What Makes Cambridge Brass Pioneers in No-Lead Brass Production
The history of lead pipe spans centuries, with this material being used extensively in water supply systems due to its pliability, corrosion resistance, and ease of manufacturing.
What Makes Cambridge Brass Pioneers in No-Lead Brass Production
The history of lead pipe spans centuries, with this material being used extensively in water supply systems due to its pliability, corrosion resistance, and ease of manufacturing. However, over time, the health risks associated with lead became more apparent, leading to its eventual decline. Laws and regulations have helped phase out this material in water providing parts – but one waterworks manufacturer had to get the ball rolling.
For decades, Cambridge Brass has been at the forefront of innovation in the waterworks industry, leading the way in critical advancements that ensure safer, higher-quality products. One of the most significant milestones in our company history was our early 
As a trailblazer in no-lead brass manufacturing, Cambridge Brass embraced this shift long before it became a regulatory standard. Below is the timeline that led to Cambridge Brass being the first waterworks manufacturer to end the production of leaded brass:
- It started with production of lead-free institutional bronze castings for plumbing in 1997 as this was the first area that was regulated against lead content per NSF 61 section 8 and 9. Cambridge Brass produced these parts as we were part of Delta (Masco) at the time.
- In 1999, Cambridge Brass started a partnership with Dr. Richard P. Maas, who was a leading water quality environmentalist and professor at the University of North Carolina. He researched and wrote many articles on the impact of lead in children/pregnant women as he was tasked with writing the NSF protocol for testing no-lead brass leaching.
- Initially, our company trialed faucet production with various alloy options until the current alloy was decided upon. In 1999, Cambridge Brass was the only company that was pouring sand cast no-lead brass in the waterworks industry.
- Progressive states in the U.S. moved to ban lead for service valves and fittings for environmental and water safety reasons. In the year 2001, Cambridge Brass/Repco signed a contract with Los Angelos, CA as they were devoted to a no-lead alloy and knew we could provide it.
- Some manufacturers explored ways to get around the no-lead requirement while Cambridge Brass used research and data to raise awareness in the industry. Great effort was put into educating municipality decision makers in the early 2000’s, with Dr. Richard P. Maas and Repco’s Jean (John) Boucher traveling city to city.
- The first Canadian city to install no-lead brass was the Victoriaville, with Trois-rivieres, Nicolet, Bécancour, and many more to follow. They all utilized Cambridge Brass’ no-lead alloy.
- In 2003, Quebec was the first to adopt/mandate throughout the entire province. Ontario and BC followed.
- From 2002 to 2012, testing for the NSF 61 took place multiple times in order to properly set the benchmark for no-lead content in brass alloys. By this time, the BNQ, CSA, and AWWA C800 were on board.
- Near the finish line of no-lead adaptation, Cambridge Brass was the first waterworks manufacturer to end the production of leaded brass even though, in some areas, it meant selling no-lead at leaded prices to ensure the ability to stay in specific market pockets.
- Finally, in 2012, it was enforced that all waterworks manufacturers must work toward producing no-lead parts with an alloy that contains less than .25% lead. This was completed in 2014, even though Cambridge Brass had the ability to provide the no-lead alloy since 1999.
- Providing solutions to customers across North America that are focused exclusively on lead line replacement
- Being proactive at the product management side with lead line replacement with forecasting from the federal level
- Seeking more opportunities for no-lead brass. Manufacturers understand the responsibility in ensuring that the water systems we serve need to be as safe and reliable as possible.
Together, the waterworks industry remains steadfast in our dedication to innovation, sustainability, and protecting the health of the communities we serve.
Our no-lead brass legacy is not just a moment in history—it’s a commitment we continue to uphold every day. Cambridge Brass is proud to have been pioneers in this movement, and we look forward to leading the charge in waterworks safety for years to come!
