Healthy Drinking Water and Low Lead Compliance

ANNISTON, Ala., Feb. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Brass and copper water lines have been used in the U.S. for the vast majority of potable water delivery systems; and with good reason.  The copper in brass makes brass germicidal, or naturally antibacterial.  The Environmental Protection Agency regulates the registration of antimicrobial products. After extensive antimicrobial testing according to the agency's stringent test protocols, 355 copper alloys, including brass, were found to kill more than 99.9% of Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and a number of other harmful bacteria.*

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Public health and safety is among the many factors to be considered when choosing a potable water delivery system to comply with NSF/ANSI 61 F by the January 2014 deadline. Lee Free® products manufactured by Lee Brass enable utilities to meet the 0.25% lead requirement and 5 parts per billion lead leachate.  This provides water consumers the healthiest and safest possible lead free delivery system.

Lee Free®:

• Manufactured in the USA
• Contains antimicrobial properties that kill bacteria naturally. Not so with all other materials.
• Lee Free® offers the most extensive package of cast solder and threaded brass fittings and flanges with 745 line items.  It is the most complete low lead package in the world.  And Lee Free® is NSF 61 F certified.

Recent research overseen at the University of Southampton, UK, has shown that copper surfaces could help to prevent the spread of Influenza A viruses that cause seasonal and epidemic flu infections. According to the UK's Department of Health, about 12,000 people die from such infections every year in the UK.  The study was carried out by microbiology researchers Professor William Keevil and Dr. Jonathon Noyce.

Professor Keevil also points out, "Stainless steel is actually rather inert. It is generally used because it is perceived as being easy to use and clean, and does not rust. However, pathogens can hide in the scratch marks and pits if the cleaning is not efficient and regular." By contrast, he says, "Copper is an active surface that kills bacteria by inhibiting the respiration and also destroying the DNA. We believe that it probably has similar broad-spectrum properties for Influenza virus."  Tests have shown that even a tarnished copper alloy surface can be just as effective.

*EPA registers copper-containing alloy products, May 2008

Contact: Phil Stephens, V.P. of Sales & Marketing, Lee Brass - Anniston, Alabama
             1-800-876-1811

SOURCE Lee Brass