PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Jan 4, 2011
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on December 16, 2010. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act - Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to exempt from prohibitions on the use or sale of lead pipes, solder, and flux: (1) pipes or pipe or plumbing fittings or fixtures, including backflow preventers, that are used exclusively for nonpotable services such as manufacturing, industrial processing, irrigation, outdoor watering or any other uses where the water is not anticipated to be used for human consumption; or (2) toilets, bidets, urinals, fill valves, flushometer valves, tub fillers, shower valves, service saddles, or water distribution main gate valves that are two inches in diameter or larger.
Redefines "lead free" under such Act to mean: (1) not containing more than 0.2% lead when used with respect to solder and flux (current law); and (2) not more than a weighted average of 0.25% lead when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe and plumbing fittings and fixtures. Establishes a formula to calculate the weighted average lead content of a pipe or pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Makes this Act effective 36 months after its enactment.
People & committees
Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA] · D–CA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 111-380.
Became Public Law No: 111-380.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Cleared for White House.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 226 - 109 (Roll no. 656). (text: CR H8617)
House roll call 656 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 226 - 109 (Roll no. 656).(text: CR H8617)
House roll call 656 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: H8768-8769)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3874.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8617-8619)
Mr. Doyle moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S10364; text as passed Senate: CR S10364)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S10364; text as passed Senate: CR S10364)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 702.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Boxer without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Boxer without amendment. Without written report.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.3874 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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