Children and older adults are more affected by lead in drinking water.
That’s why the move to lead free plumbing is critical in schools, early learning centres, and aged care facilities.
Why These Groups Are at Higher Risk
Lead exposure affects everyone, but it’s especially harmful for:
- Infants and children – their bodies absorb more lead, and their developing brains are more vulnerable
- Pregnant women – exposure can affect unborn babies
- Older adults – lead can worsen existing health conditions
Even small amounts of lead can lead to severe impacts. In children, it can cause learning difficulties and behavioural issues. In older adults, it can introduce new health risks or exacerbate existing ones.
These health risks are further explained in “How Safe Is Your School Drinking Water?“, which examines why compliance is especially critical in educational settings.
Where Lead Comes From
The most common source is outdated plumbing.
Old taps, pipes, and fittings made with copper alloys that contain lead can leach it into drinking water. This is more common in buildings constructed before stricter regulations were implemented, such as many older schools and aged care facilities.
Many of these risks are outlined in more detail in Australia’s Outdated School Fountains: A Thirsty Problem, which highlights why ageing infrastructure is no longer fit for purpose.
What’s Changing by 2026
From 1 May 2026, all new drinking water products installed in Australia must be:
- Lead free (no more than 0.25% lead).
- Listed in the official WaterMark Product Database.
This applies to taps, refill stations, drinking fountains, and valves.
It’s part of the National Construction Code, managed by the Australian Building Codes Board.
What You Can Do Now
If you manage water access in a school, childcare facility, or aged care site, take these steps:
- Audit your taps, refill stations, and fountains
- Replace non-compliant products with lead free, WaterMark certified options
- Specify only certified products for any new projects or upgrades
Need help? View Civiq’s certified lead free hydration stations or contact our team for product support.
How Civiq Helps Keep Water Safer
Civiq partners with schools, councils, and care providers across Australia.
Our lead free hydration stations are:
- Easy to install and maintain
- Designed for high use and demanding environments
- Fully compliant with 2026 standards
We’re committed to providing safer water for every student, resident, and staff member today and tomorrow.
Need help planning your upgrade or finding certified solutions?
Explore our lead-free product range or speak with our team for expert advice on staying compliant and delivering safer drinking water.
