NSF Certifies Wilkins to New Calif. Lead Requirements
NSF International has certified Wilkins, a Zurn Company, to NSF/ANSI Standard 61: Drinking Water System Components -- Health Effects and Annex G low-lead requirements. Wilkins makes backflow preventers, which mechanically prevent unsafe water from flowing back into the public water supply.
As of Jan. 1, 2010, new lead content requirements in California (commonly known as AB 1953) will mandate a maximum weighted average lead content of less than or equal to 0.25 percent for plumbing products.
Manufacturers of backflow preventers for potable water service, faucets, valves, water fittings, and other products that come in contact with drinking water must meet the new lead requirements. After Jan. 1, any pipe, fitting, or fixture intended to convey or dispense water for drinking or cooking must meet the weighted average lead content specification. The lead content requirements of Section 116875 of the California Health and Safety Code 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 the Annex G requirements.
“Obtaining Annex G certification for our backflow preventers is important as our customers will know when they see the NSF Mark on our products that in addition to meeting the new low lead requirements, all health effect and performance requirements have also been met,” said Rick Fields, Wilkins' vice president of Sales and Marketing.
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 balanced representation from public health, user communities and industry to ensure an open, transparent and consensus process.