Performance and Metal Release of Non-Leaded Brass Meters, Components and Fittings

Leaded brass has historically been used in potable water systems, however it has been found to leach lead under certain circumstances and therefore alternative non-leaded brass has been developed. Non-leaded brass is defined as brass with no lead added, which typically equates to a lead content of 0.1 percent to 0.25 percent by weight. There are several knowledge gaps associated with the manufacture and performance of in-line and premise plumbing components made using these new non-leaded materials, including operations and maintenance issues that may arise with their use, and their potential for leaching other compounds into the drinking water. 
The project developed a series of topic papers that identified the issues and knowledge gaps related to the implementation of non-leaded components in the distribution system. Based on information from the topic papers, research needs were identified and a research agenda for non-leaded brass was developed, with projects identified in the following major issue areas: 

• Leaching, Performance, and Product Acceptance Criteria 
• Costs 
• Plumbing Code Revisions and Marketplace Enforcement 
• Education and Technology Transfer 
• Manufacturing Issues 
• Regulatory Impact and Implementation