Prohibition of Lead Pipes, Lead Pipe Fittings, and Lead Solder and Flux

PURPOSE: This rule protects public water systems and the customer water systems connected to the public water systems from the leaching of lead into the drinking water. (1) This rule applies to all public water systems. (2) For the purpose of this rule, the term lead free means— (A) Not containing more than two-tenths percent (0.2%) lead when used with respect to solder and flux; and (B) Not more than a weighted average of twenty-five hundredths of a percent (0.25%) lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes, pipe fittings, plumbing fittings, and fixtures. (3) As of January 1, 1989, no person may use any pipe, any pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, any solder, or any flux that is not lead free as defined in section (2) of this rule in the installation or repair of any public water system or any plumbing in a residential or nonresidential facility providing water for human consumption. This section shall not apply to leaded joints necessary for the repair of cast iron pipes or the installation of fire hydrants. (4) Any customer water system constructed, expanded, modified, or repaired after January 1, 1989, that is connected to a public water system, and later is found to contain materials that are not lead free, shall have the water meter removed or otherwise have the service line severed from the public water system when the supplier of water is so ordered by the appropriate local governmental authority (if one exists) or by the department. The requirements of this section shall not apply to any customer water system previously served by a water system other than a public water system. (5) All community public water systems must have a locally enforceable mechanism, such as an ordinance, resolution, bylaw, or contract in place to require that any pipe, pipe fitting, plumbing fitting, plumbing fixture, solder, or flux installed or used as part of a repair at any residential or nonresidential facility which is connected to the public water system be lead free. (6) No ordinance or rule established by a unit of local government or a supplier of water for the prohibition of lead pipe, lead pipe fittings, and lead solder and flux shall be less stringent than the requirements of this rule. AUTHORITY: section 640.100, RSMo Supp. 2023.* Original rule filed June 2, 1988, effective Aug. 31, 1988. Amended: Filed Aug. 14, 2001, effective April 30, 2002. Amended: Filed March 14, 2024, effective Oct. 30, 2024. *Original authority: 640.100, RSMo 1939, amended 1978, 1981, 1982, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2012, 2014, 2023.