The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a revision to the existing Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (RLDWA). The proposed revision will require labeling of plumbing products to differentiate plumbing products that meet the lead free requirements from those that are exempt from the lead free requirements and to require manufacturers to certify compliance with the lead free requirements. The intent of the proposed revision is to reduce the inadvertent use of non-lead free plumbing products in potable use applications and, consequently, reduce exposure to lead in drinking water and associated adverse health effects.

The RLDWA revised the definition of lead free to 0.25 percent of the wetted surface of plumbing products and establishes a statutory method for calculating lead content. The RLDWA exempts plumbing products used exclusively for nonpotable applications.

ASA continues reviewing this proposal and looks forward to hearing from impacted members. Affected parties can comment on the proposed revision by  April 17, 2017.