There is U.S. federal legislation slated to take effect on January 4, 2014 that will improve drinking water quality once again. Such changes may happen slowly, but they do happen and we are all the better for it. The legislation was actually signed by President Obama on January 4, 2011, but it was not to take effect for three years. During that time, other states such as California and Vermont have enacted similar measures but the federal mandate is the key driver here and it is already having an impact on suppliers.
The intent is to ensure that drinking water is "lead free", a term that is widely used in discussion and media. But the term isn't exactly true. Under the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, "lead free" will be defined as, "not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures." So, the legislation isn't mandating NO lead or no detectable levels of lead, but the reduction is more than an order of magnitude below current levels of 8.0%. That enormous reduction is something to cheer.
Suppliers of pipe, fittings, pumps and valves used in the supply of drinking water have been spending the past three years ensuring that their sources of supply will meet the requirements. They have been testing their products to ensure compliance and many have been offering entirely new products to meet the requirements. Similarly, distribution channels have had to reduce and will eventually eliminate non-compliant inventory. Enacting legislation may seem to be a never-ending process from what we may see on TV, but the real work begins for businesses when new requirements have to be met. Such changes are not a minor undertaking and require significant funding and allocation of resources that might otherwise address separate business opportunities.
On the other hand change is constantly occurring in business, new products are designed and introduced, technology changes, marketplace needs change and companies with foresight can incorporate legislated changes into their overall business plan as a means of remaining competitive and differentiating their business. In other words, such legislation can be seen as a good benchmark for business change implementation, and not a task required by the big hand of government.
The electronics industry has dealt with similar legislation with regard to lead and other hazardous materials and seems to have dealt well with the situation. Building and construction materials have been scrutinized, too, with changes enacted to reduce formaldehyde emissions and more. Certainly, gasoline formulations and its distribution have undergone enormous change over time as lead and other additives were removed via legislative actions.
Information regarding testing and certification may be obtained from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF). Compliance with current 'low-lead' regulations is covered in NSF/ANSI Standard 61; information with regard to the new 'lead-free' legislation is covered in NSF/ANSI 372.
As in the past with the introduction of RoHS and WEEE legislation to electronic products, GlobalSpec will incorporate information in SpecSearch to capture products that meet user needs with regard to the Safe Water Drinking Act. Work has already begun.
References:
http://www.shedthelead.com/
http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/rulesregs/sdwa/lcr/lead_nsfstandard.cfm
http://www.nsf.org/business/mechanical_plumbing/annexg.asp
http://www.wateronline.com/doc/are-you-ready-for-lead-free-0001
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