Lead-free plumbing standard takes effect for new building work

Plumbing products used for drinking water in new building consents must meet updated requirements to be lead-free and resistant to dezincification.

The change came into force on 2 May and is intended to support safer drinking water and healthier homes, by reducing the potential for lead to leach into water over time. International health advice shows that even low levels of lead exposure can pose long term health risks, particularly for children.

The updated requirements follow a 2022 consultation on changes to the Building Code, which confirmed the move to limit the amount of lead permitted in copper alloy plumbing products used in contact with potable water. A transition period was built in to give designers, tradespeople, manufacturers and suppliers time to prepare. That transition period ended on 1 May 2026.

The requirements apply to new building work and renovations that require building consent from 2 May. Existing homes are not affected, and homeowners do not need to replace plumbing that is already installed.

For new work, all pipes, fittings, valves and tapware that come into contact with drinking water must contain less than 0.25% lead. Tapware must also be dezincification resistant, helping to prevent corrosion and maintain drinking water quality over time.

Designers and tradespeople are expected to use lead-free plumbing products as the standard for drinking water in new work, ensure product selections and consent documentation meet the updated requirements, note limited exemptions such as non-drinking water systems, and confirm product availability with suppliers.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has updated guidance to provide clarity and consistency for the building industry, while giving homeowners confidence that new homes are being built to modern standards that better protect drinking water quality.

More information, including practical guidance for designers, plumbers, suppliers and homeowners, is available on the Building Performance website.

New requirements for lead-free and dezincification resistant copper alloy plumbing products – Building Performance(external link)

Lead-free plumbing rules protect drinking water Hon Chris Penk – Beehive.govt.nz(external link)