NSF 61 Changes and Asset Management Implications for Potable Water Coatings

The revision of NSF/ANSI/CAN 611 resulted in the formal adoption of NSF/ANSI/CAN 600,2 Health Effects Evaluation and Criteria for Chemicals in Drinking Water, and the removal of Annexes A and D addressing extractable limits. Mandatory implementation of NSF 600 extractable criteria on January 1, 2023, significantly altered the regulatory framework governing coatings used in potable water systems throughout North America. By substantially reducing allowable extractable limits for common aromatic solvents, the standard required widespread reformulation and re-evaluation of traditional coating technologies. While industry discussion has largely centered on regulatory compliance, the broader implications for corrosion protection performance, asset management strategy, and life-cycle cost are equally significant. This article updates AMPP paper C2022-180263 and reviews the regulatory evolution from NSF 61 to NSF 600, examines technology adaptation within the coatings industry, and presents an asset-management-based framework for selecting potable water coating systems that balance health compliance, durability, risk mitigation, and long-term value.