Leveraging Your NSF Certification: Now that you've received NSF Certification ... why not leverage the Mark to your advantage.
The NSF International Joint Committee on Drinking Water Additives–System Components and the NSF Council of Public Health Consultants (CPHC) recently approved a ballot to remove the 15-year exclusion of fire hydrants from the scope of NSF/ANSI 61. As a result, both wet barrel and dry barrel (base valve design) types of hydrants can be certified under NSF/ANSI 61. The hydrants will be evaluated based on the wetted components of the hydrants while the valves are in the closed position and not in use for fire-related use and maintenance. The normalization factors and assumptions will be the same as those that exist in the standard for water main valves.
On the surface, the positive impact on public health of evaluating fire hydrants to a drinking water health effects standard may not be evident. While fire hydrants’ primary use is not to serve as drinking water devices, they have been and can be used to fill up tankers for drinking water and as temporary drinking water supplies. But, most importantly, lead and other contaminants may leach into the water and may dissipate over time into the main water stream. Now that fire hydrants can once again be certified to NSF/ANSI 61, there is an avenue for fire hydrant manufacturers to demonstrate that their products are not contributing contaminants into the water above acceptable levels.
In addition to certifying fire hydrants to NSF/ANSI 61 for drinking water, NSF can also provide certification to UL 246- Hydrants for Fire-Protection Service which covers the performance of testing hydrants intended for use in piping systems supplying water for fire-protection service.
If you are interested in more information on the certification of fire hydrants to NSF/ANSI 61 or UL 246, please contact Ms. Theresa Bellish at bellish@nsf.org.
