| National Certification of Water
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In the United States , drinking water is required to go through many different types of vagarious testing process. Water companies uses various types of purification and filtration to meet the standards set by organizations such as the Water Quality Association (WQA). Organizations such as the WQA are closely regulated by NSF and ANSI, thus providing a threshold of integrity and reputation for the organizations. Since these organization's water standards are all monitored by the NSF and ANSI, they contain the same criteria and similar grading system. In essence, being accredited by any of the following organizations is the same.
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American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is an organization that coordinates thousands of voluntary standards-setting programs in various industries, one of which is drinking water treatment. Formed in 1918, ANSI's goal was to serve as the national coordinator in the standards development process. One of the first standards that ANSI set involved pipe threads in 1919. Based in Washington DC, ANSI now accredits around 200 testers and certifiers around the nation.
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NSF International, or National Sanitation Foundation, was originally founded in 1944 at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. NSF's specialty lies in health-related industries, including food, water, indoor air, and the environment. It's involvement in setting standards for drinking water allows them to create programs to test for additive chemicals in bottled water and tap water. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, NSF is a NPO organization that is also accredited by ANSI.
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The Water Quality Association (WQA) is responsible for launching the Gold Seal Certification Program in 1959. The Gold Seal is a certification program that tests water treatment products, first appearing on water softener products in 1960. The WQA is currently testing new, innovative water treatment products such as ______ from their headquarters in Lisle, IL. The WQA is accredited and follows all NSF/ANSI regulations.
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FDA, or the Federal Food and Drug Administration, is a federal organization that establishes Standards of Identity for all bottled water that is sold in the US. They closely regulate and categorize different types of bottled water.
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Underwriters Laboratories is an independent product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing standards for safety for more than a century.
Founded in 1984, UL evaluates more than 19,000 types of products, components, materials and systems annually with 21 billion UL Marks appearing on 72,000 manufacturers' products each year. UL's worldwide family of companies and network of service providers includes 62 laboratory, testing and certification facilities serving customers in 99 countries.
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The Canadian Standards Association is a not-for-profit membership-based association serving business, industry, government and consumers in Canada and the global marketplace. As a solutions-oriented organization, CSA works in Canada and around the world to develop standards that address real needs, such as enhancing public safety and health. Their mission is to advance the quality of life, help preserve the environment, and facilitate trade. CSA helps people understand standards through education and information products and services. Each year, thousands of people benefit from the training materials, workshops and seminars offered by the CSA Learning Centre.
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The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials has been protecting the public's health and safety for more than eighty years by working in concert with government and industry to implement comprehensive plumbing and mechanical systems around the world. The IAPMO Group is a complete service organization, providing code development assistance, industry-leading education, and a manufacturer-preferred quality assurance program.
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Truesdail Laboratories has over 75 years of independent testing experience. Located in Long Beach, California, Truesdail Laboratories is ANSI accredited. Truesdail Laboratories certifies and list manufacturers whose products meet regulatory and industry standards for the water industry. They also provide drug testing services for the animal racing industry.
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The International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) is the authoritative source of information about all types of bottled waters. Founded in 1958, IBWA's membership includes U.S. and international bottlers, distributors and suppliers. Strengthened by IBWA Model Code, the Association is committed to working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates bottled water as a packaged food product, and state governments to set stringent standards for safe, high quality bottled water products. Consumers can contact IBWA at 1-800-WATER-11 or log onto IBWA's web site (www.bottledwater.org) for more information about bottled water and a list of members' brands.
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