Lead-free Law Confusion Clarified

Regulations governing the lead content of valves and other components of potable water systems went into effect in January, but confusion remains. According to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), it is illegal to sell or install pipes, fittings, valves, and fixtures for potable water equipment such as drinking water fountains, reverse osmosis systems, coffee machines, dishwashers, commercial kitchen equipment, and more that don't comply with the law. The law states that lead-free components must not contain more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead. Essentially, that means that lead-free is a cumulative concept - not every valve must meet the 0.25% requirement. Some can have more, some less, as long as it averages 0.25%. One valve type that likely won't meet this figure is a brass valve, which typically contains 2.5% lead.

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