EPA Lead-Free Rule

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized its rule on the “Use of Lead-Free Pipes, Fittings, Fixtures, Solder, and Flux for Drinking Water.” This rule codifies updates from the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (2011) and the Community Fire Safety Act (2013).

• Lead Content Limit: Products must meet a weighted average lead content of no more than 0.25% across wetted surfaces.
• Certification: Products introduced into commerce must be certified by an ANSI-accredited third-party certification body.
• Compliance Deadline: Certification became mandatory as of September 1, 2023.
• Self-Certification: Small businesses (fewer than 10 employees) or custom fabricators may self-certify instead of using a third-party certifier.

• The rule does not mandate labeling or marking of lead-free products.
• EPA encourages manufacturers to label products and packaging to indicate compliance.

The rule applies to any person or business that:

• Manufactures, imports, distributes, or sells plumbing products that contact drinking water
• Installs or repairs public water systems or plumbing in residential or commercial buildings

This includes:

• Manufacturers and importers
• Wholesalers and retailers
• Water treatment providers, plumbers, contractors etc.

The EPA recognizes the following standards for demonstrating compliance:
NSF/ANSI Standard 372 – Lead content verification
NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 61 – Health effects of drinking water system components
WQA’s Gold Seal Certification Program tests and certifies products

WQA actively engaged with the EPA during the rulemaking process and continues to:

• Provide certification services through the Gold Seal Program
• Offer guidance and resources to help members comply
• Advocate for clear, science-based regulations that protect public health and support industry innovation
• Learn how to certify your products to meet EPA’s lead-free requirements.
• Explore lead-free certified products.