On September 30, 2006, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed California Assembly Bill 1953 (commonly referred to as “AB1953”) into law. This new law defines “lead free” to mean not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead content in pipe and fittings.

Products include devices at the point-of-use that are intended to dispense water for human consumption. 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. Additional products include brass fittings, regulators, water supplies and other products commonly used by plumbing contractors during installation.

All consumers and businesses that distribute plumbing products in California will be affected. The new law goes into effect January 1, 2010.