Are you unleaded yet? The Lead Free Act calls for the reduction of lead content in products by Jan. 4, 2014. The Macomb Group is pushing its manufacturers and suppliers to offer lead-free products and solutions by Dec. 31, 2013, to be in compliance with the new law.
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 is requiring that all applicable products distributed be in compliance with the new lead levels by Jan. 4, 2014, in accordance with the federal deadline; however, we’re encouraging our customers to make the switch by Dec. 31, 2013.
Get The Lead Out Plumbing Consortium is offering 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 Lead Free Act
Per the Lead Free Act, The Macomb Group will offer lead-free potable water products that comply with the law.
- 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 Lead Free Act.
- Pipe, fittings, and fixtures used for non-potable purposes, such as outdoor irrigation, manufacturing, and industrial processing are exempt from the Lead Free 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 Lead Free 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 Lead Free Act transition.
Macomb is proud to be a responsible industry leader in this change.
Let us take care of the details for your 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.
