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How to Identify Lead-Free Certification Marks for Drinking Water System & Plumbing Materials - Presentation
Citation:
Latham, M. How to Identify Lead-Free Certification Marks for Drinking Water System & Plumbing Materials - Presentation. Presented at U.S. EPA Drinking Water Workshop, Cincinnati, OH, September 10 - 12, 2013.
Impact/Purpose:
This document gives EPA a mechanism to assist the drinking water system operators, plumbing contractors, the states, etc., by offering them a tool for identify lead-free certified products; thereby helping them to manage their lead leaching contamination risks. Products that have not been certified may still meet the new lead-free requirement; however, certified products will help give purchasers more assurance that the products are lead-free, enabling them to better manage lead contamination risk at their tap.
Description:
In 2011, Congress passed the “Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act,” which effectively reduces the lead content allowed in material used for potable water plumbing. The Act, which will go into effect on January 4, 2014, changes the definition of “lead-free” by reducing allowed lead content of not more than 8%, to a weighted average of not more than 0.25% in the wetted surface surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures. Although all manufacturers must comply, the Act does not include a Federal requirement for certification of materials. Although other states have additional laws pertaining to the lead content in products, California is currently the only state that has a Bill (SB 1334) requiring certification. However, there may be local laws or entities in other states that require it. The states, utilities, etc. have known that this was coming, and have been asking the EPA for guidance, and have been trying to prepare for the change. Some manufacturers have also been preparing for the law by conforming to the new requirement early. One of the challenges states, utilities, etc. are facing, is identifying products that have been certified to the new requirement. There are eight, ANSI accredited certification bodies, and each has their own certification mark and required language that must be present on the packaging, or on the product itself.
URLs/Downloads:
HOW TO IDENTIFY LEAD FREE CERT MARKS_DW WORKSHOP_9-10-13_FINALPDF.PDF (PDF, NA pp, 1497.354 KB, about PDF)http://www.epa.gov/nrmrl/events/10dwworkshop/event09122013overview.html