Skip to main content
NSF Home

Loading…

NSF/ANSI 61 and Fire Hydrants

December 28, 2025

Why fire hydrants must meet health-based certification requirements.

Fire hydrants and related components—such as fittings and risers—that come into contact with potable water fall under the scope of NSF/ANSI/CAN 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects. Certification to this standard is required in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces.

Clearing up the confusion

The U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) exempts fire hydrants from lead-free content requirements, but NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 certification still applies. This means hydrants must pass contaminant leachate testing for lead and other harmful substances.

Why certification matters

  • Hydrants with high lead content can create compliance risks for utilities.
  • Certification ensures hydrants and components do not contribute excessive lead or other contaminants to the water distribution system.
  • Manufacturers who certify to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 demonstrate a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance, gaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Show your commitment to public health and compliance—get your hydrants certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61.

For more information, download the fact sheet PDF: NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and Fire Hydrants

Learn more about NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 testing and certification

This standard sets benchmarks for evaluating water distribution products and materials. Learn about why it's required and accepted around the world.

Learn more

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

  • Young beautiful athlete woman training on outdoors exercise bike in park and eating energy bar.

    NSF Drives Industry Conversations at SupplySide Global 2026 - Las Vegas, Oct. 26–30

    September 17, 2026
    NSF returns to SupplySide Global with expert-led training and trusted certification solutions. Visit Booth 4741 to discover how NSF and Cambium Analytica help brands build trust, increase consumer confidence and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
    Read the Story

  • NSF Welcomes Hanjun Kwon, Managing Director, APAC

    September 14, 2026
    Experienced business leader to drive sustainable growth, organizational development and operational excellence across the Asia-Pacific region.
    Read the Story
  • A mother and her son standing in the kitchen as she prepares food for lunch. He is eating a strawberry while he watches. Mom is Caucasian, in her 30s and the boy is mixed race Black and Caucasian, 3 years old. The focus is on the woman.

    NSF to Exhibit and Present at PACK EXPO International

    September 11, 2026
    NSF is proud to be part of PACK EXPO International 2026, the premier event bringing together packaging and processing leaders from across industries.
    Read the Story

  • Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) Welcomes NSF’s Brian Schultz into the 2026 Hall of Fame

    September 10, 2026
    Lifetime achievement recognition honors exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to the cybersecurity profession.
    Read the Story