Point of use, or POU, drinking water filters are used to remove impurities from water at the point that it is actually being used. Although there are others, the POU filters covered in this document are those used in filtration systems that are attached directly to water faucets, inserted into refrigerators for water dispensers and ice makers, or inserted into water pitchers and bottles. There is no mandatory federal requirement for the use of POU drinking water filters or for testing or third-party certification under the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, consumers can increase their level of confidence by purchasing filters that have been tested by an accredited third-party certification body or bodies for lead reduction and particulate reduction (Class I) capabilities against both NSF/ANSI Standards 42 and 53. This tool provides the certification bodies’ approved marks and the text that indicates a filter has been certified for lead reduction capabilities.

• Consumer Tool for Identifying Point of Use (POU) Drinking Water Filters Certified to Reduce Lead (PDF)(2 pp, 1 MB, Updated December 26, 2018, EPA/600/F-18/335)