NSF Launches Protocol for Drinking Water Quality Testing Devices

NSF has launched protocol NSF P524: Water Quality Test Devices for Drinking Water. This is the first protocol that provides a standard third-party validation of the performance of water quality testing devices used in drinking water, ensuring public health protection by providing assurance that these crucial devices perform according to the manufacturer’s claims.

The new protocol has been developed through collaboration between NSF’s experts and industry experts including manufacturers and public health officials. Until now, manufacturers of potable water WQTDs could only advertise performance claims based on their own validation testing.

NSF P524 covers any device, sensor or test kit used to measure quality parameters in drinking water where the operation of the kit does not require access to lab facilities or equipment and provides results in real-time or after a short wait period. The protocol verifies the manufacturer’s claimed accuracy and precision for the device across its claimed operating range. Certification testing verifies the claims by comparing measurements taken with the device to established laboratory reference methods.