Lead-Free Plumbing Law to Take Effect
Legislation redefining what constitutes “lead-free plumbing” finally takes effect Jan. 1. Signed into law in 2006, AB 1953 effectively reduces the maximum amount of allowable lead content in plumbing pipes, fixtures and fittings used for potable (drinking) water to 0.25 percent.
When initially signed into law, there were virtually no major manufacturers with compliant product. That situation has changed in a big way over the past three years. The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI) informs CBIA that there is a substantial supply of compliant products now on the market.
Further information regarding manufacturers and products can be found at PMI’s website at www.pmihome.org.
CBIA and PMI supported follow-up legislation, SB 1334 (Calderon) and SB 1395 (Corbett), which require all plumbing products, as defined, to be certified by an independent American National Standards Institute-accredited third party for compliance with existing lead standards.
This follow-up legislation should make it easier for homebuilders and purchasing agents to obtain documentation that they are indeed purchasing AB 1953-compliant products.
