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.
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“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.”
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