Lead
Why lead matters
Lead is a toxic metal with no known safe level of exposure. It can enter drinking water through plumbing materials, fittings, and fixtures, particularly in older infrastructure.
Health effects of lead exposure are well-documented, particularly for children and developing foetuses.
How lead is reduced
Lead can be reduced through:
• Adsorptive filtration media
• Chemical binding within activated carbon matrices
Performance depends on influent chemistry, pH, and filter maintenance.
Puratap testing and evidence
Puratap systems have undergone independent laboratory testing for lead reduction.
Testing methodology:
• Testing conducted by IAPMO-accredited laboratories
• Testing aligned with NSF/ANSI-based lead reduction protocols
• Challenge water prepared with defined lead concentration
• Testing performed under controlled flow and pressure conditions
• Results demonstrate lead reduction performance within specified parameters
Laboratory standards:
IAPMO operates accredited laboratories capable of conducting performance testing to recognised standards, including NSF/ANSI protocols. Testing follows established methods for challenge water composition, operating conditions, and analytical measurement.
Full test data available on request
Material safety and compliance
• Brass components verified as lead-free
• All wetted materials comply with AS 4020 toxicity and leaching requirements
• Product design minimises lead introduction pathways
Regulatory context
Microplastics testing protocols continue to develop as analytical methods and standardisation efforts advance. Independent laboratory testing provides evidence-based performance data within defined parameters.Australian standards (AS 4020, WaterMark) govern material safety and structural integrity for drinking water products. Independent laboratory testing provides contaminant-specific performance evidence beyond material compliance.
Testing versus certification
Laboratory testing refers to analytical performance testing carried out to defined protocols. Certification combines testing with administrative and listing requirements. Both NSF and IAPMO are internationally recognised organisations involved in drinking water product testing. Laboratory testing performed to the same protocols can be methodologically equivalent
