Campaign launched to protect drinking water from illegal use of lead solder

WaterSafe, the national register for approved installers, is today launching a campaign across the UK to protect consumers from lead in their drinking water caused by the illegal use of lead solder.

The campaign launched during the World Health Organisation’s Lead Poisoning Prevention Week calls for all plumbers and installers to pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder.

The use of lead solder in drinking water systems is illegal. Despite this, a survey of plumbers shows a number are still using lead solder in drinking water systems and two-thirds carry it in their bags.

Lead can dissolve into drinking water and if it builds up in the body it can cause health issues, particularly in babies and young children.

WaterSafe, in partnership with the Drinking Water Inspectorate in Northern Ireland, is also urging people in charge of buildings to always check plumbers working on their drinking water system only use lead-free solder or fittings which don’t need solder. 

Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, said:

“Always using lead-free solder is the only safe option, which is why WaterSafe is calling for installers to sign our pledge to only carry and use lead-free solder. This is a simple step all installers can take to safeguard public health.

“We’re also urging anyone who has work being done on their drinking water plumbing, particularly people in charge of nurseries and schools, as well as landlords, health organisations and local authorities to ask their plumber which type of solder they are using to make sure it’s lead-free.”

Marcus Rink, the chief inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate in England and Wales, said:

 “Lead in tap water is almost solely due to household plumbing systems containing lead pipes, solders, fittings and Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes which may contain lead compounds that can leach into water. We must all play our part to eliminate all sources lead, including the sale and use of lead-containing materials from plumbing in our houses to protect our future generations.”

David Reynolds, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland, said:

“I am delighted to support this excellent initiative encouraging behavioural change that protects public health today and for future generations.”

Colin Clements, the Interim Chief Inspector of Drinking Water for Northern Ireland, said:

“WaterSafe, which is supported by all UK water companies, including Northern Ireland Water, and all UK regulators including the Drinking Water Inspectorate for Northern Ireland, recommends only employing approved plumbers and installers qualified in the water regulations which are designed to protect drinking water quality.”

Plumbers approved by WaterSafe and listed on its register are all trained in the water regulations and are audited.

A separate survey of WaterSafe members showed much higher awareness of the dangers of lead solder. 

Sign our pledge to show your support

To find your nearest WaterSafe approved plumber or installer visit watersafe.org.uk or call 0333 207 9030. 

For more information on lead and drinking water contact Northern Ireland Water and new guidance from the Government on lead is available here.