Caring for Our Children (CFOC)

Chapter 5: Facilities, Supplies, Equipment, and Environmental Health

5.2 Quality of the Outdoor and Indoor Environment

5.2.6 Water Supply and Plumbing

5.2.6.6: Water Handling and Treatment Equipment

Newly installed water handling, treatment, filtering, or softening equipment should meet applicable National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) standards and should be approved by the local regulatory health authority.

RATIONALE

Adherence to NSF standards will help ensure a safe water supply. State and local codes vary, but they generally protect against toxins or sewage entering the water supply.

COMMENTS

Model codes are available from the NSF.

TYPE OF FACILITY

Center, Early Head Start, Head Start, Large Family Child Care Home, Small Family Child Care Home

REFERENCES

NSF International. 2004. Home water treatment devices. http://www.nsf.org/consumer/drinking_water/dw_treatment.asp.