From tomorrow, 2nd May, all drinking water pipes and taps used in new builds and renovations must be lead-free, the government has announced.
The change is intended to improve the safety of drinking water in NZ, and marks the end of a transitionary period first signaled to the plumbing industry in 2022.
The SMC asked experts to comment.
Professor Sally Gaw, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, comments:
“I welcome the new regulations to remove lead from all pipes, fittings, valves and tapware that come into contact with drinking water and that these rules apply to new buildings and renovation projects.
“Reducing lead exposure is an important public health measure especially for children and infants. Exposure to lead is associated with neurological damage including lowered IQ and behavioural issues in children, and in adults with increased blood pressure and kidney damage. Preventing lead exposure through drinking water is important as internationally the health advice is that there is no safe level of exposure to lead and that exposure to lead should be as low as reasonably achievable.
“New Zealand has already banned lead in petrol and paint and reduced dietary exposure to lead through banning the use of lead solder in cans which has lowered children’s blood lead levels. Reducing exposure through drinking water is an important step to protect young developing brains.”
Conflict of interest statement: “No conflicts of interest to declare.”
Dr Belinda Cridge, Technical Lead for Drinking Water Quality and Education at Water New Zealand, and training toxicologist, comments:
“Exposure to lead in the early years of development can cause a range of long-term effects, particularly in the brain. Because lead stays in the body and accumulates over time, we need to reduce exposure wherever possible. Currently there is no level of lead exposure that is known to be without harmful effects.
“Reducing the allowable lead levels in plumbing fixtures such as taps is an important part of the ongoing work to reduce our overall lead exposure and protect our whanau. Older taps and any fixtures that do not adhere to the new standard may still release lead. It is important to flush a small amount of water, about a cupful, every morning before using water from the tap.
“Requiring lead-free pipes is an important piece of the puzzle. It won’t radically change anyone’s lives, but it is a step in the right direction.
“Governments around the world are working on getting lead exposure as low as possible. We want to get lead exposure out. That started with petrol and now we are systematically trying to get lead out of everything, including paint, occupational exposure, and drinking water.
“Is NZ behind in banning lead pipes – yes. The US is leading the charge, but that’s because it has the biggest problem. Other countries have set different limits. NZ isn’t unusual – we’re not leading anything or at the back – but it’s about time.”
Conflict of interest statement: “No conflicts of interest.”