Sec. 09.20.01.05. Limit on Lead Content

A. Definitions.

(1) In this regulation, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

(2) Terms Defined.

(a) “Lead-free” means:

(i) Containing not more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead when used with respect to the wetted surface of pipes, pipe fitting, plumbing fittings, and fixtures; and

(ii) Not containing more than 0.2 percent lead when used with respect to solder and flux.

(b) “NSF” means the standards of the National Sanitation Foundation.

B. Weighted Average Lead Content Formula.

(1) The weighted average lead content of a lead-free pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, or fixture shall be calculated by using the following formula: For each wetted component, the percentage of lead in the component shall be multiplied by the ratio of the wetted surface area of that component to the total wetted surface area of the entire product to arrive at the weighted percentage of lead of the component. The weighted percentage of lead of each wetted component shall be added together, and the sum of these weighted percentages shall constitute the weighted average lead content of the product. The lead content of the material used to produce wetted components shall be used to determine compliance with lead-free requirements. For lead content of materials that are provided as a range, the maximum content of the range shall be used.

(2) The use of platings, coatings, or acid wash treatments may not be used to meet the 0.25 percent weighted average lead content requirements set forth in Business Occupations and Professions Article, §§12-101(h-1)(4) and 12-101(q)(4) and(5), Annotated Code of Maryland.

C. Materials used to dispense water intended for human consumption through drinking or cooking, including piping, faucets, and valves as set forth in §§F and G of this regulation, shall be lead-free, containing not more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent lead with respect to the wetted surface as defined in §A(2)(a)(ii) of this regulation.

D. Soldered Joints.

(1) Solder and flux for soldered joints in potable water piping shall be lead-free, containing not more than 0.2 percent lead, as defined in §A(2)(a)(ii) of this regulation.

(2) Flux shall be recommended by the manufacturer for making soldered joints in lead-free potable water supply system piping.

E. Components.

(1) Potable water supply components that are within the scope of NSF 61 for drinking water system components and are required to be lead-free shall comply with NSF 61 and NSF 372.

(2) Potable water system components that are not within the scope of NSF 61 for drinking water system components but are required to be lead-free shall comply with NSF 372.

(3) Potable water system components that are not required to be 0.25% lead-free shall be suitable for distributing potable water but may contain up to 8% lead.

F. Potable water end-use devices and potable water supply system piping that are intended to dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking include, but are not limited to:

(1) Kitchen sink faucets;

(2) Bar sink faucets;

(3) Private bathroom sink faucets;

(4) Drinking fountain faucets;

(5) Kitchen hot water dispensers;

(6) Water supply to:

(a) Ice makers;

(b) Potable water heaters;

(c) Commercial grocer or supermarket misting systems used for produce;

(d) Commercial kitchen cooking equipment; and

(e) Production equipment for processed food containing water; and

(7) Any other end-use device or piping that is intended to dispense or convey water for human consumption.

G. Piping components that shall be lead-free when used with lead-free end-use devices and piping that are required to be lead-free include, but are not limited to:

(1) Main service shut-off valves;

(2) Water service backflow prevention devices;

(3) Water meters;

(4) Pressure booster pumps;

(5) Pressure reducing valves;

(6) Strainers;

(7) Water filters;

(8) Check valves;

(9) Control valves;

(10) Vacuum breakers;

(11) Water hammer arrestors;

(12) Master hot water mixing valves;

(13) In-line tempering valves;

(14) Hot water recirculating pumps;

(15) Branch piping shut off valves;

(16) Balancing valves;

(17) Fixture shut off valves;

(18) Solenoid valves;

(19) Tankless water heaters; and

(20) Any other piping component associated with an end-use device or water supply piping that is required to be lead-free.

H. Materials Not Required to Be Lead-Free.

(1) Pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings or fixtures, including backflow preventers, that are used exclusively for nonpotable services such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation, outdoor watering, or any other uses where the water is not anticipated to be used for human consumption are not required to be lead-free.

(2) Potable water end-use devices and water supply system components not anticipated to dispense or convey water to be used for human consumption and not required to be lead-free, including the associated supply piping of such devices and components, include, but are not limited to:

(a) Tub faucets or fillers;

(b) Shower fixtures, including:

(i) Valves;

(ii) Heads; and

(iii) Adapters;

(c) Flush valves for:

(i) Water closets;

(ii) Urinals; and

(iii) Bidets;

(d) Shut off valves for clothes washers;

(e) Lavatory faucets in public restrooms;

(f) Laundry sink faucets;

(g) Service sink faucets;

(h) Faucets for laboratory applications;

(i) Hose bibbs;

(j) Trap seal priming devices;

(k) Backflow prevention devices that supply nonpotable applications;

(l) Fire hose valves;

(m) Water hammer arrestors;

(n) The water supply to:

(i) Dishwashers;

(ii) Whirlpools;

(iii) Spas;

(iv) Therapy pools;

(v) Swimming pools;

(vi) Boilers;

(vii) Heating hot water generators;

(viii) Humidifiers; and

(ix) Irrigation systems;

(o) Food production equipment that does not contact the food; and

(p) Any other end-use device or water supply piping that is not anticipated to dispense or convey water that is to be used for human consumption.