WATER SERVICES

Pipe materials and WaterMark: what's approved

Not every pipe and fitting can go on a drinking water service. WaterMark certification and the material standards decide what is allowed, and the markings are how you prove it.

WaterMark certification

WaterMark is the certification scheme for plumbing and drainage products in Australia. Products that need it carry the WaterMark and a licence number, and using a non-certified product where one is required is a compliance problem regardless of how well it is installed.

The material standards

On top of WaterMark, the pipe materials meet their own standards: copper tube to its compliance marking, PVC pipe systems to the PVC material standard, and so on. The markings on the pipe are what let an inspector confirm it at a glance, which is why keeping them visible and photographed matters.

Products in contact with drinking water

Anything that touches drinking water also has to meet the potable-contact requirement, so it does not taint the supply. That covers pipe, fittings, and valves on the potable side.

What to photograph

Capture the product markings and WaterMark on the key components. Elemetric keeps those with the rest of the record so the materials are provable later.

Common questions

What is WaterMark?

WaterMark is the certification scheme for plumbing and drainage products in Australia. Products that need it carry the WaterMark and a licence number.

Do materials touching drinking water have extra requirements?

Yes. Anything in contact with drinking water also has to meet the potable-contact requirement so it does not taint the supply.

General information for licensed tradespeople, not legal or regulatory advice. The licensed plumber remains solely responsible for compliance. Refer to the current AS/NZS 3500 standards and the Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly the VBA) for authoritative requirements.