High performance plastics for water management applications

Lead leaching into drinking water presents a major health risk. While faucets, water meter components, and fitting systems have traditionally used brass, copper, lead, and other metals, regulations on permissible lead levels have been strengthened. Also the demand for potable and warm water is increasing especially in high-growth economies, requiring cost solutions. This is driving the industry to look for alternative material solutions that are completely lead free, meeting local regulatory drinking water requirements for potable water distribution networks around the world.

High performance thermoplastic materials can help eliminate lead from these applications and can offer further simplification of designs, reduction of weight, further downsizing and reduction of the total system costs by eliminating metal components. An important aspect of these plastics is a good level of the weldline strength and its retention after storage under the extreme use conditions.