AB1953 Lead Free Compliant - FreshWaterSystems.com

AB1953 Lead Free Water Faucets and Brass Fittings

What is AB1953 Lead Free ?

California Assembly Bill 1953 (AB1953) was signed into law in September of 2006. This new legislation requires a reduction in the lead content of products to a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25% in pipes, fixtures and fittings.

Specifically, the Lead Reduction law in California states:

No person shall introduce into commerce, for use in California, any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting, or fixture intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking water or cooking that is not lead free.* This includes kitchen faucets, bathroom faucets, and any other end-use devices intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking.

*PLEASE NOTE: Use of the term 'lead free' varies between the new legislation in CA and VT, and in the current Federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

AB1953 Lead Free Products:

As the AB1953 Law is adopted by more states, more companies will start manufacturing AB1953 Compliant products. Look for the AB1953 logo on product detail pages.

In the new legislation for CA and VT only, starting in 2010, it will mean 0.25% or less (weighted average). Only plumbing products and piping used to convey drinking water that meet this criteria can be sold in California after January 1, 2010.

AB1953 does not replace NSF Standard 61. AB1953 specifically addresses the lead content used in manufacturing the products, while the NSF Standard 61 is a performance standard that measures the amount of lead and other metals that may leach in the water at the point-of-use.

Who if effected by Lead Free AB 1953 Law?

Currently the AB 1953 Lead Free Law is in effect for California (AB1953) and Vermont (S152). Maryland and Massachusetts are considering the law, and others states may soon follow.

What are the effects of Lead in Water & How does Lead get into the Water?

Elevated or High levels of lead in water have been documented to cause a wide array of health issues for adults and kids. Starting at birth exposure to high levels of lead during gestation can lead to different types of birth defects. Further exposure to lead in water has been documented to cause health issues for kids such as headaches, growth problems, nerve damage, behavioral problems and more. Although children’s developing systems are more susceptible lead exposure, adults have some health risks too. High levels of lead from water can cause nerve problems, muscle and join pains, and sterility and reproduction problems.