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USA Lead Laws

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Lead Free* Legislation Across the Country

On January 4, 2014 Federal Law mandates the wetted surface of every pipe, fixture, and fitting sold for or installed in potable water applications not contain more than 0.25% lead by weight. Below are some details of the new law:

Federal "Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act" – 2011

  • Modified the "Safe Drinking Water Act" of 1974 (amended by "Lead Contamination Control Act" of 1988) to re-define "Lead Free*" regarding pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures
  • Re-defines "Lead Free*" to mean: (1) not containing more than 0.2% lead in solder and flux; (2) not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead in wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe and plumbing fittings and fixtures
  • Exempts use or sale of lead pipes, solder, and flux in pipes or plumbing fittings or fixtures used exclusively for non-potable services
  • Establishes formula for calculating weighted average lead content

Legal Implications

  • States responsible for enforcement through state or local plumbing codes or other appropriate means
  • Illegal to introduce into commerce or install any potable water product that does not comply
  • Non-compliance may result in fines, installed product removal costs, lawsuits by private parties or government agency

State Lead Free* Laws

In addition, four states, California, Vermont, Maryland and Louisiana, have enacted Lead Free* legislation.

*Lead Free: The wetted surface of our Lead Free products contacted by consumable water contain less than 0.25% of lead by weight.