What is Watermark? Why is Watermark so important for water filters?
When buying water filters, consumers usually pay attention to factors such as filtration effect, product brand and price. However, there is a key certification mark that is often overlooked, that is Watermark. For many consumers, Watermark may not be well known, but it plays a vital role in water filter selection. So, what is Watermark? Why is it so important for water filters? Is it necessary to choose products with Watermark certification when buying water filters? This article will answer these questions in detail for you.
What is Watermark?
Watermark is a certification mark that indicates that the product meets specific quality, safety and performance standards. The certification is awarded by relevant regulatory agencies in Australia and New Zealand to ensure that water-related products are safe and reliable during use. Watermark certification covers a wide range of product categories, including pipes, fittings, valves and various types of water filters.
Origin and development of Watermark
Watermark certification originated in Australia and New Zealand. Due to the limitations of the natural environment, the two countries attach great importance to the use and protection of water resources. In order to ensure that all products that come into contact with water meet strict health and safety standards, Australia launched the Watermark certification program in 1999, and New Zealand subsequently joined the system.
The certification standard is managed by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and is recognized by New Zealand. Watermark certification standards include AS/NZS 4020 and AS/NZS 3497, which cover product durability, material hygiene, and product safety and performance in long-term use.
Scope of Watermark Certification
Watermark certification mainly applies to the following categories of products:
● Water pipes and accessories: including all pipes, joints, valves, etc. used in drinking water systems.
● Water filters and their components: covering filter elements, housings and connectors for household and commercial water filters.
● Other products that come into contact with water: such as components in water pumps, water heaters and sprinkler systems.
Watermark certification applies not only to new products, but also to parts that need to be replaced. As long as it is a product related to the water system, it basically needs to be Watermark certified to ensure that they are safe and meet standards in actual applications.
Why is Watermark so important for water filters?
As a device used to improve the quality of drinking water in homes or commercial places, the performance and safety of water filters are directly related to the health of users. The Watermark certification is to ensure that water filters meet the highest standards during use and protect the health and interests of consumers.
Ensure product safety
One of the core goals of Watermark certification is to ensure product safety. Water filters are in direct contact with drinking water. If their materials, design or production processes do not meet safety standards, it may cause water quality to be contaminated or even cause health problems.
● Material safety: Watermark certification requires that all components of water filters must use materials that are harmless to the human body. For example, the material of the filter element needs to ensure that no harmful substances such as heavy metals, plasticizers or other toxic chemicals are released.
● Structural safety: The design and structure of the water filter must be able to withstand normal use pressure and temperature changes to avoid leakage or damage and ensure the overall safety of the system.
Ensure product performance
The main function of a water filter is to remove impurities, pollutants and harmful microorganisms from water. Therefore, its performance is crucial. Watermark certification ensures that the water filter meets the predetermined performance standards in terms of filtration efficiency, flow rate, pressure loss, etc. through rigorous testing and evaluation.
● Filtration efficiency: Watermark certification tests the filtration effect of the water filter to ensure that it can effectively remove common pollutants in the water, such as chlorine, lead, bacteria and viruses.
● Flow rate and pressure: The certification also evaluates whether the flow rate of the water filter under normal working pressure meets the standard, and whether the pressure loss during the filtration process is within an acceptable range to ensure that the water flow is not affected or unnecessary waste is generated during use.
Ensure the durability of the product
Water filters are usually used for a long time, so their durability is also crucial. Watermark certification conducts a series of durability tests on water filters to ensure that the product can maintain its safety and performance after long-term use.
● Pressure resistance: The water filter must work normally within the specified pressure range without damage or leakage, which is especially important because water pressure fluctuations are a common problem in actual use.
● Corrosion resistance: The metal parts and connectors in the water filter need to have good corrosion resistance to avoid corrosion during use that affects water quality or causes equipment failure.
Does the water filter I buy need to have Watermark certification?
After understanding the importance of Watermark certification, many consumers will ask: Does the water filter I buy have to have Watermark certification? The answer depends on several factors, including your geographical location, local regulations, and your personal health and safety considerations.
In Australia and New Zealand, all water filters used in drinking water systems must be Watermark certified. This is a mandatory regulatory requirement, and any product that is not certified is not allowed to be sold or installed on the market. If you live in these areas, buying and installing a Watermark-certified water filter is not only to ensure water quality and safety, but also to comply with local laws.
In other countries or regions, although Watermark certification is not mandatory, it is still a reliable quality and safety assurance mark. If you value water quality safety, choosing a water filter with Watermark certification is obviously a wise choice.
Secondly, the main purpose of a water filter is to improve the quality of drinking water and protect the health of family members. Buying a water filter with Watermark certification can ensure that the product has passed rigorous testing, can effectively remove contaminants in the water, and maintain stable performance in long-term use. This is especially important for families with elderly people, children or family members with weak immunity, as these groups are more sensitive to water quality requirements.
In addition, Watermark certification is not only a guarantee of the safety of the water filter, but also a recognition of product quality. By choosing a water filter with Watermark certification, consumers can use the product with more confidence without worrying about frequent repairs or replacements due to quality problems. At the same time, certification also means that the manufacturer has the ability and responsibility to produce high-standard products, which to some extent also reflects the brand's credibility and market reputation.
Although water filters with Watermark certification may be slightly more expensive at the initial purchase, from the perspective of long-term use, such products tend to be more durable, have lower failure rates, and have longer service life. Therefore, choosing a water filter with Watermark certification can reduce the frequency of repairs and replacements, thereby reducing the total cost of long-term use.
How to confirm whether a water filter has Watermark certification?
If you decide to buy a water filter with Watermark certification, you can confirm whether the product has this certification mark in the following ways:
● Check the product label: Look for the Watermark logo on the product packaging or instructions. This is the most direct way to confirm. The certification mark usually indicates the certification number and the name of the certification body.
● Consult the seller: Before purchasing, ask the seller whether the selected product has been Watermark certified, and ask for relevant certification documents or certificates.
● Online query: Some certification bodies provide online query services, and consumers can verify the validity and details of the certification on their official website by entering the product's certification number.