When selecting a hose for potable water applications, pressure ratings and durability are important, but they are not enough. Any product that comes into contact with drinking water should also be manufactured using materials that comply with recognised health and safety standards.
One of the most widely recognised standards worldwide is NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, which helps ensure that products used in drinking water systems do not adversely affect water quality. Whether you're designing a municipal water network, specifying equipment for groundwater extraction or selecting hoses for temporary potable water supply, understanding this certification is essential.
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 is an internationally recognised health effects standard for products, components and materials that come into contact with drinking water. Its purpose is to evaluate whether these materials release contaminants into potable water above established safety limits. Unlike mechanical standards, NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 focuses on protecting water quality and public health.
Every component in a drinking water system can influence water quality, including flexible hoses, pipes, valves, fittings, pumps and water treatment equipment. Using products evaluated to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 helps protect drinking water quality, support compliance with project specifications, satisfy regulatory requirements and provide independent third-party verification.
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 does not certify a hose's mechanical performance. Instead, it evaluates the suitability of materials in contact with drinking water. When selecting a hose, engineers should consider both regulatory compliance (certification, approved materials and potable water suitability) and operational performance (pressure rating, hydraulic efficiency, flexibility, abrasion resistance and service life).
Certified hoses are commonly specified for municipal drinking water distribution, groundwater extraction, potable water transfer, temporary bypass systems, construction projects, emergency water supply, mining camps and industrial potable water systems.
TIPSA is officially listed by NSF under NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 – Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects. The listing includes, OROFLEX® Aqua, OROFLEX® Offshore, OROFLEX® Reline, OROFLEX® Terrain, OROFLEX® WELL. According to the official NSF listing, the water-contact material is polyurethane (PUR) and the listed size range is from 1" to 16".
Note: As specified by NSF, only products bearing the NSF Mark on the product, packaging or accompanying documentation are certified.
Certification is only one part of the selection process. Engineers should also evaluate operating pressure, flow requirements, abrasion resistance, chemical compatibility, installation method, required hose length, environmental conditions and expected service life.
Choosing a hose for drinking water applications involves more than selecting the correct diameter or pressure rating. Understanding NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 helps engineers, contractors and water utilities specify products that support drinking water quality while meeting recognised health standards. As a manufacturer with multiple hose families listed under NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, TIPSA provides certified solutions for a wide range of potable water applications, from municipal water supply and groundwater extraction to temporary water transfer and industrial systems.
Looking for a certified hose for your drinking water application? Explore TIPSA's range of NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 listed hose solutions for water wells, potable water transfer, municipal networks and industrial applications.