Environment (Drinking Water)

HB 319 revises Alabama's definition of "lead-free" plumbing materials, lowering the maximum allowable lead content from 8% to 0.25% (weighted average) for pipes, fittings, and fixtures that contact drinking water. It requires all city and county plumbing codes to update to this new standard by October 1, 2027. The bill also exempts specific applications, such as non-drinking water systems (e.g., irrigation), large valves (2 inches or larger), and certain appliances like fire sprinklers and clothes washers, from the lead-free requirement. These changes aim to align plumbing standards with updated safety practices for drinking water systems.