NSF 42 is better than 53. This bad boy lowers it to 1 micron. I have tested this with chlorine pads and confirmed that they remove all chlorine. I have a three phase system, first a 5 micro poly filter and then two carbon filters. You can't always trust local water authorities that the water entering your home is 100% pure, but it will be when installed in the home's POE. For your information. I use this to filter county water, not well water.