The introduction of the new limit on lead content is an important story for plumbers. Products without the new Lead Free Watermark trademark will be illegal, but there is still time to use them.
Essential advice for plumbers
If you're a plumber with products stored in your trucks, vans, or shed, now is the time to make use of your current inventory.
The 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) will introduce a new limit for the allowable level of lead in plumbing products used for drinking water. From 1 May 2026, copper alloy plumbing products containing more than 0.25 per cent lead will no longer be authorised for installation in a plumbing system used to convey drinking water.
What does this mean for plumbing practitioners?
Until 1 May 2026 plumbing practitioners may continue to install existing products that are certified in accordance with the WaterMark Certification Scheme, including products with a reduced level of lead. However, from 1 May 2026 only products marked with the Lead Free WaterMark will be authorised for use.
What products are covered by the NCC’s lead requirement?
All copper alloy products that are in constant contact with drinking water will be required to comply with the lead requirements of the NCC. These include fittings, valves, backflow prevention devices, taps, mixers, water heaters, water dispensers (boiling and cooling units) and water meters. The WaterMark Schedule of Products outlines all plumbing products which require WaterMark certification to be authorised for installation in a plumbing or drainage system. This schedule also outlines which products must comply with the lead requirements of the NCC.
Reduction of the lead levels in copper alloy products
Clause A5G4 of NCC 2022 Volume Three (Plumbing Code of Australia) specifies that all copper alloy plumbing products in contact with drinking water must limit the allowable lead content of copper alloy plumbing products in contact with drinking water to a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25 per cent. For more information, please visit Update: Advice on the new lead requirements | WaterMark
This is a change we wanted to happen
Here are some of our previous announcements about reducing the lead content in plumbing products.
