Brass alloy selection for drinking water contact — DZR requirements, lead limits, and approval routes in every major market.
Plumbing brass must satisfy two independent requirements simultaneously:
Traditional CW617N (leaded DZR-capable via CW602N) was once standard for plumbing. Today, CW724R / C69300 (EU/UK & US low-lead) and C6802 (US/Canada) are the dominant choices — CW724R / C69300 are inherently DZR via their silicon kappa-phase, C6802 achieves lead-free machinability through bismuth, and all three are fully RoHS/lead-free compliant.
| Alloy | DZR | Lead | RoHS | Machinability | WRAS/KIWA/DVGW | NSF 61 | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW724R | ✓ Intrinsic | ≤ 0.10% | ✓ Free | 80% | ✓ Approvable | Via B371 | EU/UK/EU markets, primary DZR lead-free grade |
| C6802 | ✗ No | ≤ 0.10% | ✓ Free | 90% | EU equiv. | Supported | US/Canada, NSF 61 required, AB 1953 |
| CW602N | ✓ As-inhibited | 1.5–2.5% | Ex 6(c) | 65% | Market-dep. | ✗ | Legacy systems, non-DW industrial water circuits |
| C27450 | ✗ No | ≤ 0.25% | Ex 6(c) | 70% | Market-dep. | ✗ | Non-pressure water contact, gas valves, low-DZR-risk |
| CW617N | ✗ | 1.6–2.5% | Ex 6(c) | 90% | ✗ | ✗ | Not suitable for potable water contact |
For fittings destined for European, UK, or Australian regulated plumbing markets, CW724R (CuZn21Si3P) is the primary choice.
Machinability: 80% — slower than CW617N but excellent for CNC brass fittings.
For North American markets, C6802 (bismuth brass) per JIS H3250 is a common route; it meets the NSF/ANSI 372 and California AB 1953 lead-free limits at the material level.
Machinability: ~90% — the highest of the lead-free grades, well suited to high-volume CNC production.
CW602N (arsenic-inhibited DZR) was the traditional DZR grade before silicon brasses dominated. It still contains lead (1.5–2.5%) and is subject to RoHS Exemption 6(c).
CW602N maintains its value in marine and industrial water systems outside drinking water scope.
| Component | Recommended Alloy | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Compression fittings (EU) | CW724R | DZR + WRAS/KIWA/DVGW approval |
| Push-fit fittings (EU) | CW724R | DZR + dimensional precision |
| Ball valve bodies (EU) | CW724R | DZR + hot-forge capable + lead-free |
| Compression fittings (US) | C6802 | NSF 61 + AB 1953 compliant |
| Gate/ball valves (US) | C6802 | NSF 61 + JIS H3250 |
| Gas meter fittings | C27450 | Low lead + machinability |
| Industrial water circuits | CW602N | DZR (non-potable scope) |
| Copper tube / fittings | C11000 | Highest corrosion resistance, ≥99.9% Cu |
Brassland manufactures CW724R and C6802 fittings with EN 10204 3.1 certificates. Tell us your approval target and we'll specify the right grade.
Request a Quote Approvals GuideThis guide covers alloy selection. To have components machined to your drawing, see the matching manufacturing pages:
Composition ranges, mechanical properties, machinability ratings and regulatory data on this page are cross-referenced against the publishers below. Tolerances and minimum values are taken from the relevant published standard at the time of writing — for procurement specification, always reference the current published edition.
Last reviewed: May 2026. EN/ISO/ASTM standards are updated periodically. This datasheet reflects the editions listed; for safety-critical or contract-critical applications, always verify against the current published edition of the standard. For project-specific deviations or supplier-specific composition windows, request a Type 3.1 mill certificate (EN 10204) with your order.
Brassland manufactures brass turned parts and CNC machined components to your drawing in Jamnagar, India, including precision turned brass components on 28+ Swiss-type lathes, with an EN 10204 3.1 certificate on every shipment.