How to read the BOROUX foundation filters test results report.
We are revolutionizing the testing procedures for the water filter industry. No other water filter product we know of has undergone this detailed and extensive testing. Understanding how the test results are reported helps bring clarity to how the filters actually perform. Thousands of gallons of water are being filtered through these filters in testing so that you know exactly how long the filters last. No extrapolated data.
Test results reports will be published regularly. Testing is ongoing so that you always have the most current results.
Test Results Report
Filter testing is conducted by an International Association of Plumbers and Mechanical Officials, Research and Testing (IAMPO R&T) lab, which is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory. The International Standard Organization (ISO) standard 17025:2017 specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories, adhering to the specifications defined in the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards, 42, 43, and 401.
NSF/ANSI standard 42: Drinking water treatment units - aesthetic effects. This standard establishes minimum requirements for systems designed to reduce non-health-related contaminants.
NSF/ANSI standard 43: Drinking water treatment units - health effects. This standard establishes minimum requirements for systems designed to reduce specific health-related contaminants.
NSF/ANSI standard 401: Emerging compounds/incidental contaminants. This standard addresses the ability of a water treatment device to remove up to 15 individual contaminants that have been identified in published studies as occurring in drinking water.
A test is run by adding a certain amount of a contaminant to a certain amount of water, then letting that mixture flow through the filter, then testing the water that comes out to see how much of that contaminant is present. A single filter is used for each test, which means that if you use two filters in your system, the numbers can be doubled. For example, if the report says 4,500 gallons, for a set of the filters, it will effectively reduce that contaminant to 9,000 gallons.
NSF standards define the amount of the contaminant and water. For example, for chlorine, two milligrams of chlorine must be added to one liter of water. This is shown in the report under the column titled Influent Challenge Concentration Before Filtration and Maximum Allowable Effluent Concentration.
The water that is tested after it has gone through the filter must meet or exceed the NSF standards for that contaminant. This is shown in the column Maximum Allowable Effluent Concentration, which shows the accepted contaminant level after filtration.
Testing continues until the amount of a contaminant after passing through the filter matches or exceeds the allowable limit. When the report says 4,500 gallons, that means 4,500 gallons have actually passed through the filter. No projections or estimations of how many gallons the filters will work for–only actual, factual, verified data.
BOROUX is at the forefront of transforming the water filter industry through our commitment to quality standards and thorough testing methodology. You can expect unparalleled transparency and reliability in the information provided, empowering you to make informed decisions about your water filtration needs.
On the front page of the report, you'll see the version number and date. That's how you can distinguish between old data and current data.
These tests were performed by IAMPO R&T® Laboratory in New Jersey. IAMPO stands for International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
On the second page, the testing methodology and chart are displayed. Testing methodology is an explanation of how the tests were performed.
Testing Methodology:
1. The test results presented were obtained using a single filter. For systems utilizing two filters, the capacity will be doubled.
All of the test results listed in this report show the substance reduction capacity of the filter (in gallons) using just one filter. Most systems use two filters, and some use more than two filters. To determine the capacity of your system as related to any particular substance tested, multiply the “gallons tested” by the number of filters in your system.
2. The testing was carried out under controlled conditions in an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laboratory.
Laboratory quality is important. ISO/IEC 17025 is an internationally recognized laboratory quality standard. Laboratories that achieve this certification have demonstrated the ability to meet these high standards.
3. Influent Challenge Concentration Before Filtration and Maximum Allowable Effluent Concentration provided in the table below adhere to the specifications defined in the NSF/ANSI Standards 42, 53, and 401, except where those standards do not specify parameters for the listed substances.
One of the most important things to consider when testing is how to define the test conditions. The NSF/ANSI Standards referenced are mature and well respected. Importantly, our testing adhered to these Standards with respect to the concentration of the listed substance in the influent (how much of the contaminant was in the test water) and the allowable concentration of the listed substance in the effluent (how much of the contaminant was in the filtered water).
4. The testing of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) listed below utilized chloroform as a surrogate chemical.
In a few cases, the Standards allow testing by “surrogate”. For example, chloroform is considered to be a worst-case substance for the list of VOC’s on our report. When chloroform testing is successful, the easier-to-remove substances can also be listed.
5. The results detailed in this report are intended solely for informational purposes and do not infer certification by any standard. The BOROUX foundation filter has not been certified by NSF/ANSI or any other standard as of the publication date of this information.
The BOROUX foundation filter is not certified.
6. Testing is continuing. Results will be updated accordingly.
Due to the slow-flow nature of gravity-fed systems, testing takes months. These results are updated as new results are available.
Testing is ongoing, meaning filters are being tested until the actual maximum number of gallons is reached for each contaminant. For some contaminants, that maximum may take YEARS to reach. No extrapolating data, no guessing, know the EXACT gallonage that a filter will no longer reduce a specific contaminant.
This report will be published regularly so you'll always have access to the most current information. The filters are being tested to the max capacity, and for some of the contaminants, that could take years! Only a few gallons of water can be measured each day, which is one reason why the testing is ongoing.
It also means that new contaminants will be added to the list! What should we test next?
To read the chart, it's best to first understand what each column means. Contaminant: this column lists the substance that was tested. Gallons Tested: this column lists the number of gallons that have successfully completed testing as of the date listed. Influent Challenge Concentration Before Filtration: this column displays the amount of contaminant in the water prior to filtration. Average Effluent Concentration After Filtration: this column displays the average amount of contaminant in the water after filtration. Maximum Allowable Effluent Concentration: this column displays the maximum amount of contaminant in the water allowed by the relevant Standard. Testing Status: this column shows whether the information listed passed the substance reduction requirements of the Standard for that particular test.
If you have questions about understanding the test results report, contact us.
Test Results
Report version 1.1 November 15, 2023
Report version 1.3 December 7, 2024
Report version 1.5 January 25, 2024
