BS 6920 Water Quality Tests

EUROLAB carries out BS 6920 water quality tests as accredited. The Standard is a British Standard, which consists of four parts and was last updated in 2014, entitled 'The suitability of non-metallic materials and products for use in contact with water for human consumption in terms of their impact on water quality'.

All non-metallic materials that come into contact with water for domestic use or food production are required to comply with the requirements of BS 6920. BS 6920 sets out a set of test methods evaluating the suitability of non-metallic materials, the tested parameters are as follows.

• BS6920 - 2.2 Change in smell or taste
• BS6920 - 2.3 A change in appearance (color or blur)
• BS6920 - 2.4 Microbial growth rate
• BS6920 - 2.5 Leaching substances harmful to human health (Cytotoxicity)
• BS6920 - 2.6 Toxic (heavy) metals content

Water Smell and Taste (BS6920-2.2)
Testing time: up to 14 working days
This test determines whether a material will impart a noticeable odor or taste to non-chlorinated or chlorinated water. Evaluation is done by 3 trained panelists.

Appearance of Water (BS 6920-2.3)
Testing time: up to 10 working days
This test determines the effect of a material on the color and turbidity of water.

Growth of Microorganisms in Water (BS 6920-2.4)
Test duration: 7 to 9 weeks
This test determines whether a material can support the growth of microorganisms in water and is obtained by measuring the use or uptake of dissolved oxygen from the test water.

Cytotoxicity (BS 6920-2.5)
Testing time: up to 5 working days
This test is a simple toxicity assessment performed by immersing the sample in water and evaluating the extract water for any toxic reactions with tissue culture.

Extraction of Metals (BS 6920-2.6)
Test duration: Up to 21 business days This test determines whether a material leaches metals into water. The test extract is evaluated for Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, and Selenium.