Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comments for rulemaking purposes to implement the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act, which became effective Jan. 4, 2014. Feedback is being sought in the areas of labeling of lead-free products, labeling of non-potable use products, and the associated certification of compliance.
Signed by President Obama in 2011, the law reduces the federally mandated level of permissible lead from a maximum of 8.0 percent with respect to pipes and pipe fittings to a maximum weighted average of 0.25 percent with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures used to convey water for human consumption. The law also sets the benchmark for solder and flux at 0.2 percent.
The EPA held its initial “Notice of a Public Meeting, Regulations Implementing Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act: Prohibition on Use of Lead Pipes, Solder and Flux” on April 14. At the meeting, which IAPMO Vice President of Government Relations Dain Hansen attended in person, the EPA said it would analyze the comments received and expects to issue a proposed regulation in early 2016. The EPA is not expected to have a codified final regulation for at least two years. To view the EPA’s slideshow presentation from the event, visit http://goo.gl/ymSVmn.
“We’re excited that the EPA has begun the process to promulgate these important regulations. This is a critical step toward having a clear understanding of how this law will be enforced and enacted,” Hansen said.
Hansen said The IAPMO Group will submit comments to the EPA ahead of the April 30 deadline, and he encouraged organizations impacted by the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act to do so as well. Comments may be submitted via email to leadfreeact@epa.gov. Comments will be accepted through April 30.
IAPMO® has released Peak Water Demand Study: Full Study, a comprehensive analysis redefining water supply system sizing for residential and multi-family buildings. Based on real-world data from more than 1,000 households, the full study provides an evidence-based approach to right-sizing plumbing systems — demonstrating reductions in water waste, construction costs, and public health risks.
ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI Series 6000-2024, the Professional Qualifications Standard for Medical Gas Systems Personnel, has been designated as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is now available for purchase. This new edition of the ASSE Series 6000 builds on the 2021 version and includes key updates, including the addition of Standard 6070 for Medical Gas Systems Design Instructors.
New Jersey has officially declared March as March4Water Month, recognizing the importance of strong water infrastructure, while California has introduced legislation to follow suit. These actions highlight the growing recognition of the need for policies that strengthen plumbing systems and safeguard access to clean, reliable water in the face of natural disasters and other infrastructure challenges.