Campaign to protect drinking water in local authority buildings from illegal use of lead solder

WaterSafe is campaigning to protect people visiting local authority buildings from lead in their drinking water caused by the illegal use of lead solder.

The national register of approved installers is urging local authorities to always check plumbers working on the drinking water systems in the buildings they own and manage only use lead-free solder or fittings which don’t need solder.

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.

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.

Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe, said: “We’re urging anyone who has work being done on their drinking water plumbing, particularly local authorities who manage buildings open to the public and children, to ask their plumber which type of solder they are using to make sure it’s lead-free. Using lead-free solder is the only safe option.”

Marcus Rink, the chief inspector of the Drinking Water Inspectorate in England and Wales, said: “We must all play our part to eliminate all sources of lead, including the sale and use of lead-containing materials from plumbing in our buildings to protect our future generations.”

David Reynolds, the DWQR 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 Northern Ireland Water and 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.”

WaterSafe is also calling on plumbers to sign its pledge to go lead-free by only carrying lead-free solder in their toolkits and only using lead-free solder.

WaterSafe is supported by all UK water companies and the drinking water regulators. Approved plumbers listed on its register are trained in the water regulations and audited. A separate survey of WaterSafe members showed much higher awareness of the dangers of lead solder.

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 your local water company and new guidance from the Government on lead is available here.

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*WaterSafe’s survey of plumbers showed most use solder at least once a week, but only half have lead-free solder in their bags, leading to a risk of lead solder being used accidentally.