PMI Members Compliant With New Lead-Free Standard

Rolling Meadows, IL (January 16, 2014) — Members of Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) have successfully transitioned their plumbing products to meet the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act which became effective on January 4, 2014. This important law reduces the allowable amount of lead permissible in plumbing products that come into contact with potable (drinkable) water nationwide1.

CEO/Executive Director of PMI, Barbara C. Higgens, noted that “This important law is good public policy and will reduce the amount of lead content allowed in drinking water pipes, pipe fittings and plumbing fixtures nationwide. A national harmonized standard provides our plumbing manufacturers with the regulatory certainty needed to provide cost effective, water efficient products across the country.”

Products such as kitchen and bathroom faucets, as well as point-of-use water purification systems that are plumbed to a home’s or building’s water supply, must comply with the new standard. Consumers can easily find these products at home improvement centers, local hardware stores, as well as kitchen and bath distributors.

The law specifically excludes shower valves, toilets, bidets, urinals, fill valves, flush-o-meter valves, tub fillers, service saddles, or water distribution main gate valves that are 2 inches in diameter or larger. The new low lead law does not apply to pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings or fixtures that are used exclusively for non-potable services such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation, outdoor watering, or any other uses where water is not anticipated to be used for human consumption.

Over the past few years, PMI and the plumbing manufacturing community has been working diligently to educate suppliers, distributors and the public about the manufacture, distribution and installation of lead-free plumbing products that are required under the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act which provided three years to replace old inventory.
 Helpful information on the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act can be found on: www.gettheleadoutplumbing.com.

1 In addition to the 50 U.S. states, the federal Lead Free law also applies to Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. The Act amends the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and changes the earlier requirement of not more than 8% lead content to not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead, with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, plumbing fittings and fixtures in contact with potable water.

About PMI

Plumbing Manufacturers International is the voluntary, not-for-profit international industry association of manufacturers of plumbing products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing Industry. Member companies produce a substantial quantity of the nation’s plumbing products.

For more information on PMI or its semi-annual meetings, contact the organization at 1921 Rohlwing Road, Unit G, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008; tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501. Visit our website at www.pmihome.org.

PMI Mission Statement

  • To promote the water efficiency, health, safety, quality and environmental sustainability of plumbing products, while maximizing consumer choice and value in a fair and open marketplace.
  • To provide a forum for the exchange of information and industry education.
  • To represent openly the member’s interests and advocate for sound environmental and public health policies in the regulatory/legislative processes.
  • To enhance the plumbing industry’s growth and expansion.

Contact

Barbara C. Higgens, CEO/Executive Director, Plumbing Manufacturers International, bhiggens@pmihome.org, 847-481-5500