Lead-free drinking water – what you need to know now!

New legal requirements for hygienically safe drinking water installations are coming into force. They bring fundamental changes for the entire industry. The ECHA list in particular has significant implications. For specialist wholesalers, installers and planning offices, this means that now is the time to prepare for the harmonised European requirements and to switch to lead-free products – otherwise it will soon be too late. This compact overview explains what matters now, what you will need to consider in the future and how to successfully manage the transition – practical and easy to understand.

What applied previously

Each EU Member State defined its own requirements for materials in contact with drinking water. The European Drinking Water Directive provided a general framework, but many countries had – and still have – different assessment criteria, positive lists and approval procedures. Materials may only be used in drinking water installations if they comply with these requirements. Despite harmonisation efforts, a patchwork of standards and regulations has emerged.

New European regulations: a clear no to lead

This situation is neither beneficial for hygiene nor for cross-border trade. Therefore, from 31 December 2026, national legislation will be replaced by Directive (EU) 2020/2184. It defines general minimum hygiene requirements for materials in contact with drinking water and harmonises the existing patchwork. Lead-containing materials – particularly copper alloys – will be prohibited in drinking water applications.

National regulations during the transition period

Across the EU, the transition must be completed by 2032 at the latest. Individual countries may shorten this deadline. In Germany, for example, lead-containing materials may no longer be installed in drinking water applications from 12 January 2028 onwards. Compliance will be monitored by EU-designated certification bodies.

The challenge…

Trade and craft businesses must act now, while planners and engineering offices must specify lead-free solutions. Stock rotation can take up to two years. No one wants to be left with unsellable goods or forced to dispose of them.

The solution: the original.

SANHA® began switching to the lead-free material CuSi as early as 2009. Since 2013, SANHA® has offered fittings made entirely of CuSi for press, threaded and transition connections. The CW724R alloy is future-proof, legally compliant throughout Europe and highly resistant to dezincification. More than 60 million products from the PURAPRESS®, PURAFIT® and 3fit® Press series have been sold. SANHA® therefore has the longest market experience of all piping system manufacturers.

Choose lead-free now. Choose the original. We will be happy to advise you.