What is the AB1953 faucet – California low lead compliant
[2025-10-27] | By Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. Allen Huang
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- What Is the California AB1953 Low Lead Standard?
- What Does AB1953 Mean for Consumers?
- Who Is Affected by the AB1953 Lead-Free Law?
- The Health Effects of Lead in Water
- AB1953 Faucet Product Categories
- FAQs About AB1953 Faucets
- Partner With an ODM Manufacturer
The California AB1953, also known as the Low Lead Law, is a health protection regulation designed to reduce the amount of lead in plumbing products used for drinking water. It ensures that faucets, valves, and fittings that come in contact with potable water contain no more than 0.25% lead by weighted average across all wetted surfaces.
Before AB1953, plumbing parts could legally contain up to 8% lead. The change was a major step forward in public safety. Now, all products sold or installed in California must meet this stricter "lead-free" definition.
The law also influenced federal regulations, leading to the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act (2011), which adopted the same standards nationwide.
Key Compliance Requirements
| Parameter | Requirement / Specification |
|---|---|
| Maximum Lead Content | 0.25% weighted average on wetted surfaces |
| Certification | Must be tested and certified by accredited third parties (e.g., NSF/ANSI 61) |
| Coverage | All potable water contact products: faucets, valves, fittings, pipes |
| Enforcement | Required for products sold or installed in California |
| Materials Used | Stainless steel, lead-free brass, high-grade plastics |
For consumers, AB1953 means safer, cleaner drinking water.
Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially for children and pregnant women. The law ensures that the water flowing from your faucet is free from harmful metal contamination.
If you're choosing a faucet for your home or business, look for AB1953-certified or lead-free labels. Many premium kitchen faucets - such as stainless steel 5 in 1 kitchen taps - already meet or exceed these requirements, offering both health protection and durability.
The AB1953 regulation impacts multiple sectors:
Manufacturers & Suppliers
They must redesign and produce plumbing fixtures using lead-free materials. This often involves R&D investments, material changes, and third-party testing.
Example: At Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd., our R&D team uses stainless steel and lead-free alloys in our 5 in 1 kitchen taps to meet AB1953 standards.
Retailers & Distributors
Retailers are responsible for ensuring their product inventory complies with AB1953. Stocking certified products helps build trust and avoid legal issues.
Plumbers & Contractors
Those installing faucets and under-sink water systems must use AB1953-compliant parts to stay within California's legal standards.
Property Owners & Developers
Using lead-free components improves property value, ensures health safety, and helps maintain compliance with local building codes.
Regulatory Bodies
They oversee certification, testing, and compliance enforcement to ensure safe water for all residents.
Even small amounts of lead in drinking water can cause serious long-term harm. The dangers include:
| Health Area | Impact of Lead Exposure |
|---|---|
| Neurological (Children) | Reduced IQ, learning difficulties, behavioral changes |
| Neurological (Adults) | Memory loss, mood disorders, slower cognitive function |
| Cardiovascular System | High blood pressure, heart disease risk |
| Kidneys | Long-term kidney damage and failure risk |
| Reproductive System | Fertility issues, miscarriage, premature births |
| Blood System | Anemia, fatigue, and other systemic problems |
That's why AB1953-compliant faucets are a must - they help eliminate one of the major sources of lead exposure.
At Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd., we design and manufacture AB1953-compliant stainless steel 5 in 1 kitchen taps that combine functionality, safety, and style.
| Product Category | Features | Lead-Free Certification |
|---|---|---|
| 5 in 1 Kitchen Tap | Hot, cold, boiling, chilled, and sparkling water in one tap | AB1953, NSF/ANSI 61 |
| 4 in 1 Boiling Tap | Boiling + Chilled + Domestic Hot + Domestic Cold water tap | AB1953, NSF/ANSI 61 |
| 3 in 1 Kitchen Tap | Hot, cold, and filtered boiled water | AB1953 |
| Instant Boiling Water Tap | Provides 98°C water instantly | AB1953, WRAS |
| Filtered Drinking Tap | Pure filtered water for drinking | AB1953 |
| Under-Sink Water Systems | Integrated filtration + heating/chilling systems | AB1953 & Lead-Free Materials |
All products are made using high-quality stainless steel, which naturally meets the low lead requirement and resists corrosion for long-lasting use.
Q1: What does "AB1953-compliant" mean?
It means the faucet meets California's low lead law, ensuring that wetted surfaces contain no more than 0.25% lead.
Q2: Why was AB1953 created?
To protect public health by reducing lead in drinking water systems and ensuring safer plumbing materials.
Q3: Are all faucets in California required to be AB1953 compliant?
Yes. Any faucet designed for drinking water use must comply with the law.
Q4: How can I identify a compliant faucet?
Look for labels such as Lead-Free, NSF/ANSI 61 Certified, or AB1953 Compliant.
Q5: Do replacement parts also need to be AB1953 compliant?
Yes, any wetted part, including cartridges and valves, must meet the same lead-free standards.
Q6: What materials are used in AB1953 faucets?
Most use 304 stainless steel, lead-free brass, or engineered plastics.
Q7: Can AB1953 faucets be sold outside California?
Absolutely - they meet U.S. federal lead-free standards, making them suitable for nationwide and global markets.
Looking for a reliable ODM manufacturer of AB1953-compliant kitchen faucets and under-sink water systems?
Xiamen Smart Water Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading stainless steel 5 in 1 kitchen tap manufacturer behind many top global brands.
- Over 15 years of ODM manufacturing experience
- Fully AB1953-certified production processes
- Lead-free, eco-friendly materials
- Fast OEM/ODM customization and brand labeling support
📩 Contact us today to discuss your AB1953 faucet ODM partnership and create your own premium, lead-free kitchen tap product line.
👉 Visit: https://www.kitchenwatertap.com