Summary Of The
Reduction Of Lead In Drinking Water Act
And Frequently Asked Questions
How does EPA interpret the phrase “potable services”?
A. EPA interprets “potable services” to be services or applications that provide water suitable
for human ingestion (e.g. drinking, teeth brushing, food preparation, dishwashing,
maintaining oral hygiene).
6. Q. Are household appliances or fixtures, such as washing machines, dishwashers and water
heaters subject to the lead free requirements?
A. If the appliance or fixture is part of the plumbing system and is not used exclusively for
nonpotable services, it is subject to the lead free requirements. As a result, washing
machines are exempt as a device that is used exclusively for nonpotable services.
Dishwashers and water heaters, on the other hand, are not exempt because they are used for
potable services.
http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead/upload/epa815s13001.pdf