Brass and drinking water: the regulatory roadmap to 2032

Brass alloys and drinking water: new european regulations and their impact on the precision mechanics sector

The metalworking industry is undergoing a significant regulatory transition regarding the use of brass alloys for components intended to come into contact with drinking water. The European Directive (EU) 2020/2184, known as the Drinking Water Directive (DWD), introduces new rules to ensure the safety and quality of water for human consumption. These changes directly affect materials used in faucets, valves, and hydraulic components.

In 2024, the delegated acts of the DWD were published, including Regulation (EU) 2024/370 and Decision (EU) 2024/367, which establish the European Positive Lists (EUPL). These lists outline the official brass alloys authorized for contact with drinking water.

Why is this regulatory transition necessary?

The reasons behind these restrictions stem from public health and environmental sustainability goals:

• Reduction of lead content in drinking water: The new regulation progressively lowers the maximum allowable lead limit to 5 µg/l at the point of delivery, aligning with recent scientific research on health risks.
  
  
• European-level uniformity: The EUPL ensures consistent rules across EU member states, reducing discrepancies among national regulations.
  
  
• Safety and traceability: The goal is to ensure certified and compliant materials for drinking water contact, phasing out alloys containing harmful substances.

Key steps in the transition

Here’s a timeline of the main changes expected in the coming years:

❶. January 12, 2021 – Entry into force of Directive (EU) 2020/2184
The EU sets out to reduce contaminants in drinking water and regulate materials used in hydraulic components.

❷. January 23, 2024 – Publication of delegated acts and creation of the European Positive List (EUPL)

The European Commission approves the list of metallic materials authorized for drinking water contact.
Among the currently accepted brass alloys are:
✔ CW509L (Pb max 0.2%)
✔ CW510L (Pb max 0.2%)
✔ CW724R

➡ Official sources:

• Regulation (EU) 2024/370

• Decision (EU) 2024/367

❸. December 31, 2026 – End of the transition period

From January 1, 2027, only alloys included in the EUPL will be permitted for producing components intended for drinking water contact.
Until December 31, 2032, materials approved by a national authority between 2021 and 2026, such as CW727R or CW511L (Pb max 0.1%), will also be allowed if they meet the 5 µg/l lead parameter.

❹. January 12, 2028 – Germany enforces the 5 µg/l lead limit

Germany adopts the reduced lead threshold earlier to accelerate the transition. Alloys like CW511L (Pb max 0.2%) and similar will only be usable until this date.

❺. December 31, 2032 – Final deadline for the transition period

After this date, only alloys included in the European Positive List (EUPL) will be allowed for components in contact with drinking water across the EU.
Until then, some nationally approved alloys meeting the 5 µg/l lead limit, such as CW727R and CW511L (Pb max 0.1%), may still be used.

Future scenarios for the metalworking industry

Implementing these regulations will significantly impact the production and strategic decisions of companies in the sector, including FOMA. Here are some expected developments:

❶. Transition to lead-free brass alloys
Many manufacturers are accelerating research and development into alternatives to lead-containing brass, such as CW724R and CW725R. However, these low-lead or lead-free alloys require longer processing times and dedicated investments in tools and machining strategies.

❷. Increased demand for certifications and compliance testing
Companies producing hydraulic components will need to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations through specific tests and certifications recognized at the European level.

❸. Potential revisions of the EUPL
In the coming years, new materials could be added to the positive list or excluded, based on regulatory updates and substance release testing results.

❹. Greater focus on sustainability
The adoption of low-impact alloys will become essential, both for reducing hazardous substances and improving material recyclability.

How is FOMA preparing?

As a metalworking company specializing in the production of custom components, FOMA closely monitors regulatory developments and supports its clients in selecting the most suitable alloys for their needs.

Our key focus areas include:
→ Analysis and testing of new alloys compliant with EUPL requirements.
→ Collaborating with clients to manage the transition efficiently.
→ Ongoing investments in machining technologies compatible with lead-free brass.