Laboratory tests: Coldstream FTO filter
Tested on more than 200 contaminants
The Coldstream FTO+ filter (ref. CF163W) has been independently tested over a full capacity of 3,000 litres.
Results at a glance
Each value was measured by Envirotek Laboratory LLC over 3,000 litres under NSF/ANSI protocols.
Tested filter characteristics
Coldstream FTO+ filter by KLT Filtration Ltd.
| Model | Coldstream FTO+ (ref. CF163W) |
|---|---|
| Laboratory | Envirotek Laboratory LLC · ANAB AT-2866 · IAPMO #000102 · EPA NJ01298 |
| Standards | NSF/ANSI 42 · NSF/ANSI 53 · NSF P-231 · NSF/ANSI 401 |
| NSF Certificate | C0091750 |
| Tested capacity | 3,000 litres |
| Reports | Envirotek #19-69 (2019) · #21-103-2-KLT (2021) |
Micro-organisms
Most stringent microbiological protocol on the market
Bacteria: 99.9999% reduction6-log level: for every million bacteria present, fewer than one passes through the filter.
| Volume | Influent (UFC) | Effluent (UFC) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 L | 328 646 000 | 74 | 6-log |
| 1 500 L | 328 646 000 | 120 | 6-log |
| 3 000 L | 328 646 000 | 360 | 6-log |
Virus: 99.9985% reduction
5-log protection maintained throughout the filter lifespan (Rotavirus).
| Volume | Influent (PFU) | Effluent (PFU) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 L | 24 642 000 | 80 | Pass |
| 1 500 L | 24 642 000 | 360 | Pass |
| 3 000 L | 24 642 000 | 610 | Pass |
Cysts: 99.94% reduction
Giardia and Cryptosporidium are chlorine-resistant, a risk even in treated networks.
| Volume | Influent | Effluent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 L | 1 542 000 | 870 | Pass |
| 1 500 L | 1 542 000 | 310 | Pass |
| 3 000 L | 1 542 000 | 786 | Pass |
Chlorine and disinfectants
Taste and odour reduction
Free chlorine
Influent 2 mg/L · Max effluent 0.39 mg/L at 3,000 L
Chloramine
Influent 3.2 mg/L · Max effluent 0.4 mg/L at 3,000 L
Heavy metals
Reduction of health-risk contaminants
Up to 99.35% reduction| Metal | Influent (µg/L) | Max effluent | Reduction | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 154 | <1 µg/L | 99,35% | Very effective |
| Copper | 2 810 | 64,3 µg/L | 97,9% | Very effective |
| Barium | 9 875 | 592 µg/L | 94% | Very effective |
| Iron | 3 865 | 232 µg/L | 94% | Very effective |
| Nickel | 100 | 2,7 µg/L | 97,8% | Very effective |
| Manganese | 1 335 | 305 µg/L | 77% | Effective |
| Mercury | 6 | 2,8 µg/L | 53% | Partial |
| Arsenic | 48,2 | 34,3 µg/L | 29% | Low |
Pesticides and herbicides
70+ molecules tested
>99.8% for virtually all molecules| Family | Examples | Reduction | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Organochlorines | Dieldrine, DDT, Chlordane | >99,8% | Very effective |
| Triazines | Atrazine, Simazine | >99,8% | Very effective |
| Chloroacetanilides | Alachlore, Metolachlore | >99,8% | Very effective |
| Acid herbicides | 2,4-D, Dicamba | >99,4% | Very effective |
| PCBs | Polychlorinated biphenyls | >99,8% | Very effective |
Volatile organic compounds
50+ molecules tested
| Contaminant | Reduction | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl chloride | >99,5% | Very effective |
| Tetrachloroethylene | >99,8% | Very effective |
| Toluene, Xylenes, Styrene | >99,3% | Very effective |
| Total trihalomethanes | 74,4% | Effective |
| Chloroform | 65% | Partial |
| Benzene | 29% | Low |
| MTBE | 30% | Low |
Pharmaceutical residues and endocrine disruptors
30+ drugs, hormones and industrial chemicals
>97% for the majority of molecules| Contaminant | Reduction | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 17-beta-Oestradiol | >99,9% | Very effective |
| 17-alpha-Ethinylestradiol | >99,6% | Very effective |
| Carbamazepine | 99,99% | Very effective |
| Ibuprofene | 97,7% | Very effective |
| Bisphenol A (BPA) | 98,4% | Very effective |
| Diclofenac | >99,5% | Very effective |
| Triclosan | >99,2% | Very effective |
| TCEP | 99% | Very effective |
| DEET | 98,9% | Very effective |
| Testosterone | 92,9% | Very effective |
Haloacetic acids (HAAs)
By-products of chlorine disinfection
5 acids tested: all validated over 3,000 L| Haloacetic acid | EPA limit (µg/L) | Max effluent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monochloroacetic acid | 6 | 1,7 | Validated |
| Monobromoacetic acid | 6 | 1,6 | Validated |
| Dichloroacetic acid | 0,7 | 0,2 | Validated |
| Bromochloroacetic acid | 6 | 0,6 | Validated |
| Trichloroacetic acid | 6 | 0,6 | Validated |
What the filter does not reduce
Complete results, unfiltered
Nitrates (29.6%): Ionic nitrates are not retained by activated carbon.
Sulphates (2.4%): Almost not reduced, which is positive as sulphates contribute to the natural minerality of the water.
Fluorides (4.5%): Not significantly reduced.
Arsenic (28.8%): Partial reduction only.
Official reports
Laboratory documents and NSF certification
Haloacetic Acids
Full test of 5 HAAs over 3,000 litres. All acids validated below EPA thresholds.
View PDF →200+ Contaminants
Full report: bacteria, viruses, metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals over 3,000 L.
View PDF →Supplementary Tests
2019 supplementary report covering standards 42, 53 and P-231 on the same filter.
View PDF →NSF Certificate
Official NSF, IAPMO and ANAB certification for the Coldstream FTO+ filter (C0091750).
View PDF →These results correspond to the Coldstream FTO+ filter (ref. CF163W) tested under the conditions described in the Envirotek reports (#19-69, 2019 and #21-103-2, 2021). Actual performance may vary depending on source water quality, temperature and usage conditions.