Water Safety Compliance: Your NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 Questions Answered

In the world of water treatment, safeguarding public health means more than simply meeting regulations. When products in drinking water systems don't meet safety standards, the consequences can affect both people's health and their trust in the water supply.

NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 regulations offer an objective, scientific standard that gauges the effectiveness of water treatment systems — ensuring each component in the supply chain is capable of preventing contamination. “NSF 61-certified” products are certified to NSF/ANSI 372 and conform with the lead content requirements for “lead free” plumbing as defined by California, Vermont, Maryland and Louisiana state laws and the U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act.

As a longstanding leader in mechanical sealing solutions, John Crane understands the mission-critical nature of this commitment. Our broad suite of NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-certified, or approved, products supports the reliability of water treatment systems while helping our customers meet these critical regulatory standards.

In the next installment of this blog, we'll introduce John Crane's specific NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61-certified products. But first, we'll take a closer look at how these regulations protect water quality and public health.

Short on time? View broad-level takeaways and insights into how John Crane's technologies simplify NSF ANSI 61 approval.

What are NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61?

NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 are drinking water system component standards designed to ensure health and safety in municipal water treatment systems. These standards set strict health-based criteria for materials, components and devices that come into contact with drinking water. By defining allowable impurities that may leach into water, NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 help prevent waterborne diseases and reduce chemical exposure risks.

What is the Purpose and Importance of NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61?

The purpose of NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 approval is to protect public health by preventing water contamination. These standards ensure that materials and products used in water treatment systems meet strict safety requirements, limiting harmful chemicals from leaching into drinking water. By regulating these components, NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 help to safeguard drinking water from potential pollutants.

Products that meet these standards go through comprehensive testing and technical reviews to confirm they do not pose a threat to drinking water quality.

Where Are NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 Applied?

These approvals are a legal requirement for many products and systems in water treatment and distribution in North America, but specific criteria vary by location and local regulation.

United States: NSF 61 and ANSI 61

In the U.S., 49 state drinking water agencies require compliance with NSF 61 and ANSI 61 for centralised water treatment plants and distribution system components. However, in the U.S., water distribution systems downstream of the water meter or inside a building are regulated by local plumbing codes rather than state agencies. While all major plumbing codes require the use of NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-certified products, the specific requirements are usually outlined in state or local codes.

Canada: NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and CSA 61

Canada has its own set of requirements for drinking water safety. Eleven provinces and territories mandate that components in drinking water systems comply with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards. When it comes to plumbing products inside buildings, provincial plumbing codes take the lead, often referencing Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines that cite NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 compliance.

What are the Benefits of Using NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61-Certified Products?

Why do NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 approvals matter to your business? Beyond just meeting regulatory requirements, approved products carry benefits that enhance safety, simplify compliance and foster customer confidence.

Demonstrated Commitment to Product Safety

NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 certification is a clear indicator that products meet strict health and safety standards. Each approved product undergoes rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure it helps reduce the risk of chemical contaminants leaching into the water supply, providing the highest level of safety for consumers.

Streamlined Regulatory Compliance

Using NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61-certified products helps meet the complex regulations set by state, provincial and local authorities, which help simplify acceptance across different regions. Investing in these accredited products not only demonstrates your commitment to upholding safety standards but also strengthens your credibility in the market.

Customer Trust and Competitive Edge

In today's market, consumers are more conscious than ever about health and safety standards. NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61-approved products help demonstrate your commitment to public health and build customer trust and confidence.

Continuous Improvement

NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61-certified products undergo regular audits, ensuring that manufacturing processes consistently meet high quality standards. This ongoing evaluation helps manufacturers like John Crane deliver products that reliably meet safety requirements and maintain their performance.

What are the Requirements for NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 Compliance?

NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 compliance requires thorough planning, stringent controls and continuous oversight throughout the entire manufacturing process. Products that meet these standards are designed and produced with strict attention to safety and quality, ensuring they are safe for use in drinking water systems.

Use of Approved Materials

Products must be made using materials that meet NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 standards for drinking water contact. For example, John Crane's approved mechanical seals use materials such as EPDM O-rings, 316 stainless steel and carbon seal faces to meet these strict material requirements. Explore John Crane's approved products.

Approved Manufacturing Locations

Compliance requires that production occurs at approved facilities. John Crane manufactures our NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 products at approved locations in Morton Grove, IL and San Fernando, Mexico, ensuring complete traceability and stringent quality control throughout the process.

Control of Lubricants

Any lubricants used in the seal assembly must also comply with NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards to prevent chemical contamination, ensuring that only safe materials come into contact with drinking water.

Limited Design Modifications

Design changes are kept to a minimum to maintain compliance. Significant modifications can introduce new risk factors, requiring additional testing and re-approval under NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards.

Proper Documentation

Compliance is backed by detailed documentation such as General Arrangement (GA) drawings, which help maintain traceability for each product batch. NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 labelling on product packaging further provides a clear indication of approval.

Supplier Audits

Regular audits by approval bodies are crucial in verifying that manufacturers adhere to approved practices and quality management protocols. This ongoing review is essential for maintaining compliance and product reliability.

Supporting Reliability for Water Treatment Systems

NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 approval is more than a box to check off — compliance builds market credibility, fosters consumer confidence and assures quality. With a rigorous approval process including careful material selection, controlled manufacturing processes and ongoing audits, NSF 61, ANSI 61 and CAN 61 are a promise to communities that they can trust the quality of their water.

For more than a century, John Crane has embraced this same commitment to reliability and safety. Applying our own meticulous quality standards to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 requirements, we provide a suite of approved products that help our clients protect public health while building market credibility and consumer trust. To explore our NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-approved products, read the second installment of this blog series.