October 20, 2025
Potable water treatment and distribution systems place unique demands on gasket materials. Like other industries, these applications require gasket materials that are durable, flexible, compressible, and capable of withstanding pressure and temperature variations. However, there is one critical requirement not typically found in other applications: maintaining the safety and purity of drinking water. Selecting the proper gasket material is therefore vital to ensure both system performance and compliance with stringent health standards.
Why Gasket Material Matters for Water Applications
Water treatment facilities must adhere to rigorous regulations that protect public health by preventing contamination of potable water. NSF/ANSI 61 is governed by NSF International and ANSI, but its enforcement in practice is handled by the United States and Canada, with global recognition in many other countries as a trusted health effects standard for drinking water system components.
To achieve compliance, gasket manufacturers must use materials that demonstrate negligible or no impact on water quality. This ensures that sealing solutions not only perform under operating conditions but also safeguard water purity throughout treatment and distribution.
Best Gasket Materials for Water Sealing
In alignment with NSF/ANSI 61 guidelines, gasket manufacturers utilize a range of approved materials designed for water system applications:
- Aramid: A synthetic, high-strength fiber that delivers reliable sealing performance without toxic side effects.
- Platinum-cured silicone: Widely used in food, beverage, medical, and drinking water industries. It produces no peroxide by-products, ensuring it will not taint water.
- Neoprene: Highly resistant to water and degradation, making it suitable for both fresh water and saltwater applications.
- Silicone rubber and EPDM: These elastomers offer flexibility, durability, and excellent resistance to water, making them versatile options for sealing components.
Among these, Compressed Non-Asbestos (CNA) materials stand out as particularly effective for potable water systems. CNA combines sealing reliability, ease of fabrication, cost-efficiency, and a non-toxic formulation, making it a practical and safe choice for a wide range of water treatment applications.
How to Choose Gasket Materials for Water
Selecting the right gasket materials for potable water applications begins with ensuring compliance with the NSF/ANSI 61 standard. It is important to confirm with your gasket supplier which materials are best suited for your system requirements.
Among Durlon’s product offerings is Durlon 7910, an NSF/ANSI 61-compliant gasket material. This high-quality, commercial-grade compressed sheet is manufactured from aramid fiber with a nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) binder. Engineered specifically for potable water applications, Durlon 7910 delivers:
- A strong dielectric rating, making it suitable for isolation kits
- Resistance to both cold and hot water
- Excellent durability against heat, ozone, and sunlight
Contact us today for more information, or browse our full range of products in our online store.