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How to Identify Lead Free Certification Marks for Drinking Water System & Plumbing Products
Citation:
Latham, M., M. Schock, AND E. Nauman. How to Identify Lead Free Certification Marks for Drinking Water System & Plumbing Products. U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, Washington, DC, EPA/600/F-13/153c, 2015.
Impact/Purpose:
Will provide information to drinking water system operators, plumbing contractors, the states, homeowners, etc. to help give them more assurance that the products they purchase are lead-free, enabling them to manage lead leaching contamination risk.
Description:
The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act went into effect on January 4, 2014. The Act has reduced the lead content allowed in water system and plumbing products by changing the definition of lead free in Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) from not more than 8% lead content to not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and plumbing fixtures. As of February 2015, there is no mandatory federal requirement for lead free product testing or third-party certification under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). However, consumers can increase their level of confidence by purchasing products that have been certified as meeting the lead free requirement of the SDWA. This document will assist drinking water system operators, plumbing contractors, the states, etc. by offering them a way to identify lead free certified products, therefore helping them to manage lead leaching contamination risks.