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

"The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act of 2011 (RLDWA, the Act) modified the technical definition of lead free by lowering the maximum lead content of pipes, fittings, and fixtures from 8% to 0.25% and introduced greater complexity to calculating lead free by requiring that level be met based on a weighted average of wetted surfaces. The Act also created exemptions for certain plumbing products from pre-existing lead free requirements. The final rule establishes product certification requirements for products intended for human consumption applications in public water systems and residential or non-residential facilities to demonstrate compliance with the lead free requirements. These requirements will reduce inadvertent use of non-lead free plumbing products in potable use applications and, consequently, will reduce adverse health effects associated with exposure to lead in drinking water. Manufacturers with 10 or more employees or importers entering products purchased from or manufactured by manufacturers with 10 or more employees must demonstrate compliance with the lead free definition by obtaining third party certification by an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited, third party certification body. Firms with fewer than 10 employees can use a third party certification body or self-certify that their products conform to the Safe Drinking Water Acts (SDWA) lead free requirements. This self-certification option also extends to custom fabricated products regardless of a manufacturers number of employees. The EPA estimates the total burden during this 3-year period will be 128,969 to 233,513 hours, and the average, annual burden number ranges from 42,990 to 77,838 hours. EPA estimated a range of burden (and costs) based on a lower and upper bound estimate of manufacturers that currently use a third party certifying agency. The total costs over the 3-year period are between $20.1 and $34.7 million, or an average of $6.7 to $11.6 million per year."

The latest form for Use of Lead Free Pipes, Fittings, Fixtures, Solder and Flux for Drinking Water (Renewal) expires 2023-12-31 and can be found here.