As 1 May 2026 approaches, and the transition to lead free plumbing products gains momentum, here’s an update for industry.

What's changing and when?

The NCC has introduced a new limit for the allowable level of lead in plumbing products used for drinking water. Copper alloy plumbing products containing more than 0.25% lead will no longer be authorised for installation in a plumbing system used to convey drinking water.

This is covered in Clause A5G4 in Volume Three (the Plumbing Code of Australia).

A 3 year transition period to support Australia’s path to reducing allowable lead levels in many plumbing products commenced on 1 May 2023. This transition is to allow industry to make the necessary changes to provide products to the market.

What does this mean for manufacturers and suppliers?

Manufacturers and suppliers of impacted products should contact their WaterMark Conformity Assessment Body to arrange certification to the requirements. From 1 May 2026, only products marked with the Lead Free WaterMark will be authorised for use.

What does this mean for design, building and plumbing practitioners?

We encourage all industry practitioners, those who are specifying, procuring and/or installing plumbing products, to familiarise themselves with the new regulatory requirements. 

Regardless of any international markings and other claims on products and their packaging, look for the Lead Free WaterMark on products to ensure they can be installed in Australia. And remember to check the WaterMark licence number is valid on the WaterMark Product Database.

What about spare parts?

The NCC lead free requirements are not retrospective, so existing spare parts are, and will remain, suitable for use in existing products. Likewise, spare parts used in the maintenance of Lead Free WaterMark certified products must also be suitable for use without compromising the lead free status of these products. 

Manufacturers and suppliers of Lead Free WaterMark certified plumbing products should provide appropriate instructions for the selection of suitable spare parts, and make these parts available, or encourage their suppliers to do so.

Those installing spare parts and undertaking replacement work for existing products can continue to use existing spare parts in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Where maintenance is being undertaken on Lead Free WaterMark certified plumbing products, practitioners must use appropriate spare parts as per manufacturer's instructions. 

It is important to recognise that all products, listed on the WaterMark Schedule of Products as requiring lead free certification, are required to comply with the lead free requirements by 1 May 2026 to remain authorised for use, even if they are commonly supplied as ‘spare’ or replacement parts for the maintenance of other plumbing products.

Where can I find more information?

We have a range of resources to support industry through the transition:

Manufacturers and suppliers can find further information at Lead free plumbing product certification and practitioners can go to Lead free plumbing products.