The new NSF certification program is based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule ("LT2"). It outlines additional requirements for annual facility audits, in addition to
The EPA's LT2 regulations require that membrane filtration products undergo laboratory testing to assure the filters can perform as indicated by removing disease-causing microorganisms like Cryptosporidium. These microorganisms are resistant to common primary disinfection practices such as chlorination. NSF International conducted tests on the Hyflux Kristal K-600ET0820
Ultrafiltration Membrane Module and certified it as meeting the requirements for the reduction of Cryptosporidium, with an average log removal value (LRV) of 6.5 log10, and a minimum LRV of 5.9 log10. The Kristal K-600ET0820 is also certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61, which is the American National Standard for drinking water products.
NSF International has conducted evaluations of membrane and other public water supply products for the U.S. EPA since 1996, as NSF operates the EPA's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Drinking Water Systems Center. The NSF ETV program has produced 9 protocols, including 28 testing plans, for technologies that are designed to remove waterborne pathogens by various filters, and to disinfect or reduce chemical contaminants in the water.
"NSF International provides water utility personnel the confidence they need to know the products they install will perform as indicated," said Bruce Bartley, NSF International Technical Manager. "In addition, we provide on-going inspections and certifications that ensure that products will continue to comply with the EPA's LT2 requirements and remove disease-causing microorganisms such as Cryptosporidium."
"As a global provider of water treatment solutions and equipment, Hyflux constantly seeks to achieve new standards and benchmarks. The certification by NSF, which is the first for any company to achieve, is a validation of our membrane innovations and the quality of our membranes in delivering cleaner, safer drinking water for our customers," said Olivia Lum, Hyflux Ltd. Group CEO.