Survey Of Drinking Water Treatment Devices - Available On The Canadian Retail Market In 1999

2. Method

The survey initially targeted three large urban areas: Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver (Appendix A). Ultimately, however, it was carried out in 17 cities (Table 1). Field inspectors from the Health Canada Product Safety Bureau conducted the survey in September and October 1999. The inspectors collected data by visiting a number of retailers (departments stores and specialized retailers) and consulting manufacturers' brochures and/or web sites. The selection of information sources (including sample points) was left to the inspectors; hence, the survey did not follow scientific sampling methodology.

On the basis of the information appearing on the packaging of the device, the inspectors filled out a form (Appendix B) according to instructions they had been given (Appendix A). The information collected included: the name and model of the device; the name and address of the manufacturer and distributor; the presence of a certification mark; and the manufacturer's claims about the device. Information from the forms was then compiled and the data entered in a MS Access database. The validity of the declarations of certification to NSF standards (see list of standards in Appendix C) by either NSF International or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) was also verified. Verifications were carried out using the product's model number when available. Declarations of certification by CSA International were not verified.