Potable water is changing for good, thanks to a global movement commanding a hard push for low-lead brass tapware standards by 2024.
At less than a quarter of 1 per cent, the new technology significantly reduces lead traces in water consumption, currently measured (by weighted average) at 6 per cent.
The movement, prompted by various news reports in Australia, the US and Canada, suggest brass fittings can leach lead into drinking water—households being the primary area of concern contributing an estimated 50 to 75 per cent of lead contamination in drinking water collected at the tap in homes, according to Macquare University research.
In fact, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) established that lead blood levels greater than 10 micrograms can cause neurocognitive problems and be harmful on many organs and bodily functions for all people but especially in children.
The Macquarie University study, commissioned by the Australian Building Codes Board, confirmed these health risks with findings of harmful contaminated lead content in soil across regional NSW sites.
The study led by Professor Mark Taylor and Paul Harvey of Macquarie University defined the usage and maintenance of the lead in the collars of pipe joints as the primary reason for the contamination.
The National Construction Code projects phasing out high-lead taps, mixers, water dispensers and valves over three years and replacing them with low-lead versions.
Although lead at high levels is harmful, it is important to note this metal is a key ingredient in the production of brass tapware.
As such, the maximum acceptable level of lead (and other heavy metals) in drinking water, according to Australian Drinking Water Guidelines is 0.01 microgram per decilitre, lowered from 0.05. Testing remains an annual auditing requirement to ensure quality is maintained.
Australian manufacturers must therefore meet the criteria of AS/NZS 3718 and for the Australian Standard for testing drinking water quality in tapware known as AS/NZS 4040.
“We are already doing it, our suppliers already have this new higher quality brass available now,” Abey Australia’s marketing manager Ashley Anderson said.
“In our homeware brand, the Gareth Ashton range has this new higher spec and our Italian Gessi tapware distributed in Australia also meets this standard.
“We are already three years ahead of the industry in terms of using this safer brass. We have arrived at that now.”
Leading tapware company Abey Australia, with more than 60 years experience, can attest to maintaining their reputation for sourcing high-end quality products that have undergone rigorous ongoing testing.
Their products are safe, aesthetically pleasing with a first movers advantage at work.
“We are specifying a US-grade stainless steel number known worldwide as CW511L. It’s a new special brass and a movement to move to this superior brass. It’s called low-lead brass so it still has a small percentage of lead 0.25 per cent—equating to less than 1 per cent,” Ashton said.
“This is why you’d want to pay more for a tap, we guarantee quality when you buy our product, we’ve never compromised on quality.”
Marketing assistant at Abey Michelle Irvine explained how setting the benchmark for competitor advantage remains important, describing the Gessi Mesh low-lead product as the “Versace” of tapware.
Abey are leaders in providing the exclusive fashionable, design-centric and innovative range in Australia,” Irvine said.
“All our factories are audited yearly by IAPMO to ensure we adhere to Australian certification requirements.”
Standouts in the low-lead category include the Schock 316 Conos Kitchen Mixer and the Gareth Ashton 6K1 Poco.
These taps offer low-lead safety, design and reputation, placing them in the premium segment of the product market.
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