Every year, National Water Week inspires Australians – individuals, schools, communities, and organisations to work together to raise awareness about the importance of water. Clean, safe water is something many of us take for granted, yet it is vital to our health, wellbeing, and way of life. Protecting this precious resource is everyone’s responsibility.
The 2025 National Water Week theme, “Water Heroes: Save Every Drop,” shines a light on the power of everyday action. As Australia faces hotter, drier conditions and growing water demand, using water wisely is more important than ever. Small changes – like turning off the tap, taking shorter showers, or sharing knowledge – all add up. Together, these actions transform ordinary Australians into true water heroes.
But saving water is only one part of the story. Keeping water clean and safe also means tackling hidden risks, like lead.
Australia is fortunate to enjoy some of the world’s cleanest drinking water but ensuring it stays that way requires constant vigilance. One major step forward is the National Construction Code’s lead reduction program, now in its second year of transition. By 2026, plumbing products used for drinking water must contain no more than 0.25% lead. From that point forward, only products displaying the Lead-Free WaterMark will be authorised for installation.
At NATA, we are proud to support this transition. Our accreditation ensures testing is rigorous, reliable, and internationally recognised – whether it’s for plumbing products, lead content, parasites, or chemical residues.
This shift marks a turning point for industry. Manufacturers and suppliers are being urged to work with their WaterMark Conformity Assessment Body to achieve certification, ensuring their products meet the new lead-free requirements. For builders, plumbers, and specifiers, it’s essential to check for the Lead-Free WaterMark – as other international claims or labels will not be recognised under Australian law.
The changes are already reshaping the sector. With hundreds of WaterMark licences impacted, NATA has accredited laboratories to carry out the specialised testing required. More are preparing to extend their scope in time for the 2026 deadline. For facilities that haven’t yet acted, the message is clear: now is the time to get accredited and play your part in safeguarding Australia’s drinking water.
Clean water is a shared responsibility. By reducing lead, saving every drop, and embracing best practice, we can ensure a healthier, safer, and truly lead-free future for all Australians.
Watch our video to see how NATA accreditation protects your water from plumbing products testing and lead testing, to parasite and residue testing.