WaterMark Certification Now Upgraded to WaterMark Lead-Free (LF) ｜ Australia & New Zealand ｜ Aquasky
To further protect public health, the WaterMark Certification Scheme - Australia’s mandatory approval system for plumbing and drainage products - has introduced a new WaterMark Lead-Free (LF) requirement. This update affects products that come into contact with drinking water, aiming to reduce lead content and minimize potential exposure
Aquasky products have already been certified under the new WaterMark Lead-Free (LF) requirements. Below is an overview of what this change means and how Aquasky continues to meet the new standards.
1. Understanding WaterMark Certification & the New Lead-Free Requirement
The WaterMark Certification Scheme ensures that plumbing products are safe for use with potable water, meet national performance and quality standards. Only certified products can be installed by licensed plumbing practitioners
To improve consumer safety, Australian regulators have introduced a new category within WaterMark certification: WaterMark Lead-Free (LF). The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has amended the National Construction Code (NCC) to limit the allowable weighted average lead content in copper alloy plumbing products to no more than 0.25% for any component in contact with drinking water. The goal is to reduce potential lead exposure from plumbing fixtures and components.
Although Australia and New Zealand already maintain some of the strictest lead limits globally, this update aligns with the ongoing goal to improve public health through reduced lead exposure. Products must now comply with these lead-free specifications to maintain WaterMark approval, and certified products will display a Lead-Free (LF) version of the WaterMark logo.
Picture 1 : WaterMark and WaterMark Lead-free logos (Source)
2. What “Lead-Free” Means and Why It Matters
“Lead-Free” does not mean zero lead, but indicates that the material meets the lead limits set by standards. Schedule 1 of the NCC defines lead free as ‘Where a plumbing product or material in contact with drinking water has a weighted average lead content of not more than 0.25%’. This aligns Australian standards with those already adopted in markets like the United States and Canada.
Reducing lead exposure is essential because:
• Lead is a cumulative toxic substance harmful even at low levels.
• Lowering lead content in plumbing products enhances long-term public health and water safety.
• Harmonizing with international standards supports manufacturers in producing safer, more consistent products worldwide.
3. Key Compliance Timeline
Effective Date: 1 May 2026
From this date, copper alloy plumbing products containing more than 0.25% lead will no longer be authorized for installation in in drinking water systems.
Transition Period: 1 May 2023 – 30 April 2026
This three-year window allows manufacturers and suppliers to update materials, testing, and certification.
During this period:
• Existing WaterMark-certified products may continue to be installed until 30 April 2026.
• Lead-Free WaterMark products may be used immediately, but are not mandatory until 1 May 2026.
From 1 May 2026, only Lead-Free WaterMark products may be installed in drinking water systems.
Consumers should look for the updated Lead-Free WaterMark trademark on compliant products.
To find out if a product needs to meet the lead free requirements, check the WaterMark Schedule of Products.
4. Aquasky Is Already Certified to WaterMark Lead-Free Standards
Aquasky has proactively completed the required testing and certification updates to meet the upcoming LF requirements. This ensures:
• Our products meet the latest Australian safety standards
• They remain fully approved for installation in potable water systems
• No additional changes are required from our customers
As part of this update, our PUMPLUS and MEGA product lines will now feature the new Lead Free WaterMark logo.
You can therefore continue to use and supply Aquasky products with full confidence, knowing they meet the highest standards of safety and performance for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
We will continue to monitor updates from the ABCB and certification bodies to ensure our products remain fully compliant with all future regulatory changes.
To view our updated certification, please visit: WaterMark Lead-Free Certification
If you have any questions about WaterMark Lead-Free certification or Aquasky products, please feel free to contact us.
Email: [email protected]
And thank you for your continued support.
Aquasky remains dedicated to providing safe, compliant, and high-quality water system solutions for global markets.
