Which standard covers materials that come into contact with potable water?

• A. ASTM D1785
• B. ISO 9001
• C. OSHA 1910.120
• D. ANSI/NSF, 61

Answer: (D)

Drinking water safety relies on ensuring materials that touch the water don’t release harmful substances. ANSI/NSF 61 is the standard that covers these materials, establishing health effects criteria and the testing and certification requirements for components that come into contact with potable water—things like pipes, fittings, gaskets, coatings, and linings. Meeting ANSI/NSF 61 means a product is approved for use in drinking water systems and helps ensure it won’t contribute contaminants to the water, which is why this standard is routinely required by plumbing codes and water utilities. Other standards serve different purposes: ASTM D1785 specifies PVC pipe dimensions rather than safety in contact with drinking water; ISO 9001 focuses on quality management systems; and OSHA 1910.120 addresses workplace hazardous substances, not drinking-water material safety.