Protect Your Family and Home: New Lead Standards AND HEALTHY Living
~ EXPOSURE TO LEAD THROUGH OUR HOME PLUMBING SYSTEMS ~
The Upcoming Changes to Lead Standards in Plumbing
Starting from 1 May 2026, Australian standards will enforce a significant reduction in the allowable lead content in copper alloys used for plumbing components, from 4.5% to 0.25%. This change is crucial to reduce the risk of lead contamination in drinking water, ensuring safer consumption for Australian families.
Why This Matters for Your Family
Lead exposure is particularly harmful to children and pregnant women, causing developmental issues and other health problems. While high lead levels in drinking water are relatively uncommon, eliminating unnecessary sources of lead is highly beneficial for long-term health and safety.
Many plumbing materials, including galvanised steel components, rainwater collection systems, brass fittings, lead service pipes, solder joints, hot water systems, and water fountains, can leach lead into your drinking water over time. Simply replacing tapware with lead-free options addresses part of the issue, but it’s essential to consider the entire plumbing system to fully reduce exposure.
The good news is that lead-free plumbing components— including taps, valves, and fittings—are already available. You don’t have to wait until the new standards take effect. By choosing lead-free components now, you can proactively reduce potential risks. Speak to your design and trade team about your healthy home goals and ensure they understand your preference for lead-free, health-conscious options.
One simple way to minimise risk is to run off the first litre of water from taps where drinking water is collected, especially after the water has been sitting in pipes for some time. Additionally, regularly cleaning the strainer mesh in taps can help remove trapped particles, including those containing high levels of lead.
How LPB Designs & Interiors Can Help
As a professional balancing a busy life, the health and safety of your family are paramount. At LPB Designs & Interiors, I specialise in creating sustainable and healthy living environments tailored to your needs.
Plumbing Assessment and Testing: I can help arrange for the testing of your home’s water supply to check for lead levels. If high lead levels are found, I’ll coordinate with trusted professionals to assess and replace non-compliant fixtures and components with safer, lead-free alternatives.
Sustainable & Healthy Updates: Beyond plumbing, I offer sustainable and healthy interior solutions that align with your values and lifestyle. From finishes to furnishings, I help create homes that are not only beautiful but also eco-friendly and health-conscious.
Future-Proofing Your Home: By addressing potential lead risks now, you’ll ensure your home is ready for the future, compliant with new standards, and safe for your family.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until the new standards are in full effect. Be proactive in ensuring your home is safe and sustainable, particularly if you are needing unexpected plumbing repairs and replacements.
Shopping for your own plumbing fittings? Look out for Lead-Free products that have the WaterMark Certification product label on products or packaging or check with your retailer.
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
Have a look at the Australian Building Code Board website regarding the WaterMark Certification for further information about the transition to lead-free plumbing: https://watermark.abcb.gov.au/consumers/buying-plumbing-products.
Contact me at LPB Designs & Interiors today to start the process of testing and upgrading your plumbing and making your home a healthier place to live.
References
National Water Quality Management Strategy, Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 6, 2011, Version 3.9, Updated December 2024,
URL: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-drinking-water-guidelines, visited 10 January 2025.
Australian Building Codes Board. (2023). Plumbing Code of Australia 2023,
URL: https://www.abcb.gov.au/, visited 10 January 2025.
WaterMark, Australian Building Codes Board
URLS:
https://watermark.abcb.gov.au/consumers/what-watermark, visited 10 January 2025.
https://watermark.abcb.gov.au/certification/schedule-products, visited 10 January 2025.
https://watermark.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2025/WaterMark%20Schedule%20of%20Products%202024-4.pdf, December 2024, visited 10 January 2025.
https://watermark.abcb.gov.au/resources/videos/ncc-tutor-lesson-understanding-watermark, visited 10 January 2025.
https://watermark.abcb.gov.au/sites/default/files/resources/2023/WaterMark-Lead-Free-FAQ-October-2023.pdf, visited 10 January 2025.
Six Classes, Green Science Policy Institute,
URL: https://www.sixclasses.org/videos/certain-metals, 2017, visited 10 January 2025.
Better Health Channel, Department of Health, State Government of Victoria, Australia
URL: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Lead-exposure-and-your-health#lead-exposure-sources-in-australia, 2024, visited 10 January 2025.
Lead in Plumbing Products and Materials, MP Taylor, PJ Harvey, AL Morrison, Macquarie University, 18 June 2018, https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/publications/lead-in-plumbing-products-and-materials, visited 10 January 2025.
Reece Limited, URL: https://reece.com.au/, 2025, visited 10 January 2025.