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ATER INDUSTRY NEWS
Lead contamination in new buildings linked to brass ball valves
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Monday, November 15, 2010

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — A recent study indicates that some types of brass ball valves may be responsible for high lead levels in the water supply of newer buildings, United Press International reported.

Researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, found high lead levels in water in their new buildings and decided to investigate, the article stated.

They found that the problem disappeared after certain brass ball valves were removed, according to the report.

The ball valves were later found to contain as much as 18 percent lead by weight on inner surfaces in contact with drinking water.

Since their average overall lead content was under the 8 percent permitted by law, the valves passed NSF International lead-leaching standards, the article reported.

“People have a right to expect that drinking water in brand-new buildings will not be contaminated by lead, and building owners should not have to go the effort and expense the University of North Carolina does to ensure that expectation is met,” said study leader Carolyn Elfland. “In my opinion, this is a major regulatory failure.”

The study was published in the Journal of the American Water Works Association.

To read the entire article, click here.

For related information, click here.
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