What is the purpose of
lead-free legislation?
When does current
legislation take effect?
Who is
responsible for compliance with the low-lead laws?
What is meant by
the term “entering into commerce”?
How will the law affect
homeowners?
How are
products for landscape or irrigation affected?
How are fire sprinkler
systems affected?
How
do I know which Wilkins products are lead-free law compliant?
How does the lead-free restriction affect the cost of products that are
compliant?
Will the lead-free restriction affect the quality of products?
Are the lead-free laws and
NSF61 the same?
What do I do if my water supply contains products that do not comply with the
lead-free law?
What about repair parts for my existing products – must they be in compliance?
What is the purpose of
lead-free legislation?
To regulate the amount of lead that is permissible in products made of brass or
bronze that is used to convey or dispense drinking water. The law allows a
maximum weighted average lead content of 0.25% measured by wetted surface area
of components of the product.
When does current
legislation take effect?
January 1, 2010
Who is
responsible for compliance with the low-lead laws?
Anyone introducing into commerce any plumbing product that is intended to convey
water for cooking or drinking purposes.
What is meant by
the term “entering into commerce”?
Once a product is sold, it has “entered into commerce”. This affects
manufacturers, distributors, retailers, contractors, building developers and
end-users.
How will the law affect homeowners?
For potable water use, the only products available for purchase by the homeowner
must comply with the lead-free restrictions.
How are products
for landscape or irrigation affected?
Irrigation products are not affected since the water is not used for drinking or
cooking.
How are fire sprinkler systems
affected?
Fire protection products are not affected. The legislation is directed toward
products that convey water used for cooking and drinking.
How
do I know which Wilkins products are lead-free law compliant?
Wilkins products designated with an “XL” suffix are designed and manufactured to
comply with lead-free restrictions. (Wilkins 950XLT and 975XL product lines will
be designated as XLT2 and XL2). Products are tagged to indicate the XL, XLT2 or
XL2 designation.
How does the lead-free restriction affect the cost of products that are
compliant?
Materials used in the manufacture of compliant plumbing products are more
expensive than traditional materials. This will affect the cost of any product
subject to compliance, but some products that contain more brass or bronze
material will be more expensive than designs that minimize the brass or bronze
content. Shop around.
Will the
lead-free restriction affect the quality of products?
No, quality will not be compromised. Compliant materials are designed to have
equivalent properties as traditional materials used in the manufacture of
Wilkins products, and have been extensively tested by independent laboratories.
Are the lead-free laws and
NSF61 the same?
No, the lead-free laws only restrict the lead content in plumbing products sold
in those states with the law. NSF61 is an international, performance based
drinking water standard that restricts not only lead, but also other
contaminates as well. The NSF61 Annex G specifically defines lead-free
standards.
What do I do if my water supply contains products that do not comply with the
lead-free law?
Nothing – the law affects only products that are sold on or after January 1,
2010.
What about repair parts for my existing products – must they be in compliance?
Since the repair kit is a product being introduced into commerce, the repair kit
will need to be compliant. As long as the original valve was installed prior to
January 1, 2010, you do not need to replace the existing valve body.