New rules introduced for lead-free plumbing products

The Water Services Authority – Taumata Arowai is pleased to see the introduction of new requirements for lead-free plumbing products.

From 2 May 2026, drinking water plumbing products used in new building consents must be lead-free.

Authority Head of Operations Steve Taylor says the use of these modern products provide safer drinking water.

“The most common source of lead in drinking water is from pipes, taps and plumbing fixtures that contain lead.

“Plumbing fixtures within homes and buildings may contain metals which can be harmful. Most drinking water in New Zealand is plumbosolvent. This means the water has the ability to absorb small amounts of metals, such as lead and copper, from plumbing.

“Traces of metals in drinking water - in particular, lead - can pose a potential health risk, especially if consumed by infants and children.

“The most effective way to manage the risk to health from lead is to remove it from drinking water systems.

“The new rules, being introduced by the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment and regulated by local councils, mean any new copper alloy product used in contact with drinking water must contain no more than 0.25% lead. This includes pipe fittings, valves, taps, mixers, water heaters and water meters.

“Existing buildings are not affected, and homeowners do not need to replace plumbing that is already installed, unless consented renovations are undertaken. However, homeowners who are concerned their plumbing fittings contain lead may choose to install lead-free fixtures at any time.

“If you are unsure if you have lead within your home plumbing, we recommend you run taps used for drinking and cooking for at least 10 seconds first thing in the morning to draw fresh water through the tap, or for at least two minutes if the tap has not been used for more than two days. This will help remove any metals that might have been absorbed from your plumbing fittings.

“The new requirements better protect New Zealanders from potential lead exposure in drinking water. We encourage anyone having new plumbing work done to talk to their plumber to ensure their drinking water plumbing is lead-free,” says Steve Taylor.

More information

• Plumbosolvency
• Media release from Hon Chris Penk, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing - Lead-free plumbing rules protect drinking wateroutbound
• New requirements for lead-free and dezincification resistant copper alloy plumbing products | Building Performanceoutbound