The US EPA has extended the public comment period for a proposed rule that would require the use of lead-free pipes, fittings, fixtures, solder, and flux for drinking water systems.
Proposed in January 2017, this rule would establish new requirements for identifying and labeling “lead free” equipment used in drinking water systems. Public comments are now due to US EPA by May 17, 2017.
What does Lead-Free Mean?
As is often the case with environmental regulations, the “common-sense” definition of a term is not necessarily the definition EPA uses.
Currently, in the context of Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act, “lead-free” means a weighted average of 0.25% or less lead calculated across the wetted surfaces of pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, and fixtures and a weighted average of 0.2% or less for solder and flux used in drinking water systems.
See the proposed rule and find out how to submit your comments here.
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