New lead-free plumbing product requirements

From 1 May 2026, all plumbing products installed by plumbing practitioners that contain copper alloy that are in contact with drinking water must comply with new lead-free requirements.

These changes have been introduced under Clause A5G4 of the NCC 2025 Volume Three - Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) and applies in Victoria from 1 May 2026 following the Government's decision to adopt them.

This guidance outlines what these changes mean for the plumbing and building industries and highlights key actions required to ensure work remains compliant, particularly regarding the specification and procurement of plumbing products during design and documentation stages.

New requirements from 1 May 2026

The PCA 2025 requires that from 1 May 2026, any copper alloy plumbing product intended for use with drinking water must have a weighted average lead content that does not exceed 0.25 per cent.

These requirements mean only WaterMark-certified lead-free products can be installed in systems supplying drinking water. Products not marked with the new lead-free WaterMark logo will no longer be authorised for installation when the requirements commence.

Impact on plumbing industry

It is critical to note that the compliance date is determined by the commencement of plumbing installation, not by the date of project design, approval or contractual agreement.

Accordingly, any plumbing work that commenced on or after 1 May 2026 must utilise lead-free products, where required. Non-compliance may result in:

• enforcement and/or disciplinary action by the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC)
• mandatory and costly removal and replacement of non-compliant products
• delays to project completion, including the issuing of occupancy permits or certificates.

Impact on building design and specification

Projects with plumbing installation commencing on or after 1 May 2026 must specify and install only lead-free plumbing products.

Even if building permits or contracts were issued before 1 May 2026, the critical compliance date is tied to the commencement of plumbing work, not design or approval dates.

Improving public health

Lead-free products are being mandated to improve public health and reduce lead exposure from potable water systems. Although many existing products comply with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, this new requirement sets a stricter limit on allowable lead content.

Non-compliance after the cut-off date may:

• require costly product replacement or rectification works
• result in regulatory enforcement and/or liability for non-compliance
• delay the issuing of occupancy certificates.

Actions for plumbers

To ensure compliance with the amended PCA provisions, plumbing practitioners are advised to:

• review product selection prior to installation, confirming both WaterMark certification and the presence of the LF WaterMark logo on all applicable copper alloy products
• engage proactively with suppliers, builders and consultants to verify that all specified and procured materials meet the new lead-free requirements.

Practitioners are strongly encouraged to incorporate these requirements into project planning and procurement processes without delay.

Actions for architects, engineers, building designers and builders

• Review plumbing product specifications in upcoming and ongoing projects to ensure compliance with the lead-free requirements.
• Ensure procurement teams source products that carry both the WaterMark and the Lead-Free logo (see examples of the logos on the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) website).
• Coordinate with plumbing consultants and plumbers early to verify planned materials meet compliance by installation start dates.

By acting early, you will help protect public health, avoid rectifications and ensure smooth project delivery under the evolving PCA.

Product types affected

All copper alloy products that are in contact with drinking water will be required to comply with the lead requirements of the PCA. These include but are not limited to:

• certain fittings such as flexible hose assemblies
• tempering and thermostatic mixing valves
• backflow prevention devices
• taps and mixers
• water heaters
• water dispensers (boiling and cooling units)
• commercial ice dispenser and ice makers
• drinking fountains and bottle fillers
• water meters.

Products exempt include non-potable fixtures (e.g. toilets, irrigation pumps, dishwashers) and firefighting equipment and showerheads.

Some products, such as stainless steel tapware, are inherently lead free and are not required to have the lead-free WaterMark.

For a full list of plumbing products affected, see the WaterMark schedule of products, including a lead-free product WaterMark FAQ.

Read more

The ABCB have developed education material.