NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, Section 9: Mechanical Plumbing Devices
February 20, 2020
Certify to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 with NSF. This standard assures that unsafe levels of lead and other harmful contaminants do not leach into drinking water.
Information on Revisions to the Standard
- Reducing lead levels in drinking water continues to be an important goal for governments, communities and individuals, especially for our most sensitive populations: infants and children.
- The Drinking Water Additives Joint Committee that oversees NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 voted to reduce the acceptable amount of lead leaching from endpoint devices. Endpoint devices include devices present in the last liter of the drinking water system, such as faucets, flexible connectors and stop valves. These products are covered by Section 9 of NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and are evaluated to a statistical calculation known as the Q criterion for lead extraction.
- The Q criterion represents the average dose of lead (in μg) that may be leached from a mechanical plumbing device. The original criterion of 5 μg for endpoint devices and 3 μg for supply stops, flexible plumbing connectors and components was reduced to 1 μg and 0.5 μg, respectively. Lead leaching limits are now five times more protective than the previous standard.
- This change is reflected in NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 - 2020 and specifies a lower Q (lead extraction) requirement for Section 9 as an optional requirement. Products that meet the new criterion will be identified in the product listing and must indicate this compliance on consumer-facing product packaging or labeling. On January 1, 2024, these optional requirements become mandatory for certification to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, Section 9. Products that do not meet the reduced Q criterion at this time will no longer be certified under NSF 61, Section 9.
How NSF Can Help You
Get in touch to find out how we can help you and your business thrive.
What’s New with NSF
NSF Granted Reauthorization as a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization
January 8, 2025Cyber AB’s reauthorization allows NSF to conduct CMMC Level 2 assessments and certifications for Department of Defense Suppliers.
Read the Story
Sustainable Foods Summit 2025
January 2, 2025NSF is pleased to support The Sustainable Foods Summit in San Francisco, taking place 22-23 January 2025. The North American edition will delve into sustainability schemes, regenerative agriculture, ecological and packaging impacts.
Read the Story
NSF Celebrates 50 Years of the Safe Drinking Water Act
December 16, 2024The Safe Drinking Water Act resulted in the creation of NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, helping safeguard global drinking water.
Read the Story
Brooklands New Media’s Publication On NSF’s Global Animal Wellness Standards (GAWS) Not Endorsed by NSF
November 25, 2024NSF is aware that a firm called Brooklands New Media plans to publish a book to mark the 5th anniversary of NSF Global Animal Wellness Standards (GAWS).
Read the Story