AB1953 FAQ's

What is the Lead Reduction legislation? When does it go into effect?

A: This legislation intends to limit the allowable amount of lead in defined plumbing fixture fittings to a maximum of 0.25 percent (weighted average among water contact components). As of 2008, it has been passed into law in two states: California (AB1953) and Vermont (S152). 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. In the new legislation for CA and VT only, starting in 2010, it will mean 0.25% or less (weighted average).

Vermont's Lead Reduction law is similar in its intent. Only plumbing products and piping used to convey drinking water that meet this criteria can be sold in these two states after January 1, 2010.

How does lead get into drinking water right now?

A: Primarily, trace amounts of lead get into drinking water due to aging infrastructures, such as old pipes and plumbing systems parts. The Plumbing Manufacturer's Institute (PMI) states that over the past decade, lead levels in plumbing fixture fittings have been reduced to insignificant levels due to improvements in modern manufacturing processes.

How are lead levels in drinking water currently regulated?

A: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the amount of lead in drinking water under guidelines established in the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (passed in 1974; amended in 1988 and 1996). This Act defines "lead free" as not more than 8% lead in pipes and fixture fittings.*

How does T&S Brass currently certify its products?

A: Among several certifications, T&S holds certification from CSA International to ANSI/NSF Standard 61 Section 9, Drinking Water System Components- Health Effects. CSA International evaluated both the leaching of contaminants into drinking water from faucets and mechanical quality standards, and has certified that T&S products are both safe to use within any drinking water system and adhere to the mechanical quality standards for ease of installation, operation and reliability.

What is T&S Brass doing in response to the California and Vermont Lead Reduction legislation?

A: This law will go into effect on January 1, 2010, and T&S will fully comply with this legislation. We will offer a full range of foodservice and plumbing products which will meet these stricter standards. As always, we will continue to provide the highest quality products used in safe drinking water systems for all our markets.

Are other states enacting similar legislation?

A: The states of Maryland and Massachusetts are in the process of enacting similar legislation, and others may soon follow.

Will the T&S and equip product line be compliant by 2010?

A: Yes, all T&S and equip products designed to dispense water for human consumption will be compliant with the AB1953 legislation by January 2010.

How are T&S products affected? What are "CA" models?

A: T&S has established a product line of "CA" fixture fittings that will be compliant with the legislation. Customers who want to purchase or stock AB1953 compliant models or parts prior to the January 2010 effective date should use the "CA" model number. T&S will strive to make this an easy transition for all our customers.

Will these products be available under the T&S Quick Ship program?

A: Yes, the new "CA" models will be available under the T&S Quick Ship program starting in January 2009.

Can these products be modified?

A: To ensure full compliance, "CA" models can only be modified with other pre-existing "CA" items.

How will the model numbers change?

A: The model numbers for finished products will begin with a "CA" prefix (i.e. B-2990 will become CA-2990). Spare parts will end with a "CA" suffix (i.e. 059X will become 059X-CA). Please refer to the complete list of "CA" models and parts available.

How durable are these products?

A: Through vigorous testing these products have shown no difference in either finish or strength.

Are there other resources available that can provide more information?

A: Yes. There are a number of websites available that can provide more information on AB1953, including:

Lead Free