---
title: "Brass and drinking water: the regulatory roadmap to 2032"
description: Scopri Foma e le nuove normative europee sull'uso delle leghe di ottone per l'acqua potabile e l'impatto sull'industria metalmeccanica fino al 2032.
---

[Foma's Blog](https://www.blog.foma.net/en)

# [Brass and drinking water: the regulatory roadmap to 2032](https://www.blog.foma.net/en/brass-and-drinking-water-the-regulatory-roadmap-to-2032)

 Written by [Foma](https://www.blog.foma.net/en/author/foma) | Jan 21, 2025 9:54:13 AM

### Brass alloys and drinking water: new european regulations and their impact on the precision mechanics sector

The **metalworking industry** is undergoing a significant regulatory transition regarding the use of **brass alloys** for components intended to come into contact with **drinking water**. The **European Directive (EU) 2020/2184**, known as the **Drinking Water Directive (DWD)**, introduces new rules to ensure the safety and quality of water for human consumption. These changes directly affect materials used in **faucets**, **valves**, and **hydraulic components**.

In 2024, the delegated acts of the DWD were published, including **Regulation (EU) 2024/370** and **Decision (EU) 2024/367**, which establish the **European Positive Lists (EUPL)**. These lists outline the official **brass alloys** authorized for contact with **drinking water**.

#### Why is this regulatory transition necessary?

The reasons behind these restrictions stem from public health and environmental sustainability goals:

- **Reduction of lead content in drinking water**: The new regulation progressively lowers the maximum allowable lead limit to **5 µg/l** at the point of delivery, aligning with recent scientific research on health risks.
- **European-level uniformity**: The **EUPL** ensures consistent rules across EU member states, reducing discrepancies among national regulations.
- **Safety and traceability**: The goal is to ensure certified and compliant materials for drinking water contact, phasing out alloys containing harmful substances.

## Key steps in the transition

Here’s a timeline of the main changes expected in the coming years:

### **❶. January 12, 2021 – Entry into force of Directive (EU) 2020/2184** The EU sets out to reduce contaminants in drinking water and regulate materials used in hydraulic components.

### **❷. January 23, 2024** – Publication of delegated acts and creation of the European Positive List (EUPL)

The European Commission approves the list of metallic materials authorized for drinking water contact.  
Among the currently accepted **brass alloys** are:  
✔ **CW509L** (Pb max 0.2%)  
✔ **CW510L** (Pb max 0.2%)  
✔ **CW724R**

➡ Official sources:

- [Regulation (EU) 2024/370](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/IT/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32024R0370)
- [Decision (EU) 2024/367](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/IT/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32024D0367)

### **❸. December 31, 2026 – End of the transition period**

From **January 1, 2027**, only alloys included in the **EUPL** will be permitted for producing components intended for drinking water contact.  
Until **December 31, 2032**, materials approved by a national authority between 2021 and 2026, such as **CW727R** or **CW511L** (Pb max 0.1%), will also be allowed if they meet the **5 µg/l** lead parameter.

### **❹. January 12, 2028 – Germany enforces the 5 µg/l lead limit**

Germany adopts the reduced lead threshold earlier to accelerate the transition. Alloys like **CW511L** (Pb max 0.2%) and similar will only be usable until this date.

### **❺. December 31, 2032 – Final deadline for the transition period**

After this date, only alloys included in the **European Positive List (EUPL)** will be allowed for components in contact with drinking water across the EU.  
Until then, some nationally approved alloys meeting the **5 µg/l** lead limit, such as **CW727R** and **CW511L** (Pb max 0.1%), may still be used.

## Future scenarios for the metalworking industry

Implementing these regulations will significantly impact the production and strategic decisions of companies in the sector, including **FOMA**. Here are some expected developments:

❶. **Transition to lead-free brass alloys**  
Many manufacturers are accelerating research and development into alternatives to lead-containing brass, such as **CW724R** and **CW725R**. However, these low-lead or lead-free alloys require longer processing times and dedicated investments in tools and machining strategies.

❷. **Increased demand for certifications and compliance testing**  
Companies producing hydraulic components will need to demonstrate compliance with the new regulations through specific tests and certifications recognized at the European level.

❸. **Potential revisions of the EUPL**  
In the coming years, new materials could be added to the positive list or excluded, based on regulatory updates and substance release testing results.

❹. **Greater focus on sustainability**  
The adoption of low-impact alloys will become essential, both for reducing hazardous substances and improving material recyclability.

## How is FOMA preparing?

As a **metalworking company** specializing in the production of custom components, **FOMA** closely monitors regulatory developments and supports its clients in selecting the most suitable alloys for their needs.

Our key focus areas include:  
→ **Analysis and testing of new alloys compliant with EUPL requirements.**  
→ **Collaborating with clients to manage the transition efficiently.**  
→ **Ongoing investments in machining technologies compatible with lead-free brass.**

[Contact us](https://www.foma.net/en/contact/) for more information.

[View full post](https://www.blog.foma.net/en/brass-and-drinking-water-the-regulatory-roadmap-to-2032)

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