Lead in drinking water can be caused by a number of factors. In fact, there was a time when lead was used in many consumer products but this widespread use has resulted in environmental contamination, causing human exposure and, ultimately, significant public health problems.  There is no known level of lead exposure that is considered safe so countries like Canada and the U.S. have developed regulations to prevent exposure.  Standards, testing, and certification can help ensure that plumbing products that come into contact with potable water for human consumption or cooking meet low lead requirements.

This paper explores:

  • Major causes of lead in drinking water
  • How laws, regulations, guidelines, and codes are addressing the issue
  • Compliance pathways to critical standards
  • Steps to plumbing product testing for low lead requirements