Do You Comply?

On January 4, 2014,
water works brass
will change forever.
 Legislation
In January of 2011, the President
signed into law Senate Bill 3874 and
created the Reduction of Lead in
Drinking Water Act.

This legislation amended the Safe

Drinking Water Act to reduce the
allowable lead content in all products in
contact with drinking water from 8.0%
to 0.25% (weighted average).
When does the new
law take effect?
When does the new law take effect?
Nationally: This new law goes into effect
on January 4, 2014

Some states have adopted laws with more

aggressive timelines for no-lead brass
California: Already requires no-lead brass

Vermont: Already requires no-lead brass

Maryland: No-lead brass required by

1/1/2012

Louisiana: No-lead brass required by

1/1/2013
 Definitions
No-Lead, Low Lead, Lead Free,
Federalloy, EnviroBrass
Basically, these terms all mean
the same thing
We do anticipate future standards
and specifications to clarify some of
the industry jargon, as well as the
variety of product labeling that
exists today. 5 The new Federal
Law carries the most weight for the
Ford Meter Box Company by
specifically defining the allowable
lead content (0.25%) of our brass
products in 2014.
 Are any products
exempt?
The new law applies to the
wetted surfaces of any
product used in a potable
(drinking) water system
Products used for non-
drinking water applications
(reclaimed, industrial, etc.)
and brass service saddles
are exempt from the no-
lead requirements
 How will this impact
current standards?
In response to the California no-lead law, NSF
Standard 61 Annex G was created in 2008 to
provide independent certification to the California
law
In 2010 NSF Standard 372 was created to permit all
products to have independent certification to the
new state laws. NSF 372 will supersede Annex G
NSF 61 is a voluntary standard currently specified
in a number of markets
AWWA C800 currently references the Safe Drinking
Water Act requirements and will be updated nearer
to 2014 to remove leaded brass from the permitted
wetted contact material list
NFS/ANSI Standard 372 is our primary focus
moving forward for users not requiring
NSF/ANSI Standard 61
 No-Lead Brass
Specifications
Made from UNS/CDA No C89833 cast alloy
UL Classified to NSF/ANSI Standard 61
and Standard 372
Brass components in contact with potable
water shall be of No-Lead Alloy (UNS/CDA
No C89833)
UNS/CDA No C89833 conforms to AWWA
C800 and ASTM B-584
Components that do not come in contact
with potable water shall be UNS/CDA No
C83600 - 85-5-5-5 and shall conform to
AWWA Standard C800 (ASTM B-62 and
ASTM B-584)
Ford No-Lead products are identified by
NL on the major body component
No-Lead Brass
Specifications
 Good News
Ford Meter Box is Ready!
Ford provides (and stocks)
a complete no-lead line of
brass waterworks products
that meet the new
legislation
Add the -NL suffix to your
current part numbers
 No-Lead Brass
Identification
Ford No-Lead
products are
identified by NL
on the major body
component
Ford No-Lead
products are
packaged with a
lime-green box
label, and have -
NL at the end of
product number
 What does this
mean for me?
All current waterworks brass
inventory becomes obsolete and
can not be sold (or used) after
January 4th, 2014 (unless your
state adopts an earlier deadline)
Begin planning now to cycle out
your current brass inventory and
replace with the new no-lead
brass products
Contact your local Ford Meter
Box representative to develop a
transition plan
Handling and Installing
No-lead Brass
The Basics
No-lead alloys, at a minimum, require the same
care as traditional waterworks brass. For best
results, besides specific product instructions
provided, follow these general instructions.

1. Handle carefullyprotect threads...keep cleando

not drop or throw. Do not use a pipe wrench.
2. Always use a suitable sealant or Teflon tape on
tapered threads.
3. Use only smooth-jawed, adjustable wrenches that
fully and evenly engage the wrench flats. Loose fitting
wrenches and pipe wrenches will distort the valves or
fittings and cause leaks.
4. Place wrenches only on wrench flats provided, not on
round surfaces.
Handling and Installing
No-lead Brass
The Basics
5. Use extra care not to over tighten connections,
which could distort or break the brass.
6. Use extra care not to exert side / down forces
on the brass to avoid distorting or breaking the
valves and fittings.
7. Always inspect and pressure test before
backfilling.
8. Backfill and compact carefully to ensure the
brass and service line are properly supported and
not stressed by the weight of the earth.
9. Protect from freezing. Frozen water can expand
and damage brass, causing leaks.