Instead of having products evaluated by 50 different states, with possibly 50 different sets of criteria, manufacturers use NSF Certification as the one nationally recognized specification criteria for health effects safety. The NSF Drinking Water Additives Program also gives each stakeholder group an equal voice in the ongoing review and updating of the Standards. The Standards are dynamic and are reviewed and revised continually by the NSF Drinking Water Additives Joint Committee to assure that the most current technology and information are included and balloted. The Joint Committee has balanced representation from industry, regulatory and user stakeholders. The NSF Council of Public Health Consultants also reviews the Standards independently prior to acceptance.
Stakeholders also provide input into the administration of the product certification program.
NSF has two industry forum groups that meet annually to provide feedback on NSF certification processes and policies. NSF's special expertise and leadership in drinking water additives standards has been internationally recognized by the World Health Organization. NSF staff chair the international development group and are key contributors to the program. The Future Harmonization of drinking water product standards on a global scale is an important goal for the future. It does not make economic or practical sense for manufacturers who export globally to have products tested to different standards in every country.