For the second time in less than a year, the Elkay brand is announcing a significant advancement in its filtration capabilities with Elkay filters now certified to reduce microplastics as well as lead and PFOA/PFOS. The Elkay filters are integrated into Elkay bottle filling stations, water fountains, water coolers and faucets for schools, hospitals, airports and other commercial and residential applications.

“While microplastics are all around us, Elkay filtration products help reduce your exposure to microplastics in the water you drink,” said Scott Nielsen, director of Drinking Water Filtration for Zurn Elkay. “Safer, better-tasting water is a top priority for us. We are constantly innovating our line of filtration products to deliver cleaner, safer drinking water wherever you need it. We offer an assortment of filters that are tested and certified by a third-party organization to reduce microplastics, along with lead, cysts, Class I particulates and chlorine taste and odor.”

The new ANSI/NSF 401[1] certification covers microplastics, defined as plastic particles ranging in size from 5 millimeters (mm) to one micron (µm); for reference, the diameter of an average human hair is about 80µm[2]. Microplastics are intentionally manufactured for use in consumer products, such as cosmetics or biomedical products, or are particles that have broken down from larger plastic materials, such as food wrapping, tires and synthetic textiles.

Elkay Filter Testing Standards

Elkay drinking water products encourage cleaner, safer drinking water and help reduce dependency on single-use, disposable plastic water bottles. All Elkay filters are tested and certified to NSF/ANSI standards 42, 53 and now 401 to reduce microplastics. 

For better hydration at home, Elkay’s 750-gallon filter (ERF750) is the replacement filter for Elkay’s residential ezH2O water dispenser and filtered faucets. The ezH2O Liv is a convenient, built-in filtered water dispenser designed for all the living that happens in your home. The Avado 2-in-1 faucet with filtration (LKAV7051F) and Avado filtered beverage faucet (LKAV71F) allow you to save time and money and reduce plastic waste by filling your glass, pitcher, pot or dog bowl right at the sink.  

In commercial settings, Elkay’s replacement filters (51299C and 51300C) are made with activated carbon to improve taste and odor while reducing contaminants for cleaner, great-tasting water in schools, the airport or at your gym. In highly trafficked areas or for a longer-lasting filter, the high-capacity replacement filter (51600C) minimizes filter changes and maintenance costs for convenient hydration without the hassle. In addition to reducing microplastics, the PFAS (PFOA/PFOS) replacement filter (71300C) is tested and certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for the reduction of PFOA and PFOS; two prevalent PFAS chemicals.