As of Jan. 1, 2010, new lead content requirements in California (commonly known as AB1953) will mandate a maximum weighted average lead content of ≤0.25 percent for plumbing products.Wilkins, a Zurn Company (www.zurnwilkins.com), is the first backflow preventer manufacturer certified by NSF International (www.nsf.org) to NSF/ANSI Standard 61: Drinking Water System Components — Health Effects and Annex G low-lead requirements, developed to help protect the public from exposure to lead, as per the requirements outlined in AB1953.
The lead content requirements of Section 116875 of the California Health and Safety Code (also known as AB1953) were incorporated as an annex into the American National Standard for health effects of drinking water system components NSF/ANSI Standard 61: Annex G – Weighted Average Lead Content Evaluation Procedure to a 0.25 Percent Lead Requirement.
To obtain certification, Wilkins demonstrated compliance with all of NSF/ANSI Standard 61, Annex G requirements. As such, Wilkins’ backflow preventers now bear the NSF Annex G Certification Mark. Wilkins is also listed on the NSF’s Web site to demonstrate compliance with the new requirements.
Annex G was developed by NSF’s Lead Task Group with guidance from key regulators, proponents of the California lead bill, industry representatives and the NSF Standard 61 Joint Committee. The NSF Joint Committee is comprised of representatives from public health, user communities and industry.
