Get the Lead Out: Last-Minute Checklist
The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act went into effect on Jan. 4, 2014. Because of its corrosion-resistant nature, lead has been used in piping, fittings, couplings, and water faucets and fixtures since the Roman Empire. However, at certain levels, lead in drinking water is unsafe.
Get the lead out
As a responsible distributor of piping, couplings, fittings, and valves for a variety of ingestible water applications, The Macomb Group has brought in products for potable systems that are in compliance with the new mandate as of Jan. 4, 2014, in accordance with the federal deadline. However, we encouraged our customers to make the switch by Dec. 31, 2013.
Get the Lead Out Plumbing Consortium offers education about the manufacture, use, and distribution of lead-free plumbing products. Answers to common questions can be viewed on the Consortium’s FAQ page.
Crucial points of the Act
In compliance with the act, The Macomb Group will offer lead-free potable water products.
- All materials that come into contact with water for human consumption must comply with the law.
- Products that currently meet NSF/ASNI 61 Annex G Certification requirements are already in compliance with the new law.
- Products do not need to be third-party certified by federal law. However, states such as California and other jurisdictions have their own requirements and audits.
- Toilets and other sanitary waste plumbing fixtures are exempt from the act.
- Pipe, fittings, and fixtures used for non-potable purposes, such as outdoor irrigation, manufacturing, and industrial processing, are exempt from the act.
- The law covers only new products, new installation, and repair of existing products. Old plumbing piping is grandfathered and there is currently not a requirement to remove or retrofit existing plumbing systems or parts.
- Manufacturers must certify that their products comply with the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, an amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act, by Jan. 4, 2014.
- It is strongly recommended that manufacturers mark all products that contain lead with a message such as “contains lead” to prevent accidental use in potable water plumbing applications.
- Education provided by Get the Lead Out is available for download and distribution to assist the public and the plumbing industry with the transition.
Macomb is proud to be a responsible industry leader in this change.
Let us take care of the details for your lead-free repair or installation. Visit our website or contact the experts at The Macomb Group by email at info@macombgroup.com or by phone at 888-756-4110.
