News: LEDs
23 October 2025
AquiSense achieves US-EPA disinfection validation and NSF 61 certification
AquiSense Inc of Erlanger, KY, USA (which designs and makes UV-C LED water disinfection systems) says that its Pearl Aqua Kilo full-scale UV-C LED product has been awarded NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2024 certification and completed the validation process required by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) UV Disinfection Guidance Manual (UVDGM), providing water utilities and industrial users with a new, highly effective tool for protecting public health.
“Achieving both UVDGM validation and NSF 61 certification is a major milestone not only for our company, but for the water treatment industry globally,” says CEO Oliver Lawal. “With these third-party validations, water operators can install the PearlAqua Kilo System with complete confidence, knowing they are deploying a solution that has been independently and stringently verified for both performance and material safety.”
The EPA UVDGM validation is the gold standard for validating UV reactor performance for large municipal drinking water applications. It proves that the PearlAqua Kilo reliably inactivates harmful, chlorine-resistant microorganisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia under a wide range of water quality and operational conditions. The rigorous testing was conducted by an independent third party and confirmed the system’s ability to consistently deliver the required UV dose.
The NSF mark, issued by the National Sanitation Foundation and verified by IAPMO Research and Testing, certifies the safety and performance of products in contact with drinking water, ensuring that these products are manufactured with materials that are safe. Products that are certified as meeting NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2024 standards have been rigorously tested and meet the criteria for use in public water supply systems. This standard is recognized and enforced by regulatory agencies across North America and globally. It is a requirement for many municipal and industrial projects.
“Validation is an important component to innovation, and we are proud to provide certified LED solutions to serve municipal and industrial markets, ensuring broader market access and competitive advantages for mercury-free drinking water applications,” says AquiSense’s chief technology officer Jennifer Pagan.
Key features and benefits of the Pearl Aqua Kilo system are said to include:
- proven performance: UVDGM validation provides assurance of effective disinfection against harmful pathogens for large-scale water treatment plants;
- enhanced public safety: NSF 61 certification guarantees that the system’s materials are safe for use in drinking water applications, ensuring consumer protection;
- operational excellence: the system is designed for ease of use and maintenance, with advanced monitoring features that ensure compliance and consistent performance;
- sustainable solution: the Kilo offers a chemical- and mercury-free disinfection method, aligning with a growing demand for sustainable water treatment practices.
NSF/ANSI/CAN-61 is a North American standard that establishes health-based criteria for materials and products in contact with drinking water, ensuring that they don't leach harmful contaminants. Products undergo rigorous third-party testing to confirm that they meet safety thresholds for metals, non-metals and other leachables, providing confidence in the safety and integrity of drinking water systems.
The US EPA has a mission to protect human health and the environment and works to have clean air, land and water. The Ultraviolet Disinfection Guidance Manual provides technical guidance for the application of ultraviolet light for the disinfection of drinking water by public water systems.
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