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BRANCH OPINION

To: All Building Officials

RE: Appliances in Contact With Potable Water Supply

On July 24, 1995 the Housing Development and Buildings Branch issued a Branch opinion with respect to appliances that come into contact with the potable water supply and become a component of the potable water distribution system. The opinion stated that the components that come into contact with potable water supply must comply with Part 7 of the Ontario Building Code (OBC).

The Branch has further examined this issue and had discussions with municipal officials, manufacturers and mechanical contractors. We have also examined the application of Part 7 of the OBC to an appliance that becomes part of the water distribution system.

It is the opinion of the Branch that the provision of the OBC that is relevant to appliances that come into contact with the potable water supply and become a component of the potable water distribution system is Sentence 7.6.2.1.(1) ("Contamination of Systems"), which addresses the issue of the entry into the potable water system of non-potable water or substances that may render the water non-potable.

The following are examples of issues that may arise in regard to the application of Sentence 7.6.2. 2.(1) of the OBC with respect to appliances that come into contact with the potable water supply and become a component of the potable water distribution system:

1. Type of copper with which potable water comes into contact in the appliance:

   The OBC requires copper pipes that are used in a water distribution system to be certified to the ASTM B88 standard (Sentence 7.2.7.4.(1)).

   It appears reasonable to assume that the potability of water will not be adversely affected where copper pipe conveying water in an appliance that comes into contact with the potable water supply and

   becomes a component of the potable water distribution system has the same chemical composition as copper pipe conforming to the ASTM B88 standard.

   The Branch has determined in this regard that the chemical composition requirements of copper pipe certified to the ASTM B88 standard is the same as that of copper pipe certified to the ASTM B68 standard.

2. Type of solder with which potable water comes into contact in the appliance:

   The OBC requires that solders and fluxes used in water distribution systems shall not contain more than 0.2% lead (Sentence 7.2.8.2.(3)).

   It thus would be appropriate to require compliance with this standard for solder used in an appliance that comes into contact with the potable water supply and becomes a component of the potable water distribution system where the solder will come into contact with the water.

3. Certification:

   Certification by a testing agency accredited by the Standards Council of Canada provides a means of evaluating the characteristics of building systems, including manufactured appliances that come into contact with the potable water supply and become a component of the potable water distribution system.

   As noted above, issues in respect to the application of Sentence 7.6.2. 1.(1) of the OBC to such appliances include the chemical composition of copper and of solders used in the equipment. In this regard, it would be appropriate to require certification by a testing agency accredited by the Standards Council Canada for copper pipe to the ASTM B88 or ASTM B88 standards, and for certification of the solders to the requirements of Sentence 7.2.8.2.(3) of the OBC.

   If certification is not yet available, building officials may wish to consider other means of evaluating the relevant components of appliances such as a letter from a testing agency indicating that such requirements have been met.

   The Branch is continuing to work with interested parties in the development of standards with respect to appliances that come into contact with the potable water supply and become a component of the potable water distribution system which will address this issue in a comprehensive fashion.

   This opinion replaces all previous Branch opinions on this issue. Readers of this opinion are reminded that municipalities have responsibility for the enforcement of the OBC, and should consult with the municipality's chief building official in respect of OBC matters relating to buildings in the municipality.

Date: January 12,1996