There is no way of forecasting which state will adopt such legislation next. Contact your local Authority Having Jurisdiction for legislative updates in your area.
When will other states adopt legislation requiring lower lead levels in plumbing fittings?
Vermont Act 193
Beginning January 1, 2010, no person shall sell or offer for sale in or into the state of Vermont, or use in the state of Vermont, solder or flux for plumbing containing more than 0.2 percent lead, or plumbing fixtures whose wetted surfaces contain more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead. Extracted from the ACT of the general assembly No. 193
California AB1953
Section 116875 of the Health and Safety Code has been amended to require all potable water products sold and or installed in California to be lead free effective January 1, 2010. The term “lead free” means not more than 0.2 percent lead when used with respect to solder and flux and not more than 0.25 percent when used with respect to pipes and pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures.
What legislation regulates the amount of lead in drinking water?
The amount of lead in drinking water has been regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) under the guidelines of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. This legislation was passed by Congress in 1974 and amended in 1986 and 1996. It defines “lead free” as not more than 8 percent lead with respect to pipes and fittings and not more than 4 percent by dry weight with respect to plumbing fittings and fixtures. All Viega products already meet this Act and will continue to meet this Act in the future.
Can ZL fittings be utilized in piping systems within states that do not require them by law?
Yes. Zero Lead fittings may be used in place of standard Viega fittings. Viega Zero Lead products have unique stock codes. This will minimize confusion when ordering Zero Lead fittings identical in configuration to other Viega products.
How long will Viega support the existing fittings?
Viega ProPress copper fittings have always been “Zero Lead” and will continue to be offered. Standard ProPress bronze fittings will continue to be offered for use in states other than California and Vermont. Viega PureFlow will offer “Zero Lead” fittings in addition to the current offering at least through 2010.
Will there be a price difference between ZL and Standard fittings?
The plumbing industry recognizes that quality zero-lead material will have an increased cost associated with it. For Viega, this is the case as well and is primarily due to additional tooling and manufacturing production requirements for the new alloys. Viega is committed to continual process improvements and will try to minimize the additional cost to the customer. Watch for a pricing update in the 2010 catalog.
When will Viega Zero Lead products be available?
Viega PureFlow Zero Lead products will begin to be introduced in mid-October 2009 with additional articles becoming available through the end of the year. To match the legislation, a large majority of PureFlow ZL products will be available for purchase beginning January 1, 2010.
Viega ProPress Zero Lead products will be available for purchase beginning January 1, 2010.
What does “Zero Lead” mean?
“Zero Lead” identifies Viega products meeting the lead-free requirements of California AB 1953 and Vermont Act 193, effective January 1, 2010, as tested and listed against NSF-61, Annex G.
Leader in Zero Lead products
Viega offers the industry’s most complete line of Zero Lead products. Significant foundry modifications and upgrades have been made at Viega manufacturing facilities to ensure Viega’s proprietary Zero Lead bronze alloys are available to customers.
