Urban+ believes the infrastructure it designs should do more than perform, it should actively protect the people who rely on it every day. That’s why the team are proud to share that their drinking fountains and hydration solutions are now certified under the WaterMark Lead-Free Standard, a significant step forward in delivering safer drinking water across public spaces throughout Australia. 

WHAT DOES 'LEAD-FREE WATERMARK' ACTUALLY MEAN

Australia is entering a new era of drinking water safety, with updated national requirements for plumbing products that come into contact with potable water.

From 1 May 2026, all applicable products must:

• Contain no more than 0.25% lead in wetted components
• Be independently tested and certified under the WaterMark Certification Scheme
• Be approved for installation under the National Construction Code (NCC)

This applies to drinking fountains, bottle refill stations, taps, valves, and more, and from this date forward, only lead-free certified products can legally be installed in drinking water systems. 

WHY THIS MATTERS

Lead exposure, even in small amounts, can accumulate over time. Reducing it wherever possible isn’t just best practice — it’s essential for long-term public health.

This shift to lead-free plumbing is designed to:

• Minimise potential exposure through drinking water
• Support healthier communities
• Bring Australia in line with global best practices

In short, it’s about creating safer environments in the places people rely on most — schools, parks, councils, and public spaces.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR URBAN+ CLIENTS

With WaterMark Lead-Free certification, Urban+ products now offer complete peace of mind. You can confidently specify solutions that:

• Meet the latest Australian compliance requirements
• Are fully approved for potable water use
• Have been independently tested and verified for safety

For councils, architects, and developers, this means:

• Greater confidence in specification
• Reduced compliance risk
• Future-ready infrastructure aligned with national standards

From May 2026, compliance isn’t optional, it’s essential. And Urban+ are already there.

BUILT FOR LONGEVITY, DESIGNED FOR SAFETY

This certification isn’t a departure from how Urban+ operate, it’s a natural extension of it. Urban+ have always believed in designing products that stand the test of time. That means not only building for durability, but ensuring ongoing safety throughout the entire lifecycle.

Urban+ drinking fountains are engineered to:

• Perform reliably in high-use environments
• Withstand harsh Australian conditions
• Deliver safe, consistent hydration over the long term

Because true durability isn’t just about strength, it’s about sustained performance you can trust.

LOOKING AHEAD

The move to lead-free plumbing marks a meaningful shift in Australia’s built environment and Urban+ see it as an opportunity to lead from the front. To raise the standard. To support safer communities. And to continue delivering infrastructure designed for the long term.

If you’re planning your next project, the Urban+ team is here to help tailor the right hydration solution for your space.

Visit Urban+ via the links below to learn more