Compliance: Lead Free, WaterMark and WELS

Why These Labels on Your Tapware Matter… More Than You Might Think

At first glance, the labels on taps or showerheads might seem like an afterthought. But when it comes to your health, wellbeing, and the efficiency of your home, they matter more than you might realise.

Certification marks like Lead Free WaterMark and WELS are more than bureaucratic requirements - they’re signs that the tapware in your home has been independently assessed for safety, performance, and sustainability. And in today’s homes, those three qualities matter more than ever.

Your Wellbeing Begins at the Tap

Water is one of the most intimate parts of our daily routine. We drink it, cook with it, bathe our children in it - and trust it implicitly.

But that trust depends on the quality of what delivers it: your tapware. Non-compliant, poor-quality, or outdated fittings can introduce risks most people don’t see coming. That’s why choosing certified fixtures is a vital - and often overlooked - part of creating a healthy home.

At In Residence, we take this responsibility seriously.

Behind the craftsmanship is a foundation of engineering that supports both your wellbeing and the environment.

Proactive Compliance: Perrin & Rowe is Ready

Perrin & Rowe’s UK foundry has prepared for the 2026 transition, reformulating brass alloys to meet low-lead thresholds without compromising on quality or finish.

This proactive shift ensures that all kitchen and basin tapware destined for Australian & New Zealand homes will meet the new standards - well ahead of the deadline. Products bearing the Lead-Free WaterMark are clearly marked and available to order from In Residence now.

In New Zealand MBIE have given the following instructions:

Building consent applications and the transition period end date

The information below explains how the transition period end date should be applied.

Consents granted before the transition period ends
For building consents granted by a building consent authority (BCA) on or before 1 May 2026 (including consented projects under construction), the building work may proceed using the acceptable solution provisions that were approved by the building consent.

Consent applications made before the transition period ends
Building consent applications that have been made on or before 1 May 2026 may continue to comply with the acceptable solution provisions that were in place on the date the consent application was made.

Consent applications made after the transition period ends
Building consent applications made on or after 2 May 2026 must follow the updated provisions when using the acceptable solutions as a means of compliance.

Building work that does not require a consent
For building work exempt from requiring a building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, the person who carries out the work (e.g. the plumber) is responsible for ensuring that the products and methods used in carrying out the work comply with the requirements that are in effect at the time of installation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

WELS: For Water Efficiency That Makes a Real Impact

The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) is focused on the long-term performance of your fixtures – and their environmental impact. By displaying star ratings on taps, showers, and toilets, WELS helps you make informed choices that save both water and money.

Perrin & Rowe WELS ratings:

Showers: 3 stars – 9 L/min

Kitchen & Basin Taps: 4 stars – 7.5 L/min

Toilets: 3 stars – 6 L full flush