Certified Residential Water Treatment Devices

Last Update: October 15, 2008

When a manufacturer claims that a drinking water treatment device will reduce contaminants [such as lead, Cryptosporidium (protozoan cysts), pesticides, herbicides, solvents, heavy metals, bacteria and viruses] or makes other health related performance claims, the device must be certified by CDPH, pursuant to Health & Safety Code Section 116830.  [See a lawsuit settlement agreement (PDF)regarding sale of uncertified water treatment systems.] 

CDPH does not currently regulate devices that make aesthetic claims. Aesthetic claims include improvement in taste, odor and appearance.  Also, CDPH does not currently regulate backpacking or camping filters, sports bottles or shower filters.

Certified Water Treatment Devices

• 2008 Directory of Certified Water Treatment Devices

General Information

• FAQ: Residential Water Treatment Devices

Laws for Drinking Water Treatment Devices

• Statutes (PDF) [excerpts from the Health and Safety Code]

• Regulations (PDF)[excerpts from Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations]

• False Advertising Prohibition (PDF)[excerpts from the Business and Professions Code]

• Reverse Osmosis System Shut-off Device Requirement (PDF)[excerpts from the Water Code]

Device Application Information

• Water Treatment Device Certification Application (PDF)

• Application for Modification (PDF)

• 3rd Party Certification Application (PDF)

• Overview of Requirements for Certification Application - Checklist

• Preparing an Application (General Information)

• Guidance for Promotional Materials

• Registration for Bacteriostatic Water Filters (information and link to California Department of Pesticide Regulation)

• Required Information on Product Label and Performance Data Sheet (PDF)

• Microbiological Protocol Guidance (PDF)

Water Treatment Device Testing

• Device Testing:  Approved Laboratories (PDFs)

• ANSI-Certified Testing Organization Product Listings in Lieu of Test Report (PDF)

Links

• NSF: Water Treatment Devices Listed for Health Effects and Aesthetic Effects

• WQA: Water Treatment Devices Listed for Aesthetic Effects

• Iowa Certification Program

• CDPH's Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program

Other Topics

• Sports Bottles and Outdoor Recreational Water Filters
• UV Class A System Information (PDF)

For More Information

For more information about residential water treatment devices, contact us at: 

California Department of Public Health
Drinking Water Program
Drinking Water Treatment Device Certification Unit
P.O. Box 997377, MS 7417
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
(916) 449-5600 (phone) 
(916) 449-5656 (fax)