Taking The Lead On Ditching Lead

AWWA C800, Underground Service Line Valves and Fittings, was built around the use of one brass alloy, C83600, also known as leaded red brass, favored for its manufacturability and low cost. Over the last two decades, the waterworks industry has transitioned to brass alloys that meet the definition of lead-free for most surfaces contacting potable water. The transition was possible for a broad range of waterworks products because there are many lead-free brass options available to the market, however, only three lead-free alloys were available for C800 products, and all three were bismuth-based brass.

In 2018, the U.S. Department of the Interior identified bismuth as one of 35 critical minerals. "Critical" is defined as 1) a non-fuel mineral essential to the economic and national security of the United States; 2) the supply chain of which is vulnerable to disruption; and 3) serves an essential function in manufacturing product which would have significant consequences if absent. While recognition of a mineral as critical doesn't disqualify an alloy from use, it should be considered in a larger evaluation strategy.

AWWA revised the C800 standard to include three lead-free, silicon-based brass options. Given the supply chain concerns with bismuth and availability of proven lead-free alternatives, Mueller Water Products built a new state-of-the-art foundry to manufacture lead free silicon-based brass C87850 products in 2020. This includes gate and specialty valves, hydrants, and service brass including corporation valves, curb valves, meter valves, check valves, service saddles and fittings, as well as meter pits and meter setters.