Water filtration marketers thrive on confusion and misleading product information. Let us help you navigate through a few useful water quality related acronyms:
ANSI (The American National Standards Institute)
ANSI is a nonprofit organization that supports product quality standards and conformity in the US and abroad. Their water filter standards can be found here.
EPA (The US Environmental Protection Agency)
The EPA is an executive agency of the United States federal government over environmental protection. As it relates to water quality, the EPA compiles state and territorial water quality standards. You can find information related to your state or territory here.
EWG (Environmental Working Group)
EWG is a nonprofit organization that produces research and education in order to protect human health and the environment. The EWG Tap Water Database can be accessed here.
GPM (Gallons Per Minute)
A simple way to measure how much water flows out of the faucet before/after a filter is installed. For example, Woder filters can produce 2-3 gallons per minute after install.
NSF (National Sanitation Foundation International)
NSF helps set public health standards in order to protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment. NSF water quality details can be found here.
PPM (Parts Per Million)
A scientific method for producing quantity-per-quantity measures. For example, a PPM notation is often used to describe the relative abundance of dissolved minerals or pollutants in drinking water.
PSIG (Pounds per square inch gauge)
A scientific way to measure the atmospheric pressure of water pouring out of your faucet.
For example, a Woder filter can produce up to 3 gallons per minute at 65psig. (65psig is about the same pressure you pump a bicycle tire.)
TDS (Total Dissolvable Solids)
TDS is a scientific measurement of dissolved inorganic and organic solids present in liquids. TDS is also referred to as parts per million (ppm). TDS/PPM Meters are used to test water quality levels.
While TDS can be a useful method for testing drinking water, a TDS Meter isn’t considered a definitive method for water quality testing. Essential minerals your body needs show up on TDS meters. “Dead water” has the lowest TDS reading and yet it isn’t considered good drinking water. Carbon-based filters increase TDS.
USGS (United State Geological Survey)
USGS is the sole science agency for the US Department of the Interior. More details about USGS resources related to clean drinking water can be found here.
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
VOCs are organic chemicals that vaporize into air and dissolve in water. They include human-made and naturally occurring chemical compounds. Some VOCs are dangerous to human health or environment. More information on VOCs can be found here.
WQA (Water Quality Association)
Through its Gold Seal Product Certification Program, WQA offers an independent scientific method for testing the safety and efficacy of devices consumers are purchasing. They provide an independent seal of approval on a variety of drinking water treatment products, which is only awarded after rigorous laboratory tests, literature review and material assessments have been completed. All Woder filters proudly carry the WQA Gold Seal.
If you run across any other confusing acronyms or jargon in your search for the right filter, send us an email at: support@woder.com
