In Australia, lead in tap water usually comes from inside the home: brass taps and fittings containing small amounts of lead. Since 1 May 2026 only lead-free certified products (no more than 0.25% lead) can be installed, but older homes still have older fittings. The health guideline is 0.01 mg/L; a test at your tap settles it.
- Lead usually comes from your own taps and fittings, not the mains.
- New fittings must be lead-free from 1 May 2026; existing ones stay.
- A filter at the meter can't catch lead added after it.
Where does lead in tap water come from?
Brass and bronze taps, valves and fittings have traditionally contained a little lead. Water that sits in them overnight can pick some up, which is why health authorities advise running the cold tap for a short time first thing in the morning before drinking.
What changed on 1 May 2026?
Under the WaterMark scheme, from 1 May 2026 only lead-free versions of identified products can be authorised for drinking water plumbing, defined as a weighted average lead content of no more than 0.25%. It applies to new installations. Nothing requires existing taps and fittings to be replaced.
Can a whole-house filter remove lead?
Not lead from your own fittings. A whole-house system sits at the meter, so anything picked up from taps and pipes after it reaches the glass. Lead is handled at the point you drink: reverse osmosis at the kitchen (our Mineral tap) or replacing old fittings with lead-free ones. Any filter making a lead claim should be certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58.
How do I find out?
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Run the tap in the morning | Simple, free habit |
| Field screen at your tap | Included in our free Home Water Check |
| NATA-accredited lab test | Confirms any positive screen |
Questions
What is the safe level of lead in drinking water in Australia?
The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines health value is 0.01 mg/L.
Do I have to replace my taps?
No. The lead-free rule applies to new installations from 1 May 2026. Replacing kitchen and bathroom taps with lead-free certified ones is an option if a test finds lead.
- ABCB WaterMark: lead free plumbing products
- Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, NHMRC
- NSF: drinking water treatment standards
Written by the Whole Home Water team and reviewed against the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines. General information only; your Home Water Check gives advice for your home.
Plumbing and installation details reviewed by a licensed plumber. See our editorial policy.