January 4th 2014 the new Federal Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act will be in effect. The law requires any valve, fitting, or fixture coming in contact with potable water (water that is for drinking or cooking) must have a weighted average lead content of less than .0.25%. The previous regulation defined the safe lead level as up to 8%.

   The question is how does this law affect the Irrigation and Turf markets concerning the lead free Law? The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act states the following shall not apply to, " backflow preventers, that are used exclusively for non-potable services such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation, outdoor watering, or any other uses where the water is not anticipated to be used for human consumption (S.3874). With this said the local water purveyor (who is providing the water) will be able to enforce the lead free law on all components that are connected to their system. So there are some areas that may enforce on all components on the system and there may be some who will not enforce. The best way to ensure you are in compliance with the Lead Free Law contact your local water purveyor to ask them what the requirements will be enforced. If you are installing a backflow device or pressure regulator you will also be required to know the local code for the water purveyor. Please ensure you know what is being required in the different areas you conduct business because it may be different area to area.

    There are several issues that exist with any type of lead free product that will you be encountering. First, the lead in metal products was an excellent lubricant during the manufacturing of products. With less of the lead in the products all manufactures have had to reduce the speed during the manufacturing process. The result is a higher cost to the overall product which is from 5-40% depending on the product type. Second, lead is a great microscopic filler for metal products. The reduction of lead will increase the microscopic air bubbles in the products which in turn will produce a more brittle end product. We have seen an increase of ball valves splitting due to over-tightening fittings or nipples. Caution needs to be applied while installing any Backflow or Pressure Regulators to ensure the brass does not split. The lead free brass will also be more susceptible to winter damage so please follow the manufactures recommended procedure for winterizing backflows.

    Zurn Wilkins has begun the preparation for new Federal Lead Free Laws by converting products to the new lead free laws. We currently have most products available in a lead free and we will continue to have a leaded product available for areas which will not be enforcing the new regulations. Please visit us on at http://www.zurn.com/Pages/LeadFree.aspx to view other lead free information. Please contact Silvercreek with any questions you may have concerning the Lead Free Law.