Are there alternatives to lead-based faucets? Scientists are looking for a way of replacing lead in the metal faucet process, but there may be other solutions on the horizon.

A stainless steel faucet is being marketed in Europe (www.mgsprogetti.com) but this expensive custom-made product cannot be mass-produced cost-effectively at this time.

Throughout the marine industry, plastics are often used for faucets and componentry but are not generally subject to the high water pressures found onshore.

There again, 20 years ago it was difficult to imagine the chromium metal fender disappearing from vehicles.

Yet in practically all cases today, the fenders are made from polymer.

In researching this story we did uncover one faucet manufacturer doing things a little differently – in Serbia. Aquatica® (www.aquatica-usa.com) claims to be the world’s first supplier of non-metallic faucets.

Company director Vojin Peshovich says Aquatica offers a full set of classic and single-hand mixers in a variety of colors.

The range was shown at ISH Frankfurt in 2005 and the technology has since been refined.

Peshovich says the Aquatica product is price-competitive, with the advantage of being completely lead-free. The range is made from advanced polymer material and has test report approvals for use in contact with drinking water from WRAS (UK), DVGW (Germany) and ACS (France).