These changes have been introduced under Clause A5G4 of the NCC 2022 Volume Three - Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), apply nationally and are supported by WaterMark certification protocols
This article outlines what these changes mean for the building industry 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 2022 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 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 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 .
Further resources
The ABCB have developed education material , including a Lead-free product WaterMark FAQ .
