Lead in drinking water is a concern for every Australian community. 

While public water supplies are treated and monitored, plumbing products can still introduce small amounts of lead into the water you use every day.

How Does Lead Enter Drinking Water?

Water is tested before it reaches your site. However, after passing through the meter, it flows through pipes, taps, fittings, and appliances. 

If those parts contain lead, they can leach small amounts into the water, especially when: 

1. Plumbing is made from copper alloys that include lead 

2. Taps, valves, or fittings are old or worn 

3. Non-compliant or imported products haven’t been tested for Australian use 

4. Water has been sitting in the system overnight or in hot water pipes 

Even trace amounts matter.

Why Lead Exposure Is a Problem

Lead is toxic. It can harm the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Even low levels of exposure can affect children, infants, and pregnant women. 

There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. That’s why Australia is taking clear steps to eliminate it at its source.

What’s Being Done About It?

Australia is modernising its plumbing rules to reduce exposure to lead. This includes: 

1. Setting a national guideline for maximum lead levels in drinking water 

2. Requiring all new drinking water products to be lead free from 1 May 2026 

3. Mandating WaterMark certification for taps, refill stations, fountains, and valves 

These changes are now incorporated into the National Construction Code (NCC. They are managed by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). 

See the full Australian Drinking Water Guidelines.

What You Can Do Now

If you’re responsible for drinking water in a school, workplace, or public facility, act now: 

1. Use only WaterMark certified, lead free products for any new installs or upgrades 

2. Flush taps for a few seconds after long periods of non-use, especially in older buildings 

3. Replace old taps, valves, and fittings used for drinking water 

Looking for certified solutions? See Civiq’s lead free hydration stations.

Civiq’s Commitment to Safer Water

At Civiq, public health is our top priority. 

Our hydration stations are designed to help schools, councils, and workplaces provide cleaner, safer water. 

All hydration stations are WaterMark certified and lead free and meet the standards that will become law in 2026. 

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.