In less than 15 months from now, it will be illegal to install copper alloy plumbing products with a lead content above 0.25 per cent, so you should be running down your inventory of old products.
If you're a plumber with products stored in your trucks, vans or shed, check what you've got and use them while you can.
About the new lead content limit
The 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC) introduced a new limit for the allowable level of lead in plumbing products used for drinking water.
In April 2023, the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) announced a revised completion date of 1 May 2026 for the three-year transition period.
Starting on that date, 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 plumbers?
Before 1 May 2026, you may install existing products that comply with the WaterMark Certification Scheme, including products with the new reduced level of lead.
From 1 May 2026, you may install only products marked with the new Lead Free WaterMark.
What products are covered by the new requirement?
All copper alloy products in constant contact with drinking water must comply wih the new 0.25 per cent lead content limit. 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 provides a list of plumbing products that require WaterMark certification and identifies those that must comply with lead content requirements.
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
See Update: Advice on the new lead requirements | WaterMark
This is a change we wanted to happen
The Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association of WA is a strong supporter of the reduced lead limit. Here's what we've said previously about this important topic.
