Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water

The Safe Drinking Water Act has an amendment "Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act" that is effective January 4, 2014. This law requires that a potable (drinking) plumbing products sold and installed meet the new lead reduction requirement.

There are some technical definitions, such as:

Lead Free: means not containing more than 0.2% lead (solder and flux) and not more than a weighted average of 0.25% (wetted surfaces)

Parts applicable: Pipes, pipe fittings, water coolers, waterways, valves, plumbing fittings and fixtures that may provide water for human consumption. This includes the parts or components that may be integrated into a faucet or plumbing system that delivers drinking water.

Does this apply to repairs or replacement parts? Parts, fixtures, fittings and plumbing installed PRIOR to January 4, 2014 do not need to meet the new definition Any replacement parts after this date must meet the new lead free definition.

The ACT was enacted by Congress in 2011 with a 3 year transition window. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder. Brass or chrome plated fixtures may actually leach lead into water, especially on the "hot" side. In 1996 the Act made it unlawful for anyone to introduce into commerce any items that were not lead free. Between 1986 and 2011, leaded joints were permitted for necessary repairs of cast iron pipes.

Non-plumbed devices such as a coffee makers and washing machines do not provide potable water and are not included in the provisions of this act. Dishwashers, hot water heaters and drinking fountains are not exempt as the provide potable services.

For more information, visit the EPA's website for fact sheets and testing information.