Zero lead is now the goal for health. The EPA keeps regulatory levels for the sake of conservatives who refuse yo address the problem
The stuff marked “hot water line” “lead safe” is all leaded.
Now, try to find equivalent lines (same threads, diameters, etc) that are not marked for hot water heater use. They don’t stock them, but they stock fixtures that require them.
One thing that puzzles me: ICE has been targeting Home Depot parking lots out here in California, but Home Depot is a big supporter of Trump.
I’d expect them to go after bluer Lowes lots. Maybe Home Depot has agreed not to sue for trespassing or something?
If so, that sounds like a breach of fiduciary duties to me.
It doesn’t particularly matter if small amounts of lead are used in hot water lines since you don’t (or shouldn’t) drink water from the hot water heater. Ideally your drinking water comes from a faucet that has separate hot/cold taps, if it doesn’t, then you should turn the faucet all the way to ‘cold’ when you’re filling a glass with water to drink.
Just less lead.
Alternatives are skipping the brass fittings/nipples and using copper, stainless, or the various plastics. I'm guessing you're seeing the stuff about water heaters because you shouldn't connect copper directly to water heaters (they have steel tanks which with copper creates a battery and corrodes the connection quickly).
And HD doesn't really stock stainless as far as I've seen, though you can certainly get it online. Not sure how it fits into plumbing code for potable water though.
re: the parking lots, in my experience HD is more popular with tradespeople. the goal of the raids isn't really immigration reform, but rather general fear - including for legal immigrants just trying to go about their business.