Jan 29, 2018   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

NSF International's Consumer Tips for Choosing a Drinking Water Filter to Reduce Contaminants

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 29, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recent studies and news reports have many Americans concerned about the possibility of contaminants in their drinking water. Fortunately, a wide variety of residential drinking water treatment and filtration devices are available. But how do consumers choose a filter that is sure to work?

NSF International, the global public health organization that led the development of national drinking water standards in the United States, independently tests and certifies drinking water treatment units and filters so consumers can be sure the products do what the manufacturers say they will do. This is especially important for filters and devices that claim to reduce potentially harmful contaminants like arsenic, lead, PFOA, PFOS, microcystin and radium.

NSF International's drinking water filtration experts offer these tips to consumers who want to reduce potentially harmful contaminants in their water supply:

    1. Find out what contaminants may be in your water. Start by getting a copy
       of your water quality report (called a CCR or consumer confidence report)
       from your local water utility/authority. If you are unable to get your
       report or if you have a private well, you may want to consider having
       your water independently tested.
    2. Decide what contaminants you want to reduce. Once you know what is in
       your water, you can better find a treatment solution that is certified to
       address your water quality concerns. It's important to understand that
       not all filters can reduce all contaminants.
    3. Consider your options. A number of water treatment solutions are
       available. They range from whole-house systems that treat all the water
       in your home to filters for specific areas such as the kitchen faucet and
       more portable solutions such as water pitchers. Some reduce only one
       contaminant while others reduce many.
    4. Choose an NSF certified product. Whatever water treatment or filtration
       option you choose, make sure it is independently tested and certified by
       NSF International. This certification means you can be confident and
       assured that the system will do what it says it will do.

Go to NSF International's Consumer Resources page to find water treatment units and filters that are NSF certified to reduce specific contaminants.

Consumers with questions about water filters and independent certification can call NSF International's Consumer Information Hotline at +1 800 673 8010 or email info@nsf.org.

NSF International (nsf.org) is a global independent organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the water, food, health sciences and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. With locations in more than 30 countries, NSF International is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Indoor Environment.

CONTACT: Thomas Frey, APR
+1 734 214 6242
media@nsf.org

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SOURCE NSF International