EPA proposes revisions to Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to make conforming changes to the existing drinking water regulations based on the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act of 2011 and the Community Fire Safety Act of 2013.
Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act prohibits the use and introduction into commerce of certain plumbing products that are not lead-free. The RLDWA revised the definition of lead-free to lower the allowable maximum lead content from 8% to a weighted average of 0.25% of the wetted surfaces of plumbing products and established a statutory method for calculating lead content. In addition, the RLDWA created exemptions from the lead-free requirements for plumbing products used exclusively for non-potable services as well as for other specified products. The CFSA further amended Section 1417 to exempt fire hydrants from these requirements.