Lead Free Products Required

Beginning on August 6, 1998, the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (as amended in 1996) makes it unlawful "for any person to introduce into commerce any pipe, or any pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture which is not leadfree". The question of what constitutes "lead free" has been answered by the EPA's adoption of the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) Standard 61 Section 9. This Standard sets limits on the maximum allowable levels of lead and many other harmful substances that can be leached into drinking water from plumbing components. Lead is the highest profile substance in the standard.

The lead free standard limits the leaching of lead to 11 parts per billion in one liter dilution. The exceptions to this standard are metering faucets, hose-bibs, bath and shower and commercial food preparation faucets. For these items, lead leaching is limited to 11 parts per billion in five gallon dilution. Any product that does not meet these standards after August 6, 1998, will be considered illegal. This means they cannot be manufactured, sold or installed.

Third party approval agencies that are sanctioned to test and approve lead free product are Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and NSF. To be considered in compliance, product must be shipped in boxes with either the "UL" or "NSF" logo. Any product not carrying the logo cannot be considered to be in compliance. To protect yourself from liability, inform your plumbing supplier that you will only accept compliant product carrying either the"NSF" or "UL" mark. This is particularly relevant if you have projects pending which may be shipped after the August 6 date. Since many manufacturers have already taken the necessary steps to comply, you should have no difficulty obtaining compliant product.

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