The laboratories conducting these tests were commissioned by various companies involved in the original formulation and manufacture of the Copper-Zinc filter media known as KDF. Each test describes the purpose and procedure used as well as the results. Please contact us for complete documentation on any of the tests shown here.

Client: KDF Fluid Treatment, Inc.
Samples Received: 01-21-91
Lab Reference No: IV-79

Laboratory Service Performed: Evaluation of the Bacteriostatic Properties of a Water Treatment Device Containing an Alloy of Copper and Zinc (KDF).

I. Introduction:

Water treatment devices may be colonized by bacteria and thus promote the growth of bacteria contained in the influent water. It is important, therefore, that devices that are intended for use in potable water supplies be tested to determine if they are bacteriostatic (i.e. do not stimulate the growth of microorganisms).

II. Procedures:

The testing protocol used is described in Table 1. This procedure provides a heavy bacterial challenge over a seven day period followed by a period of time to allow the growth of the challenge bacteria. If the treatment device provides an environment that is favorable for bacterial growth, there should be a demonstrable increase in bacterial numbers during the latter stages of the test.

In order to test the device, [a] model water system … was used. The supply water for the model system was chlorine free deionized water that was reconstructed to approximate Detroit city water by the injection of AOAC synthetic hard water to achieve a final concentration of 100 ppm and a pH value of 7.0.

A fresh suspension of Enterobacter aerogenes (former name Aerobacter aerogenes) was prepared daily and injected into the flowing water stream to achieve a final bacterial concentration of 300 cfu/ml.

III. Results and Discussion:

The results of the 19 day bacterial challenge test are shown in Table 2. For the first seven days Enterobacter was injected into the influent water stream and the survivors that passed through the test device were measured. The were endogenous bacteria (naturally occurring water bacteria other than Enterobacter) present in the model water system at the beginning of the testing, and there was a large reduction in these bacteria as a result of passage through the water treatment device. The results shown in Table 2 for the first seven days of testing show the Enterobacter survivors only. The measurements after 11 and 19 days, during which time no additional Enterobacter was injected into the system, the results in Table 2 show the percent reduction in these endogenous bacteria (no Enterobacter survivors were detected).

This testing showed that the water treatment device is bacteriostatic and does not stimulate the growth of Enterobacter nor does it provide an environment that promotes survival. In addition, the device is effective in reducing the concentration of Enterbacter or other endogenous bacteria present in the influent water (bacteriocidal effect) and thus may be useful in the control of potentially harmful bacteria that may inadvertently enter potable water supplies.

1 - Test Microorganism: Enterobacter aerogenes
2 - Concentration of Test Microorganisms: 300 cfu/ml
3 - Flow Rate: 1.0 – 1.5 liters per minute
4 - Water Hardness: 100 ppm

No Enterobacter aerogenes survivors were detectable on Day 11 or 19

Analysis No: 15712
Report Date: 4 Dec 1898

This is to certify that we have examined:
Water Filtration Unit identified as WaterQuest Countertop0 (CT) to the requirements of NSF 53

and found:
When tested to the requirements of the applicable paragraphs of the National Sanitation Foundation Standard No. 53, "Drinking Water Treatment Units - Health Effects" the ... unit met the applicable requirements of the standard.

The attached Report of Test is an integral part of this Certificate.

NSF Standard 53
Drinking Water
Treatment Units
Health Effects

Water filtration unit tested to the requirements of National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) Standard Number 53, Drinking Water Treatment Units, Health Effects

CAVEAT
NOTE: The values given in this report are the values obtained under standard test conditions and thus may be used for purposes of determining compliance or for comparison with other units tested to the same standard. The results do not indicate the function of the unit under non standard or field conditions.

Product Description
The material consists of metal filings identified as KDF-55D. The granules are clean, shiny and brass colored. The formulation is proprietary.
Note: The following paragraph numbers refer to the corresponding paragraph numbers in NSF 53. Paragraphs not listed do not apply to this unit.

3. Materials

3.0 General: Materials which contact water shall be inert and not impart odor, color or taste to the effluent water. The materials and construction shall be appropriate for the use environment. Units intended for outdoor use shall not deteriorate because of sunlight.

Complies. See construction materials section.

3.1 Temperature resistance. Units, for cold water use only small not deteriorate when exposed to 100 degree F water. Units for hot water use shall withstand 180 degree F water for continuous use or 165 degree F if for intermittent hot water use.

3.2 Corrosion resistance: copper alloys, type 300 stainless, steels, Monel metal, and plastic materials (see 3.6) do not require a corrosion resistant coating.

3.6 Plastics: Thermoplastic and thermoset plastics wetted by the water shall comply with the require ments of the U.S. PF&DA and /or NSF Standard 14.

3.7 Joining materials shall meet the requirements of section 3.

3.9 Gaskets, O Rings, Shaft Seals and Packing Materials shall meet the requirements of section 3.

4. Design and Construction

4.0 General: The units shall be designed and constructed so that environmental influences such as vibration, shock, climactic conditions and the manufacturer's recommended cleaning procedures will not adversely affect them. , There shall be no burrs, sharp edges or other hazards which could cause injuries to users or mamienance personnel,

4.0.1 Performance indication: The unit shall be provided with an effective alarm which will warn the user when the unit is no longer performing its design function. Acceptable warnings include:

4.0.1.3 Providing an obvious indication of the function's discontinuance, such as sharp reduction in flow or volumetric indication; or

4.4 Dispensing outlet: Faucets, spouts or outlets integral with the unit (except drinking outlets, see 4.5) shall be designed such that when the unit is installed as directed by the manufacturer the outlet will be directed downward and shall be a minimum of 1 inch above the flood level of the receptacle or sink.

Complies. The unit is provided with an industry standard diverter valve which is used to replace the aerator on the end of the tap spout. In normal installations, the diverter valve, although it extends approximately 3/8 inch further than the replaced aerator, should not decrease the distance to the high flood level below 1 ". In the case of spouts which do not have an aerator, and are not threaded, the diverter valve cannot be used. Responsibility for compliance with the applicable plumbing code is the responsibility of the installer.

Primary Drinking Water Regulations, or a similar standard established by any U.S. Federal regulatory agency for materials not included In the U.S. EPA regulations. No single sample shall exceed the MCL by more than the established analytical error for the method used.

5.2 Chemical Units: Chemical reduction shall be substantiated by tests showing compliance with the minimum requirements specified as follows:

5.2.1 Chemical reduction: Shall reduce the specified contaminants as shown in Table 1.

Note: Since it was known that the sample material has little, if any, effect on organic materials, the test was continued using the challenge water until any one of the metallic inorganic elemental components reached the maximum allowable effluent concentration.

*No copper or zinc were added to the challenge water; no present acceptable levels are set for these elements, however it is anticipated that standards will be established.
**Below limit of detection

5.1.2 Chemical: The arithmetic average of the active agent of each test unit shall not exceed the MCL of the U.S. EPA Primary Drinking Water Regulations, or a similar standard established by any U.S. federal regulatory agency for materials not included in the U.S. EPA regulations. No single sample shall exceed the MCL by more than the established analytical error for the method used.

5.2 Chemical Units: Chemical reduction shall be substantiated by tests showing compliance with the minimum requirements specified as follows:

5.2.1 Chemical Reduction: Shall reduce the specified contaminant/s as shown in Table 1.

Note: The results given in this table are the readings at 100 percent of manufacturer's listed capacity.

*No copper or zinc were added to the challenge water; no present acceptable levels are set for these elements, however it is anticipated that standards will be established.
"Below limit of detection.
***Added because of advertising claims.

5.4 Working pressure and hydrostatic performance.

5.4.1.1 Complete assemblies shall withstand a hydrostatic pressure equal to 2.4 times the working pressure or 300 psig, whichever is greater, for 15 minutes without leakage of water from the unit.

5.4.3 Disposable pressure vessels and all replaceable components subject to line pressure shall be constructed for a working pressure of at least 125 psig and shall meet the following requirements:

5.2 Chemical Units: Chemical reduction shall be substantiated by tests showing compliance with the minimum requirements specified as follows:

5.4.3.1 Withstand a hydrostatic pressure of 2.4 times the working pressure or 300 psig, whichever is greater, for 15 minutes without leakage.

5.4.4 Units designed for open discharge, including connecting tubing where required shall be con structed for a working pressure of at least 125 psig and the following requirement:

5.4.4.1 Complete assemblies, with the outlet plugged, shall withstand a hydrostatic pressure of 1.2 times the working pressure of 150 psig, whichever is greater, for 15 minutes without leakage.

Burst test, non metallic pressure vessels

Minimum design burst pressure is equal to 4 times the working pressure or 500 psig, whichever is the greater.

5.5 Filter media: All finer media which may be subject to plugging shall be supported to withstand for 15 minutes a pressure differential of 75 psig or a pressure differential equal to the maximum pressure drop the product design will permit when installed under a line pressure of 125 psig without breakdown which would permit the passage of untreated water or media into the effluent.

Filter Media Test
Input turbidity: 11 TU
Effluent turbidity, initial* 0.7 TU
Effluent turbidity, 50 % 0.8 TU
Requirement: Effluent turgidity to be 1.0 TU or less; Effluent shall contain no media.
*The unit was purged prior to test to remove carbon dust.

5.6 Rated pressure drop: In line entire system units shall not have more than a 10 psig initial pres sure drop at the rated service flow. This does not apple if the unit has an integral flow control or orifice. These units shall meet the requirements of 5.7.

Rated Pressure Drop
Pressure drop: 2.1 psi

5.7 Rated service flow: 1 gpm

5.7.1 The rated service flow shall be as specified by the manufacturer.

6 instruction and information

6.0 Operation, maintenance and installation instructions must comply with the requirements of this

section.

6.1 The units must be labeled in compliance with the requirements of this section.

6.3 Purchase and sales information must comply with the requirements of this section.