What is AB1953 ?

California AB 1953 (or Vermont S152 if you get a Vermont query) is a law that further limits the weighted average (amount of) lead content in pipes, fittings and plumbing fixtures used to convey drinking  to a maximum of .25% on wetted services.  This is less than the allowable level in most states whose standards are based on the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, which has been very effective in making drinking water safer.

When does AB1953 go into effect?

January 1, 2010

How can I identify models on eFaucets.com that are CA or VT or MD compliant?

This icon is used to signify any model that is CA (California) or VT (Vermont) or MD (Maryland) compliant.

It appears on the Product Detail page of any faucet that complies.

What products are affected by AB1953?

Any devices designed for purposes of dispensing water for human consumption. Examples of faucets or products impacted by AB1953 include Kitchen Faucets, Pot Fillers, Bar Faucets, Bathroom Faucets, Hot Water Dispensers, Cold Water Dispensers, Supply Stops, and Water Fountains.

What products are not affected by AB1953?

Any devices designed for purposes other than dispensing water for human consumption. Examples of faucets or products not impacted by AB1953 include Shower Faucets, Sinks, Bathroom Accessories, Electronic products, Laundry Faucets, and Lavatory Fittings.

Who is effected?

All consumers and businesses distributing plumbing products in California. What products are affected by AB1953? All devices at the point-of-use that are intended to dispense water for human consumption. According to AB1953: "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." Examples of the products this bill will cover include kitchen faucets, bar faucets, manual lavatory faucets, supply stops, bubblers, glass fillers and pot fillers.

Why is meeting this new standard important?

Products that do not meet the criteria as outlined by AB1953 by January 1, 2010 cannot be sold in the State of California.

Do I need to get a new faucet just because mine is one of the old ones?

No. Previously installed faucets are not affected. Only faucets sold in California, Vermont and Maryland beginning in January, 2010 must meet the new standard.

Does the AB1953 requirement or standard vary for residential and commercial applications?

The AB1953 lead content standard does not distinguish between residential and commercial uses. Any installation of a product intended to dispense water for human consumption must meet the lead content standards of this new law.

How do I know if a product is certified to meet this new standard?

Products must receive certification from an independent ANSI-approved, third-party testing organization. The manufacturer and the third-party organization that tested the products to the AB1953 standard will be able to provide proper documentation.

If you are changing to no lead, does that mean all this time my faucet is poisoning me with lead?

No. According to the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI), lead levels have been reduced to nearly immeasurable amounts due to advancements in materials and manufacturing processes. Where trace amounts of lead have been found in drinking water, aging infrastructure, including pipe and plumbing system components, have been the main contributors of trace amounts of lead in the water supply.

How is AB1953 different from the existing NSF61, Section 9?

AB1953 does not replace NSF61. AB1953 specifically addresses the lead content used in manufacturing the products, while NSF61 is a performance standard that measures the amount of lead and other metals that may leach into the water at the point-of-use. Chicago Faucets will continue to meet the NSF61, Section 9 requirement on applicable products.

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Sincerely,

The eFaucets Team