Before investing in a water vending machine, it is important to investigate and understand what certifications, if any, the product you are buying has gone through. All manufacturers DO NOT get their water vending machines certified by the agencies that were set up to protect the consumer, so you will need to investigate. In many states, water vending machines must be NAMA certified to be approved to sell water. In addition, many zoning departments require that the machine be ETL listed.

NAMA Certification for Water Vending Machines

The NAMA machine evaluation program requires water vending machine manufacturers to build equipment in conformity with the public health requirements set forth in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Public Health Service Model Food Code. It also provides a means by which customers and public health officials can identify those machines that meet both the FDA food code and NAMA design and construction standards. Any machine that has gone through this rigorous evaluation process will be listed on the NAMA website.

ETL Certification for Water Vending Machines

ETL (Intertek)  – Only water dispensing machine manufacturers displaying the “ETL Listed” mark can certify that they have been independently tested and have met the applicable published safety standards of product compliance for North America. Authorities accept the ETL Listed mark as proof of product safety. Make sure the machine you are considering for purchase has been certified against these product safety standards.

ADA Compliancy for Water Vending Machines

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act authorizes the United States Department of Justice to certify that state laws, local building codes, or similar ordinances meet or exceed the Standards for Accessible Design for new construction and alterations. Make sure the machine you are considering meets these standards.