)
a) TDS reduction surrogate system The TDS reduction test results of the membrane elements tested
in the surrogate system shall be compared to the TDS reduction test results of the membrane elements
open to atmosphere. The following calculation shall be used to determine the TDS reduction ratio.
TDS ratio 1 = TDS surrogate / TDS atmosphere
NOTE The TDS reduction ratio shall be reported as a decimal fraction. The arithmetic average of the
respective TDS reduction values shall be used for this calculation.
b) DPR surrogate system The DPR test results of the membrane elements tested in the surrogate
system shall be compared to the DPR test results of the membrane elements open to atmosphere. The
following calculation shall be used to determine the TDS reduction ratio.
DPR ratio 1 = DPR surrogate / DPR atmosphere
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NOTE DPR shall be reported and calculated in gal/d. The arithmetic average of the values shall be used for
calculations.
c) Recovery rating of the surrogate system The average fractional decimal of the surrogate system
from days 1 and 7 shall be recorded.
7.3.2.6 Data comparison (candidate system)
a) TDS reduction candidate system The TDS reduction test results of the membrane elements tested
in the candidate system shall be compared to the TDS reduction test results of the same membrane
elements open to atmosphere. The following calculation shall be used to determine the TDS reduction
ratio.
TDS ratio 2 = TDS candidate / TDS atmosphere
b) DPR candidate system The DPR test results of the membrane elements tested in the candidate
system shall be compared to the DPR test results of the same membrane elements open to atmosphere.
The following calculation shall be used to determine the TDS reduction ratio.
DPR ratio 2 = DPR Candidate / DPR atmosphere
c) Recovery rating of the candidate system The average fractional decimal of the surrogate system
from days 1 and 7 shall be recorded.
7.3.3
Acceptance criteria
a) TDS ratio 2 shall be equal to or greater than TDS ratio 1

NOTE The values used in the TDS calculation are fractional decimals.
b) DPR ratio 2 shall be equal to or greater than DPR ratio 1

c) Percent recovery of the candidate system shall be equal to or less than the fractional decimal of the
surrogate system.
8 Instructions and information

Data listed in the literature for the candidate system shall be the data obtained from the surrogate system for
the influent levels, average and maximum effluent levels, and percent reductions.
Data listed in the literature for TDS reduction, DPR, and % recovery (% efficiency if desired) shall be reported
only from the actual data obtained for the candidate system
8.1 Installation, operation, and maintenance instructions
8.1.1 Information setting forth complete, detailed instructions for installation, operation, and maintenance
shall be provided with each system. Specific instructions shall include:
complete name, address, and telephone number of manufacturer;
model number and trade designation;
flushing and conditioning procedures;
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production rate in L/d (gpd) as determined by testing to 6.7 and in relation to published efficiency
rating, recovery rating, or both, if applicable;
maximum and minimum working pressure in kPa (psig);
maximum and minimum operating temperature in degrees C (degrees F);
detailed installation instructions including an explanation or schematic diagram of proper connections

to the plumbing system;
operation and maintenance requirements (including user responsibility, parts, and service);
drawing and parts list for easy identification and ordering of replacement parts;
sources of supply for replaceable treatment components;
diagram showing proper air gap installation to waste connections; and
for systems equipped with an automatic shut-off valve and a pressurized or non-pressurized storage
tank:
a statement describing the systems efficiency rating as verified by testing in accordance with 6.7
along with the following: Efficiency rating means the percentage of the influent water to the system
that is available to the user as reverse osmosis treated water under operating conditions that
approximate typical daily usage; and
if the recovery rating is also reported, a statement describing the systems recovery rating as
verified by testing in accordance with 6.7. The recovery rating shall be reported together with or in
succession with the efficiency rating, shall be presented in the same type and size font as the
efficiency rating, and shall be reported in the same units of measurement as the efficiency rating,
along with the following: Recovery rating means the percentage of the influent water to the
membrane portion of the system that is available to the user as reverse osmosis treated water when
the system is operated without a storage tank or when the storage tank is bypassed;
for all other systems:

if the recovery rating is stated, a statement describing the systems recovery rating as verified by
testing in accordance with 6.7, along with the following: Recovery rating means the percentage of
the influent water to the membrane portion of the system that is available to the user as reverse
osmosis treated water when the system is operated without a storage tank or when the storage tank
is bypassed;
a statement noting the need for the system and installation to comply with state and local laws
and regulations;
a statement that the reverse osmosis system contains a replaceable treatment component,
critical for the effective reduction of total dissolved solids and that product water shall be tested
periodically to verify that the system is performing properly; and
a statement that the system conforms to NSF/ANSI 58 for the specific performance claims as
verified and substantiated by test data.
8.1.2
Where applicable and appropriate, the following information shall also be included:
explicit instructions explaining the performance indicator functions;
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model numbers of replaceable treatment components;
a statement for systems claiming VOC reduction: "This system conforms to NSF/ANSI 58 for VOC
reduction. See performance data sheet for individual contaminants and reduction performance;
NOTE Manufacturers may refer to individual chemicals from Table 10 on labels, manuals, or promotional
materials if such information conforms to the following requirements:
percent reductions, if specified, shall be either less than or equal to those specified in Table 6, or
additional testing is completed to justify the claim for a higher percent reduction; and
reference to individual chemicals from Table 10 shall not imply that specific testing for the chemical was
conducted if only the surrogate test was completed.
a statement for systems claiming nitrate/nitrite reduction that are tested at 210 kPa (30 psig): This
system is acceptable for treatment of influent concentrations of no more than 27 mg/L nitrate and 3 mg/L
nitrite in combination measured as N and is certified for nitrate/nitrite reduction only for water supplies
with a pressure of 140 kPa (20 psig) or greater;
a statement for systems claiming nitrate/nitrite reduction that are tested at 350 kPa (50 psig): "This
a statement for systems with activated carbon: "Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe
or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system. Systems certified for cyst
reduction may be used on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts;
electrical requirements;
specific requirements of the influent water characteristics (e. g., chlorine, bacteria, pH, temperature,
iron, turbidity, hardness, pressure) that may affect RO membrane polymers or other components,
addressed in language easily understood by the user;
For systems claiming cyst reduction: The percentage of cyst reduction must be included in the claim
if the claim is described as cyst removal; and
a statement for systems equipped with an automatic shut-off device that claim efficiency
performance: "This reverse osmosis system contains a replaceable component critical to the efficiency of
the system. Replacement of the reverse osmosis component should be with one of identical
specifications, as defined by the manufacturer, to ensure the same efficiency and contaminant reduction
performance."
8.1.3 Where appropriate and applicable, and where product packaging contains information for the
prospective purchaser, the following information shall be included on the product packaging in a location
visible to the purchaser:
if the claim is described on the packaging as cyst removal; and
a statement for systems claiming pentavalent arsenic reduction: This system has been tested for the
treatment of water containing pentavalent arsenic (also known as As(V), As(+5), or arsenate) at
10
concentrations of [0.050 mg/L or 0.30 mg/L] or less. This system reduces pentavalent arsenic, but may
not remove other forms of arsenic. This system is to be used on water supplies containing a detectable
free chlorine residual or on water supplies that have been demonstrated to contain only pentavalent
10
The square brackets, [ ], indicate that the values enclosed are options and that only one should appear in the final statement.
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arsenic. Treatment with chloramine (combined chlorine) is not sufficient to ensure complete conversion of
trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic. Please see the Arsenic Facts section of the Performance Data
Sheet for further information.
8.2 Data plate
8.2.1 A permanent plate or label shall be affixed to the system in a readily accessible location and shall
contain, at a minimum, the following information:
model number of system;
name and address of manufacturer;
maximum operating temperature in degrees C (degrees F);
maximum and minimum working pressure in kPa (psig); and
a statement that the system conforms to NSF/ANSI 58 for specific performance claims as verified and
substantiated by test data.
Components that have been evaluated only for design and construction, materials, or both, shall be exempt
from this requirement.
8.2.2
Where applicable and appropriate, the following information shall also be included:
a statement for systems claiming VOC reduction: "This system conforms to NSF/ANSI 58 for VOC
reduction. See performance data sheet for individual contaminants and reduction performance;
NOTE Manufacturers may refer to individual chemicals from Table 10 on labels, manuals, or promotional
materials if such information conforms to the following requirements:
percent reductions, if specified, shall be either less than or equal to those specified in Table 6, or
additional testing is completed to justify the claim for a higher percent reduction; and
reference to individual chemicals from Table 10 shall not imply that specific testing for the chemical was
conducted if only the surrogate test was completed.
or of unknown quality, without adequate disinfection before or after the system. Systems certified for cyst
system is acceptable for treatment of influent concentrations of no more than 27 mg/L nitrate and 3
mg/L nitrite in combination measured as N and is certified for nitrate/nitrite reduction only for water
supplies with a pressure of 280 kPa (40 psig) or greater;"
a statement for systems claiming pentavalent arsenic reduction: Conforms to NSF/ANSI 58 for
pentavalent arsenic reduction. See performance data sheet and Arsenic Facts section for an explanation
of reduction performance.
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8.3 Performance data sheet

8.3.1 A performance data sheet shall be made available to potential buyers for each system and shall
include the following information:
complete name, address, and telephone number of manufacturer;
model number and trade designation;
a statement that while testing was performed under standard laboratory conditions, actual
performance may vary;
a statement for claims: This system has been tested according to NSF/ANSI 58 for reduction of the
substances listed below. The concentration of the indicated substances in water entering the system was
reduced to a concentration less than or equal to the permissible limit for water leaving the system, as
specified in NSF/ANSI 58;
NOTE 1 Minimum substance reductions per NSF/ANSI 58 shall be listed using the values in tables 10, 11, and
12.
NOTE 2 In addition to this statement, advertising materials may show the average percent reduction
determined during verification.
NOTE 3 Average concentrations shall be the arithmetic mean of all reported influent challenge or product
water concentrations (the detection limit value shall be used for any non-detectable concentrations). The
specified percent reduction shall not be greater than the reduction calculated using the arithmetic means of the
influent challenge and the product water concentrations respectively.
production rate in L/d (gpd) as determined by testing to 6.7 and in relation to published efficiency
rating, recovery rating, or both, if applicable;
maximum and minimum working pressure in kPa (psig);
maximum and minimum operating temperature in degrees C (degrees F);
general installation conditions and needs;
general operation and maintenance requirements including, but not limited to:
user responsibility;
replacement elements;
parts and service availability; and
suggested frequency of element and cartridge/s replacement or service;
manufacturer's limited warranty;
specific requirements of the influent water characteristics (e. g., chlorine, bacteria, pH, temperature,
iron, turbidity, hardness, pressure) that may affect RO membrane polymers or other components,
addressed in language easily understood by the user; and
for systems equipped with an automatic shut-off valve and a pressurized or non-pressurized storage
tank:
a statement describing the systems efficiency rating as verified by testing in accordance with 6.7
along with the following: Efficiency rating means the percentage of the influent water to the system
that is available to the user as reverse osmosis treated water under operating conditions that
approximate typical daily usage.
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if the recovery rating is also stated, a statement describing the systems recovery rating as
verified by testing in accordance with 6.7. The recovery rating shall be reported together with or in
succession with the efficiency rating, shall be presented in the same type and size font as the
efficiency rating, and shall be reported in the same units of measurement as the efficiency rating,
along with the following: Recovery rating means the percentage of the influent water to the
membrane portion of the system that is available to the user as reverse osmosis treated water when
the system is operated without a storage tank or when the storage tank is bypassed.; and
for all other systems:

if the recovery rating is stated, a statement describing the systems recovery rating as verified by
testing in accordance with 6.7, along with the following: Recovery rating means the percentage of
the influent water to the membrane portion of the system that is available to the user as reverse
osmosis treated water when the system is operated without a storage tank or when the storage tank
is bypassed.
8.3.2
Where applicable and appropriate, the following information shall be included:
explanation of performance indicator;
electrical requirements;
model number of replaceable treatment components;
or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system. Systems certified for cyst
a statement for systems claiming pentavalent arsenic reduction: This system has been tested for the
treatment of water containing pentavalent arsenic (also known as As(V), As(+5), or arsenate) at
concentrations of [0.050 mg/L or 0.30 mg/L]11 or less. This system reduces pentavalent arsenic, but may
not remove other forms of arsenic. This system is to be used on water supplies containing a detectable
free chlorine residual at the system inlet or on water supplies that have been demonstrated to contain
only pentavalent arsenic. Treatment with chloramine (combined chlorine) is not sufficient to ensure
complete conversion of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic. Please see the Arsenic Facts section of
the Performance Data Sheet for further information;
for pentavalent arsenic reduction systems, explanation of the pentavalent arsenic claim in a separate
section, titled Arsenic Facts in at least 10 point font. At a minimum, the performance data sheet shall
describe the following:
11
The square brackets, [ ], indicate that the values enclosed are options and that only one should appear in the final statement.
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the occurrence and forms of arsenic in water and a general statement of the difference in their
health effects;
explanation of methods or procedures for determining whether the consumers source water
contains pentavalent arsenic and whether the system is effectively removing pentavalent arsenic
following installation;
the specific pentavalent arsenic removal claim for which the system has been evaluated and the
influent concentration for which the system was tested;
conditions under which the pentavalent arsenic removal performance of the system may be
limited (e. g., iron-containing water or other water quality conditions); and
information identifying the pentavalent arsenic removal component of the system, the frequency
of replacement of the removal component of the system, and sources of replacement components.
NOTE Examples of these performance data sheet requirements are available in annex B. Where the
above information requirements are presented in other sections of the product data sheet, they need not be
repeated, but should be referred to.
Table 10 Performance data sheet requirements

Substance
arsenic (pentavalent)
arsenic (pentavalent)
barium
cadmium
chromium (hexavalent)
chromium (trivalent)
chromium (hexavalent and trivalent)
copper
fluoride
lead
mercury
nitrate plus nitrite (both as N)
nitrate (as N)
nitrite (as N)
perchlorate
radium 226/228
selenium
total dissolved solids
turbidity
Influent challenge
concentration mg/L
0.30 10%
0.050 10%
10.0 10%
0.03 10%
0.3 10%
0.3 10%
0.3 10%
3.0 10%
8.0 10%
0.15 10%
0.006 10%
30.0 10%
27.0 10%
3.0 10%
0.10 10%
25 pCi/L 10%
0.10 10%
750 40 mg/L
11 1 NTU
Maximum permissible product water concentration mg/L

0.010
0.010
2.0
0.005
0.1
0.1
0.05 (hexavalent) and 0.05 (trivalent)
1.3
1.5
0.010
0.002
10.0
10.0
1.0
0.006
5 pCi/L
0.05
187
0.5 NTU
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included by surrogate testing
Substance
alachlor
atrazine
benzene
carbofuran
carbon tetrachloride
chlorobenzene
chloropicrin
2,4-D
dibromochloropropane (DBCP)
o-dichlorobenzene
p-dichlorobenzene
1,2-dichloroethane
1,1-dichloroethylene
cis-1,2-dichloroethylene
trans-1,2-dichloroethylene
1,2-dichloropropane
cis-1,3-dichloropropylene
dinoseb
endrin
ethylbenzene
ethylene dibromide (EDB)
haloacetonitriles (HAN):
bromochloroacetonitrile
dibromoacetonitrile
dichloroacetonitrile
trichloroacetonitrile
haloketones (HK):
1,1-dichloro-2-propanone
1,1,1-trichloro-2-propanone
heptachlor
heptachlor epoxide
hexachlorobutadiene
hexachlorocyclopentadiene
lindane
methoxychlor
pentachlorophenol
simazine
styrene
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
tetrachloroethylene
toluene
2,4,5-TP (silvex)
Influent challenge
concentration mg/L
0.050
0.100
0.081
0.190
0.078
0.077
0.015
0.110
0.052
0.080
0.040
0.088
0.083
0.170
0.086
0.080
0.079
0.170
0.053
0.088
0.044
Maximum permissible product

water concentration mg/L
0.001
0.003
0.001
0.001
0.0018
0.001
0.0002
0.0017
0.00002
0.001
0.001
0.0048
0.001
0.0005
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.0002
0.00059
0.001
0.00002
0.022
0.024
0.0096
0.015
0.0005
0.0006
0.0002
0.0003
0.0072
0.0082
0.025
0.011
0.044
0.060
0.055
0.050
0.096
0.120
0.150
0.081
0.081
0.078
0.270
0.0001
0.0003
0.00001
0.0002
0.001
0.000002
0.00001
0.0001
0.001
0.004
0.0005
0.001
0.001
0.001
0.0016
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included by surrogate testing
Substance
tribromoacetic acid
1,2,4-trichlorobenzene
trichloroethylene
trihalomethanes (includes):
chloroform (surrogate chemical)
bromoform
bromodichloromethane
chlorodibromomethane
xylenes (total)
Influent challenge
concentration mg/L
0.042
0.160
0.084
0.150
0.180
Maximum permissible product

water concentration mg/L
0.001
0.0005
0.0046
0.0005
0.001
0.300
0.015
0.070
0.001
concluded
Table 12 Performance data sheet performance claims for percent reduction

Substance
asbestos
cyst
Influent challenge concentration

107 to 108 fibers/L; fibers
greater than 10 m
minimum 50,000/mL
Reduction requirement
53
99%
99.95%
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Annex A12
(informative)
Key elements of a certification program for drinking water treatment systems and components
A certification program for drinking water treatment systems and components should contain the following
program elements.
A.1
Marking the product
Requirements for product marking, including:
certified systems should bear a registered trademark of the certifying organization;
certified components intended to be used with other components to make a complete functional
system, as defined by NSF/ANSI 58, should bear a component mark;
each system should have a model designation; and
each system should bear a statement of claims verified through the certifying organization and
substantiated by test data.
A.2
Listing certified companies
A published listing of all certified systems and components. The listing format should include at least the
following information:
A.3
company name and address;

product description;
trademark/model designation;
flow rate;
rated capacity or service cycle; and
each contaminant reduction claim that has been successfully evaluated and is supported by test data.
Annual audits
Actual physical audits of all facilities and production locations of the certified company at least
annually.
A.4
Testing
testing in accordance with all applicable NSF/ANSI 58 requirements prior to certification; and
a retest program that includes re-evaluation and retesting at least once every five years.
12
The information contained in this Annex is not part of this American National Standard (ANS) and has not been processed in accordance with ANSIs requirements for an ANS. Therefore, this Annex may contain material that has not been
subjected to public review or a consensus process. In addition, it does not contain requirements necessary for conformance to the Standard.
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A.5
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Toxicological evaluation of materials formulations
Formulation information of each material used in the fabrication of the system and/or components shall be
provided to and maintained on file by the certifying organization. The formulation information should include,
at a minimum:
A.6
the complete chemical identity or proportion by weight;

ingredient sources of supply;
documentation regarding the health effects concern of each ingredient in the material; and
documentation regarding the suitability of each ingredient for use in a potable water contact material.
Corrective action
Corrective action for all items of noncompliance found during audits and re-evaluation including:
A.7
provisions for review and authorization for modifications to designs;

modifications to certified system and/or components; and
documentation and authorization of the modification maintained on file.
Enforcement
To preserve the integrity of the registered trademark of the certifying organization and protect public health,
enforcement action should be taken by the certifier for the following:
A.8
use of the registered trademark of the certifying organization on a non-certified product;

general noncompliance;
unauthorized change to a certified product;
unauthorized shipment or disposal of product placed on hold; and
bribes.
Administrative review
Provisions for an administrative review as requested by any party directly affected by a decision or action of
the certifier.
A.9
Appeals
Provisions for an appeals process as requested by any party directly affected by a decision or action of the
certifier resulting from an administrative review.
A.10 Complaints
provisions for investigation of complaints related to certified products, misuse of the registered
trademark of the certifying organization by a certified company, or use/misuse of the registered trademark
of the certifying organization by a non-certified company; and
certified company retention and disclosure of complaint records and remedial actions for certified
products.
A2
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
A.11 Advertising
Requirement of proper use of the registered trademark of the certifying organization on sales literature,
technical publications, promotional materials, packaging, catalogs, and advertising.
A.12 Records
Provisions for verification of complete certified company records, including:
installation and service for fabricators and distributors;

purchased materials and components; and
production, shipment, and inventory.
A.13 Public notice

Provisions for issuing a public notice for noncompliance with any requirement of certification.
A.14 Confidentiality
A strict policy of nondisclosure of any confidential information supplied to the certifier by the company
regarding the product, including formulations, components, processes, ingredients, or the identity of the
companys suppliers and distributors.
A3
2009 NSF
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
Annex B13
(informative)
Example fact sections for pentavalent arsenic treatment systems
B.1
Example 1
Arsenic (As) is a naturally occurring contaminant found in many ground waters. It generally occurs in two
forms (valences or oxidation states): pentavalent arsenic (also known as As(V), As(+5), or arsenate) and
trivalent arsenic (also known as As(III), As(+3), or arsenite). In natural ground water, arsenic may exist as
trivalent arsenic, pentavalent arsenic, or a combination of both. Although both forms of arsenic are potentially
harmful to human health, trivalent arsenic is considered more harmful than pentavalent arsenic. More
information about arsenic and its toxicity can be found on the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency website
at http://www.epa.gov/ safewater/ arsenic.html.
This system [Model number] is designed to remove only pentavalent arsenic. This treatment system
does not provide a feature for conversion of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic. The system may
remove some trivalent arsenic; however, it has not been evaluated for its ability to remove trivalent
arsenic.
Trivalent arsenic is generally more difficult to remove from drinking water than pentavalent arsenic. Trivalent
arsenic can be converted to pentavalent arsenic in the presence of an effective oxidant such as free chlorine.
The arsenic in water that contains detectable free chlorine or that has been treated with another effective
oxidant will be in the pentavalent arsenic form. Treatment with chloramine (combined chlorine) is not sufficient
to ensure complete conversion of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic.
Consumers using public water supplies can contact their utility to verify that free chlorine treatment chemicals
are being used. Private water supplies and waters that do not have detectable free chlorine residuals should
be analyzed to determine the form/s of arsenic present and the potential need for oxidation of trivalent arsenic
to pentavalent arsenic.
Arsenic does not generally impart color, taste, or smell to water; therefore, it can only be detected by a
chemical analytical test. Public water supplies are required to monitor treated water for total arsenic (trivalent
arsenic plus pentavalent arsenic) and the results are available to the public from the utility. Consumers using
private water sources will need to make arrangements for testing. A total arsenic test usually costs about $15$30, and it is recommended that the test be conducted by a certified laboratory. Local health departments or
environmental protection agencies can help provide consumers with a list of certified laboratories. Some
laboratories may also be able to analyze specifically for (speciate) the two forms of arsenic present in a water
sample if requested.
This treatment system was tested under laboratory conditions as defined in NSF/ANSI 58 Reverse Osmosis
Drinking Water Treatment Systems and was found to reduce [influent arsenic challenge concentration, either
0.30 mg/L or 0.050 mg/L] in the test water to less than 0.010 mg/L, under standard testing conditions. Actual
performance of the system may vary depending on specific water quality conditions at the consumers
installation. Following installation of this system, the consumer should have the treated water tested for total
arsenic to verify that arsenic reduction is being achieved and the system is functioning properly.
The pentavalent arsenic removal component of this system must be replaced at the end of its useful life of
[frequency of RO membrane replacement]. The replacement component, [replacement component
identification] can be purchased from the original source of this system (retailer or distributor), from other
sources of this treatment system, or directly from the manufacturer at [contact information].
13
The information contained in this Annex is not part of this American National Standard (ANS) and has not been processed in accordance with ANSIs requirements for an ANS. Therefore, this Annex may contain material that has not been
subjected to public review or a consensus process. In addition, it does not contain requirements necessary for conformance to the Standard.
B1
2009 NSF
B.2
NSF/ANSI 58 2009
Example 2
Arsenic (abbreviated As) is found naturally in some well water. Arsenic in water has no color, taste, or odor. It
must be measured by a laboratory test. Public water utilities must have their water tested for arsenic. You can
get the results from your water utility. If you have your own well, you can have the water tested. The local
health department or the state environmental health agency can provide a list of certified labs. The cost is
typically $15 to $30. Information about arsenic in water can be found on the Internet at the U. S.
Environmental Protection Agency website: www.epa.gov/safewater/arsenic.html.
There are two forms of arsenic: pentavalent arsenic (also called As(V), As(+5), and arsenate) and trivalent
arsenic (also called As(III), As(+3), and arsenite). In well water, arsenic may be pentavalent, trivalent, or a
combination of both. Special sampling procedures are needed for a lab to determine what type and how much
of each type of arsenic is in the water. Check with the labs in your area to see if they can provide this type of
service.
Reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment systems do not remove trivalent arsenic from water very well. RO
systems are very effective at removing pentavalent arsenic. A free chlorine residual will rapidly convert
trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic. Other water treatment chemicals such as ozone and potassium
permanganate will also change trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic. A combined chlorine residual (also
called chloramine) may not convert all the trivalent arsenic. If you get your water from a public water utility,
contact the utility to find out if free chlorine or combined chlorine is used in the water system.
The [model number] system is designed to remove pentavalent arsenic. It will not convert trivalent arsenic to
pentavalent arsenic. The system was tested in a lab. Under testing conditions, the system reduced [0.30 mg/L
(ppm) or 0.050 mg/L (ppm)] pentavalent arsenic to 0.010 mg/L (ppm) (the USEPA standard for drinking water)
or less. The performance of the system may be different at your installation. Have the treated water tested for
arsenic to check whether the system is working properly.
The RO component of the [model number] system must be replaced [frequency] to ensure that the system will
continue to remove pentavalent arsenic. The component identification and locations where you can purchase
the component are listed in the installation/operation manual.
B2
Standards
14
The following standards established and adopted by NSF as minimum voluntary consensus standards are
used internationally:
2 Food equipment
3 Commercial warewashing equipment
4 Commercial cooking, rethermalization, and powered hot food holding and transport equipment
5 Water heaters, hot water supply boilers, and heat recovery equipment
6 Dispensing freezers
7 Commercial refrigerators and freezers
8 Commercial powered food preparation equipment
12 Automatic ice making equipment
13 Refuse processors and processing systems
14 Plastics piping system components and related materials
18 Manual food and beverage dispensing equipment
20 Commercial bulk milk dispensing equipment
21 Thermoplastic refuse containers
24 Plumbing system components for recreational vehicles
25 Vending machines for food and beverages
29 Detergent and chemical feeders for commercial spray-type dishwashing machines
35 High pressure decorative laminates (HPDL) for surfacing food service equipment
36 Dinnerware
37 Air curtains for entranceways in food and food service establishments
40 Residential wastewater treatment systems
41 Non-liquid saturated treatment systems
42 Drinking water treatment units Aesthetic effects
44 Residential cation exchange water softeners
46 Evaluation of components and devices used in wastewater treatment systems
49 Biosafety cabinetry: Design, construction, performance and field certification
50 Equipment for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and other recreational water facilities
51 Food equipment materials
52 Supplemental flooring
53 Drinking water treatment units Health effects
55 Ultraviolet microbiological water treatment systems
58 Reverse osmosis drinking water treatment systems
59 Mobile food carts
60 Drinking water treatment chemicals Health effects
61 Drinking water system components Health effects
62 Drinking water distillation systems
143 Environmentally preferable products Hard surface cleaners
169 Special purpose food equipment and devices
170 Glossary of food equipment terminology
173 Dietary supplements
177 Shower filtration systems Aesthetic effects
184 Residential dishwashers
222 Ozone generators
245 Wastewater treatment systems Nitrogen reduction
305 Personal care products containing organic ingredients
330 Glossary of drinking water treatment unit terminology
14159-1 Hygiene requirements for the design of meat and poultry processing equipment
14159-2 Hygiene requirements for the design of hand held tools used in meat and poultry processing equipment
14159-3 Hygiene requirements for the design of mechanical belt conveyors used in meat and poultry processing equipment
14
The information contained in this Standards page is not part of this American National Standard (ANS) and has not
been processed in accordance with ANSIs requirements for an ANS. Therefore, this Standards and Criteria page may
contain material that has not been subjected to public review or a consensus process. In addition, it does not contain requirements necessary for conformance to the Standard.

NSF 58

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NSF International Standard /

American National Standard

NSF International, an independent, notfor-profit, non-governmental organization,

This Standard is subject to revision.

Users of this Standard may request clarifications and

NSF International Standard/

Designated as an ANSI standard

Recommended for adoption by

Revised May 1990

This page is intentionally left blank.

Normative references ............................................................................................................................. 1

Structural performance ......................................................................................................................... 14

Minimum performance requirements.................................................................................................... 19

Elective performance claims test methods ........................................................................................ 28

Instructions and information ................................................................................................................. 45

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NSF/ANSI 53 2004. Drinking water treatment units Health effects

NSF/ANSI 61 2004. Drinking water system components Health effects

USEPA600/RB93/100. Methods for the Determination of Inorganic Substances in Environmental Samples,

USEPA National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations, 40 CFR Part 143

Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Toronto, Canada M4V 1P5 www.ene.gov.on.ca

Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 www.gpo.gov

disposable component: A component that requires periodic replacement.

drinking water: Water that is intended for human consumption.

influent challenge: The mixture of water and contaminants entering a system.

permeate: The water that is treated by passage through a membrane.

product water: Water that has been treated by a system.

working pressure: Feedwater or inlet water pressure to a system.

The following additional information is required when available:

Install the test system/s on the test stand.

General requirements for GC/MS analysis

Table 3 Materials listed in U. S. Code of Federal Regulations,

Table 4 Non-specific extraction testing parameters

Analysis for specific compound/s in material

Analysis for specific phenolic compound/s in

Gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy (GC/MS).

Liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy (LC/MS).

Structural integrity test methods

Close up of cyclic controllers

Basic hydrostatic and cyclic testing

5.1.3.2 Hydrostatic pressure test complete systems

Table 5 Structural integrity methods

Cyclic pressure test

pumped systems with

1.5 x maximum working pressure

3 x maximum working pressure

10,000 cycles at 0 to 690

Cyclic pressure test

faucet attached systems

1.5 x maximum working pressure or 1,040

4 x maximum working pressure or

disposable metallic pressure vessels and components

4 x maximum working pressure or

low pressure storage

6 Minimum performance requirements

Storage tank capacity test

TDS reduction claims

Chemical reduction and mechanical filtration claims

terminating discharge of product water;

sounding an alarm connected to an acceptable power source;

flashing a light connected to an acceptable power source;

providing a sampling kit for analysis of TDS or other appropriate contaminants; or

providing a TDS monitor to measure the product water quality.