Frequently Asked Questions
Here you'll learn more about new lead-free regulations, the new UltraPure no-lead product line, and how Milwaukee Valve makes it all work together. Check back often for updates.
- What is Senate Law S.3874?
- When does the law take effect?
- How is 'Lead Free' defined?
- What is NSF/ANSI 372?
- Does this law apply only to residential buildings?
- Which Milwaukee Valve products does Senate Law S.3874 impact?
- Which Milwaukee Valve products does Senate Law S.3874 NOT impact?
- What is Milwaukee Valve doing to comply with Senate Law S.3874?
- Will compliance with the new law cause inventory duplication?
- Is there a price difference between compliant and non-compliant product?
What is Senate Law S.3874?
Senate Law S.3874 prohibits the use of lead in pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux used in potable water systems.
When does the new law take effect?
The effective date was January 4, 2014. At that time:
- "No person shall use any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux that is not lead free in the installation or repair of any public water system or any plumbing in a facility providing water for human consumption, except when necessary for the repair of leaded joints of cast iron pipes."
- "No person shall introduce into commerce any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting, or fixture, that is not lead free, except for a pipe that is used in manufacturing or industrial processing."
- For more information on Senate Law S.3874 go to https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/senate-bill/3874
How is 'Lead Free' defined?
'Lead Free' means not more than a weighted average of 0.25% when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures. The weighted average lead content of a pipe and pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, and fixture shall be calculated by using the following formula: The percentage of lead content within each component that comes into contact with water shall be multiplied by the percent of the total wetted surface of the entire pipe and pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, or fixture represented in each component containing lead. These percentages shall be added and the sum shall constitute the weighted average lead content of the pipe and pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, or fixture.
'Lead Free' means not more than 0.2% lead when used with respect to solder and flux.
What is NSF/ANSI 372?
NSF/ANSI Standard 61 addresses a crucial aspect of drinking water system components; whether contaminants that leach or migrate from the product/material into the drinking water are above acceptable levels in finished waters.
FOr more information on NSF/ANSI 372 go to www.nsf.org.
Does this law apply only to residential buildings?
No. California AB 1953 does not distinguish between residential and commercial applications. The law is specific to any application in which the water that is conveyed or dispensed is intended for human consumption, specifically drinking or cooking.
Which Milwaukee Valve products are impacted by Senate Law S.3874?
Prior to the development of our UltraPure no-lead products, all bronze and brass products available in the Milwaukee Valve catalog were not compliant with Senate Law S.3874.
Which Milwaukee Valve products are NOT impacted by Senate Law S.3874?
All Iron, Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel products manufactured by Milwaukee Valve are not affected in any manner.
What is Milwaukee Valve doing to comply with Senate Law S.3874?
Milwaukee Valve has announced its UltraPure line of Gate, Globe, Check and Ball Valves for potable water applications. The existing product line will continue to be produced to service the balance of the country, as well as all other applications in California.
All UltraPure products will be marked with the UltraPure trade name, and will feature white handwheels and handle grips. All compliant product components will be marked to identify the material used in production.
Will compliance with the new law cause inventory duplication?
Additional SKUs will be required to be compliant with the law, but this is not inventory duplication. Simply, Senate Law S.3874 requires a change in the material used to handle an application (potable water). To the extent that current inventory is sold for potable water, you may need to reduce inventory quantities on non-compliant valves.
Is there a price difference between compliant and non-compliant product?
Published pricing for UltraPure is anywhere from 35-45% higher than the current equivalent product. The material needed for production is considerably more expensive. Other factors that influence pricing include increased machining costs, higher scrap rates, lower volume and required third-party certification. Because of this substantial price increase, contractors and distributors will want to separate potable water products from others.