Use of Lead Free Pipes, Fittings, Fixtures, Solder, and Flux for Drinking Water

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing changes to existing regulations to protect the public from lead in plumbing materials used in public water systems or residential or nonresidential facilities providing water for human consumption. The changes in this rule codify aspects of the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act of 2011 (RLDWA) and the Community Fire Safety Act of 2013 (CFSA). The RLDWA amended section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which prohibits the use and introduction into commerce of certain plumbing products that are not "lead free." The RLDWA revised the definition of lead free to lower the allowable maximum lead content of plumbing products; and established a statutory method for calculating lead content. EPA is also establishing new requirements for manufacturers or importers that introduce into commerce products that must meet lead free requirements to certify such products as being in compliance with the lead free requirements in Section 1417 of the SDWA, as well as other changes to existing regulations to assist in implementation of Section 1417 of the SDWA, as amended. EPA expects that these requirements for lead content in plumbing materials used in new installations and repairs will result in fewer sources of lead in drinking water and, consequently, will reduce adverse health effects associated with exposure to lead in drinking water. The SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section details EPA's changes to existing regulations as authorized under the SDWA as amended.