Concentrations of lead in drinking water do not usually get there from natural sources. One of the most common causes of lead concentration in water is due to contamination from the gradual corrosion of water supply pipes and plumbing fixtures.
As a result, in as early as the 1920s, the United States began restricting lead use in water pipes due to public health concerns. In 1974, The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was passed in an effort to regulate the nation's public drinking water supply. Under the SDWA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mandated to set enforceable maximum containment levels for contaminants.
Since the signing of the initial act, there have been several amendments, including in 1986. The amendment Act mandated that all pipes, solders, pipe fittings and plumbing fixtures used in the installation and repair of any public water system, or any non-residential facility that provides water for human consumption to be "lead free". The message was indeed clear: drinking water and lead should not be mixed together.
Most recently, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act signed by President Obama on January 4, 2011. The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act reduces the amount of lead permissible in water meters from 8.0% to 0.25%. These new regulations will go into effect on January 4, 2014.
With a little over a year before federal regulatory requirements come into effect, many utilities are already converting to no-lead products to ensure proper inventory for 2014. However, California and Vermont have already enacted more restrictive state limits already. New lead content restrictions were set for introduction in Maryland earlier this year. For utilities that have not started planning for this new regulation, now is the time to begin researching and selecting the right products.
Lead free alternatives
There are several materials that utilities should consider when selecting a lead free meter alternative. Various options include epoxy coated ductile and cast iron, stainless steel, low lead bronze and composites.
When choosing a lead free alternative material, utilities must consider traditional meter requirements such as flow capability and durability, however, the difference between lead-free and zero-lead meters should also be considered. Some "lead free" meters contain as much as 0.25% lead.
While 0.25% of lead in meters allows utilities to meet current regulations, implementing these "lead free" meters could put utilities at risk for another meter change out should future regulations require complete lead elimination from water meters. Most water meters are expected to last more than 20 years, meaning that the next amendment to SDWA could come before the meter fleet must be replaced.
