Backflow preventer not lead free

[eyo_007]

hi all,

my pool is being built. Today, i noticed a little tag on the backflow preventer saying that it is not lead free, not to be used for potable water.

This is a Zurn Wilkins model 720A.
720A


This sounds worrisome. has any other seen a backflow preventer that has lead to be used on the supply line to the Auto Water Leveler?

 

[Dirk]

Dang, now I gotta go read my tag!! Hang on...

Yep, same here, Zurn, not lead free. But a pool isn't a potable water supply. The Federal law applies to consumption. I don't think skin contact is consumption, and the odd few drops anyone might ingest while swimming is negligible, I should think. I can't imagine (or rather I'm not going to imagine) that whatever minuscule amount of lead is being introduced into my pool through the auto fill system is any kind of issue, at least compared to what else is in there!!

Thoughts?

 

[Dirk]

This from the EPA. Sounds like you can shower or bathe in lead:

The SDWA includes several exemptions from the lead free requirements, specifically for plumbing devices that are used exclusively for nonpotable services, as well as a list of specific products: toilets, bidets, urinals, fill valves, flushometer valves, fire hydrants, tub fillers, shower valves, service saddles, or water distribution main gate valves that are 2 inches in diameter or larger.

Source: https://www.epa.gov/dwstandardsregu...tings-fixtures-solder-and-flux-drinking-water

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From California, no mention of pools or showers or tubs:

Beginning January 1, 2010, state law prohibits the introduction into commerce of any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting, or fixture intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption through drinking or cooking that is not “lead free” as defined in statute. 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. However, service saddles, backflow preventers for non-potable services such as irrigation and industrial, and water distribution main gate valves that are two inches in diameter and above are excluded.

Source: https://dtsc.ca.gov/PollutionPrevention/upload/lead-in-plumbing-fact-sheet.pdf

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And in LA (assuming other municipalities would be similar):

Assemblymember Wilma Chan, 16th District, the author of Assembly Bill 1953 (Chan,Chapter 853, Stats. 2006), which codified the low lead requirements for plumbing
products, has published additional guidance about what she intended to be subject to
the low lead requirement. Based on the plain language of the statute, the legislative
history, and clarifying letter from Chan, the intent of the legislation is that the 0.25% lead
content requirement would not apply to devices that can reasonably be described as not
intended to convey or dispense water for human consumption. Such “exempt devices”
include:
• Service saddles
• Back-flow preventers which protect/separate potable water systems
from non-potable services such as irrigation, industrial and laboratory
use
• Water distribution Main Gate Valves that are two inches (2”) in diameter
and above
• Fire Hydrants
• Fittings and valves for Wastewater Distribution Systems
• Decorative Fountains
• Marine applications
• Air and Vacuum appliances
• Bathtubs and bathtub faucets
• Showers, bath and shower valves, shower heads of all types and shower head
adapters
• Roman Tubs and Roman Tub valves
• Sanitary Sewer Drains
• Irrigation Sprinklers
• Toilets, urinals, bidets and their fittings
• Faucets, fittings and fixtures for laboratory uses
• Utility, laundry and shampoo fittings
• Service sinks
• Whirlpools and Spa Therapy Pools
• Flexible plumbing connectors and flexible risers not intended for potable water
applications (e.g. clothes washing machines, dishwashers)
• Hose Bibbs, fittings, tees and splitters
• Flush valves
• Solenoid valves
• Pre-rinse Assemblies for commercial kitchen use, that do not include an
auxiliary spout or other outlet

Source: https://www.ladbs.org/docs/default-...ornia-lead-free-law-requirements.pdf?sfvrsn=7

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I think we're good... I shower a lot more than I swim. I like a good lead coating. Superman cannot see my organs! :super:

 

[Dirk]

By the way, I connected by auto-fill system to my water softener to minimize the build up of calcium in my pool water. My city's water is pretty hard. How's yours? Got a softener? I write about my efforts elsewhere on TFP, if you're interested...