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With the Australian Building Codes Board’s (ABCB) emphasis on the Lead-Free WaterMark initiative, the plumbing industry is taking significant strides in creating a healthier, safer future. This blog explores the importance of lead-free water, the role of WaterMark certification, and how plumbers, councils, quality managers, and end-users can collaborate to uphold this essential Standard.
Did you know that lead contamination in plumbing materials can pose severe health risks? The compulsory introduction of lead-free plumbing products by 2026 is a crucial step towards enhancing public health and ensuring safer water systems in households and businesses.
What is Lead-Free Plumbing and Why?
In relation to a plumbing product, the term ‘lead free’ means where a plumbing product in contact with drinking water has a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25%. The term is defined in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 Volume Three – the Plumbing Code of Australia.
Lead, often used in small amounts in plumbing materials like copper alloys, has been permitted historically under Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. However, studies have shown that even low levels of lead exposure can contribute to significant health issues, particularly in children. Households and businesses depend on reliable plumbing systems for clean, drinkable water. Choosing certified lead-free products provides peace of mind that water quality is not compromised.
Key Benefits of Lead-Free Plumbing
- Improved Public Health – Reduced lead exposure protects individuals and communities from potential health risks.
- Compliance with Changing Regulations – Aligning with updated regulations safeguards businesses and councils from future compliance issues.
- Enhanced Public Confidence – Visible actions promoting safety increases trust in local councils, plumbers, and water suppliers.
- Sustainability – Reduction in environmental impact and promotion of responsible material sourcing.
- Longevity – Certified products are designed for durability, ensuring long-term value for end users.
What Is the WaterMark Certification Scheme?
The WaterMark Certification Scheme is an essential quality assurance program for plumbing and drainage products in Australia. The scheme provides a nationally recognised certification to ensure that plumbing products comply with the relevant safety and performance standards. Certified products are clearly marked with a WaterMark symbol, giving plumbers, quality managers and end users the confidence that the product is both safe and meets the required regulations.
Then, Now and Next Steps
In 2020, ABCB’s advisory statement to all those impacted by Watermark Certification Scheme introduced a new limit for the allowable level of lead in plumbing products used for drinking water to 0.25%, which will be mandated by 1 May 2026.
The enforced transition to Lead-Free WaterMark-certified products from 2023 to 2026 isn’t just about compliance—it’s about creating safer communities and delivering peace of mind. Plumbers, quality managers, councils, and even end-users have a shared responsibility in ensuring a successful transition for safer drinking water. Achieving certification for your products also demonstrates to your customers and employees that you are committed to contributing to safer communities.
Achieving Certification
Intertek SAI Global (ITKSAIG) is proud to share that it is accredited for Lead-Free WaterMark. In fact, certification with ITKSAIG provides access to dual certification -with the ability to proudly display dual markings of both the Lead-Free WaterMark logo and ITKSAIG’s trademarked 5 Ticks StandardsMark™, Australia’s most recognised symbol of quality assurance and safety. Displaying these symbols on your products demonstrates to your customers that your products or services meet the high standards set by the certification program.
Are you ready to align with the new national standard? Visit the WaterMark Certification Scheme page on our website for details and book in your audit to proudly display your 5 Ticks StandardsMark and WaterMark upon certification.
Why Intertek SAI Global
With over 25 years of experience and a global reputation built on first-class delivery and technical support. Intertek SAI Global has partnered with the food industry for decades, engaging with hundreds of food and beverage suppliers, manufacturers and contractors throughout their assessment and certification process – while making the process as seamless and simple as possible.
Adding value is at the core of our business and our processes. Let us show you how assessment and certification can add value to your business. Australia-wide, delivering over 60,000 audits each year, your local Intertek SAI Global team is equipped to support your unique requirements.