Are copper alloys that contain lead outlawed by SDWA?
No. The act does not address materials used to construct faucets and other fittings and fixtures. It requires that the final “device” must comply to NSF Standard 61 section 9. Therefore, many copper alloys commonly used for the manufacture of plumbing fittings and fixtures (i.e. C34000, C34500, C35300, C36000, C37700, C83800, C85200, etc.) can be used. For additional information regarding this subject, see The Safe Drinking Water Act and Copper Alloys.
