NSF STANDARD 53 TEST PROTOCOL

PERFORMED BY INDEPENDENT LABORATORY
20,000 gallons of city water, spiked with high levels of specific contaminants, was run through a KDF/GAC cartidge. Click here to learn more about KDF The efficiency shown below was measured AFTER 20,000 gallons had passed through the cartridge (when new, removal is 99+%). Most other non-standard tests show results after only one pass of contaminated water, which does not indicate how the filter will perform towards the end of its life. To pass the NSF-53 protocol, the effluent must be under the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) throughout the test. 

All concentrations are measured in milligrams per liter (mg/l). 

Test Results at 20,000 Gallons Chemical Influent Effluent Efficiency EPA MCL

Chemical

Influent

Effluent

Efficiency

EPA MCL

THM (chloroform)

0.57

0.029

95%

0.1

Lead

0.19

0.006

97%

0.025

Fluoride (1)

8.26

0.78

91%

1.4

Nitrate (1)

30.7

8.03

74%

10.0

Barium

10.4

0.56

95%

1.0

Arsenic

0.37

0.007

98%

0.05

Cadmium

0.03

0.004

87%

0.01

Chromium VI

0.15

0.011

93%

0.05

Chromium III

0.163

0.003

98%

0.05

Selenium

0.1

0.006

94%

0.01

Mercury

0.006

0.000*

99+%

0.002

Endrin

0.0008

0.000*

99%+

0.0002

Lindane

0.011

0.0012

89%

0.004

Methoxychlor

0.32

0.0059

98%

0.1

Toxaphene

0.013

0.000*

99%+

0.005

2,4-D

0.3

0.02

93%

0.1

Silvex (2,4,5-TP)

0.029

0.004

86%

0.01

* - Below detectable limit.

(1) - While this test shows a reduction in these contaminants, KDF is inconsistent in their removal in certain water conditions. We offer special nitrate and fluoride filters, or reverse osmosis, if removal is needed.

A separate test was run on another KDF/GAC cartridge to determine chlorine removal capacity. The challenge solution contained 3 mg/l chlorine (most cities use less than 1 mg/l). 2 mg/l lead was also added. At 20,000 gallons, both were being removed 99.9+%. The test was terminated at 28,400 gallons when the chlorine removal rate hit 90%. The lead removal was still 97.6%.

Notice: consumer is responsible for following any state and/or local regulations and plumbing codes pertinent to the purchase, installation and operation of our products. California Residents: the state of California requires water treatment devices claiming health claims be tested and certified by them - our units are not. Therefore, only aesthetic claims can be made on units shipping to California addresses.