NSF Protocol P248

Military Operations – Microbiological Water Purifiers

Summary

NSF P248 evaluates Military Operations water purifiers and small water purifiers (SWPs) for the effectiveness to purify water to eliminate microbiological contaminants – bacteria, viruses, and live cysts.  The protocol was developed with the U.S. Army Public Health Command (USAPHC) based on EPA Guide Standard with the goal of providing deployed military personnel the capability to produce safe drinking water in any environment.  Outdoor filters are not required to pass any test before being put on the market, but these protocols are voluntary tests to help manufacturers prove their credibility. 

Typical Test Substances

• Microbiological water purifiers
• Small Water Purifiers (SWPs), including Individual Water Purifiers (IWPs) and Small Unit Water Purifiers (SUWPs)

Outline of Test Procedure

• Inoculate microorganism (bacteria, viruses, or cysts) into model water 
• Treat with test product
• Hold for exposure (contact) time
• Add neutralizer (if necessary)
• Plating and Counting (quantitative assay)

Regulatory Agencies / Purpose

• Government/military (primarily)
• Consumer/manufacturers (for camping or wilderness)

Similar Methods

• NSF P248
• OECD 170
• U.S. EPA Guide Standard and Protocol for Testing Microbiological Water Purifiers (1987) 
• U.S. EPA 810.2600 – Disinfectants and Sanitizers for Use in Water (March 2013)