Newly published changes to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61, the drinking water product standard used in the U.S. and Canada, reduce the amount of lead that can leach from plumbing products.
The “significantly more rigorous requirements” were approved after years of exploring various testing methods to reduce lead leaching from endpoint devices that dispense drinking water, as well as from other plumbing components, according to a NSF International news release.
More stringent pass/fail criteria for standard certification will require the maximum amount of lead leaching to be reduced from 5 micrograms (µg) to 1 µg for devices that dispense drinking water such as faucets, and from 3 µg to 0.5 µg for other plumbing components such as connector hoses and small shut-off valves. In-line mechanical devices and other product categories under NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 are not subject to the new requirements.
Revisions to the standard were approved by the Council of Public Health Consultants and ratified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). Certification of applicable products to the more stringent lead leaching criteria is optional for the next three years to allow manufacturers time to comply. On Jan. 1, 2024, all products will be required to meet the stricter requirements.
Related Stories
| Nov 23, 2011
USGBC launches app lab for LEED certification process
The U.S. Green Building Council has released the App Lab, a searchable catalog of third-party apps that are integrated with LEED data.
| Nov 23, 2011
Document gives advice on stormwater runoff management
The report, “Rooftops to Rivers II,” provides tips on how cities can use smart infrastructure and green building design to minimize pollution from stormwater runoff and other wastewaters.
| Nov 23, 2011
Zoning changes proposed to make New York City buildings greener
New York City will introduce new zoning proposals next month that would make it easier for building owners to add features that will make their properties more sustainable.
| Nov 18, 2011
AGC offers webinar on Davis-Bacon compliance
Webinar to be held in two sessions, Dec. 7 and 8 from 2:00-3:30 p.m. EST.
| Nov 18, 2011
New green construction code may help push LEED standards higher
The International Green Construction Code (IgCC) is expected to set a floor for building standards and may create the opportunity for LEED certifications to push toward higher ceilings.
| Nov 18, 2011
New OSHA fall safety rule could save contractors money on insurance premiums
The new Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule requiring employers operating in the residential construction industry to use the same methods of fall protection that historically have been used in the commercial construction industry could save them money.
| Nov 18, 2011
Some believe new Austin building code will help mom and pop shops
Austin, Texas has proposed building codes that require wider sidewalks and call for buildings to be closer to sidewalks along a 3.5-mile stretch of highway.
| Nov 11, 2011
AIA: Engineered Brick + Masonry for Commercial Buildings
Earn 1.0 AIA/CES learning units by studying this article and successfully completing the online exam.
| Nov 10, 2011
WaterSense standard for weather-based irrigation controllers unveiled
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program has released a final specification for weather-based irrigation controllers—the first outdoor product category eligible to earn the WaterSense label.
| Nov 10, 2011
Advocate seeks noise reduction measures in California building codes
A former chief building inspector for San Francisco wants to enact building codes that would limit noise levels in restaurants and other spaces open to the public.
