HEADING size 54 Arial TEXT size no small than 28 Arial SUB-HEADING size 44 Arial AS/NZS 4020 Testing of products for use in contact with drinking water Peter Christopoulos Australian Water Quality Centre (AWQC)

AWQC Australian Water Quality Centre Business unit of the South Australian Water Corporation. Water and Wastewater services, Chemical and Biological Testing. NATA and ISO Accredited test facility for all tests conducted. Research and Development Section. Deliver Water Quality and Treatment Technology solutions.

What does AS/NZS 4020 mean? Developed from the British Standard BS6920 in Suitability of products/materials in contact with drinking water. AWQC involved in the development of the 2002 and 2005 editions. Currently testing to the Fifth Edition – AS/NZS 4020:2005. AS/NZS 4020 is a requirement in the Plumbing Code of Australia for materials and products in contact with drinking water AS/NZS 4020 Compliance contributes to WaterMark Level 1 Certification. Mandatory for Licensed Plumbers to use WaterMarked products.

Requirements of AS/NZS 4020 The Standard ensures products/materials do not leach compounds that can affect the health of consumers or the aesthetics of water: –The Taste or Appearance of Water. –Does not support the Growth of Microorganisms. –Do not release Cytotoxic or Mutagenic Compounds and Metals.

AS/NZS 4020 Covers the following: Product Categories: Composite – Non-metallic products or products with a combination of Metallic and Non-Metallic components (eg Tapware, Ball Valves). Wholly Metallic – Metallic Pipes and Fittings (eg Copper and Stainless Steel Pipes). Hot Water Systems – Water Heating devices such as Solar, Gas, Heat Pump combinations). Example of Products Tested: Epoxy Coatings. Valves (Ball/Gate/Hydrant) Lubricants Domestic Tapware Hot Water Systems Sealing (Gaskets/O-Rings) Pipes and Pipe Fittings Water Tank Material

Not covered by AS/NZS 4020 Lime Coagulants Activated Carbon (Filter Media) Ion-Exchange Resins Electric Kettles Water Bottles

Requirements of AS/NZS Composite Test Taste Assessment Appearance (Colour & Turbidity) Microbial Growth Cytotoxic Activity Mutagenic Activity Extraction of Metals Wholly Metallic Tests Taste Assessment Appearance (Colour & Turbidity) Cytotoxic Activity Extraction of Metals

Requirements of AS/NZS 4020 Appendix K (HWS Testing) Appearance (Colour & Turbidity) Cytotoxic Activity Mutagenic Activity Extraction of Metals

Understanding each Appendix. Taste of Water Extract Trained group of panellists assess water extracts for discernable tastes. Appearance of Water Extract Leaching of compounds that effect visual aspect of water. Colour and Turbidity. Growth of Aquatic Microorganisms Ability or inability to provide nutrient source for Microorganism growth. Cytotoxic Activity of Water Extract To ensure poisonous (toxic) compounds are not leached. Mutagenic Activity of Water Extract No compounds are released that can cause genetic mutations. Extraction of Metals Metallic elements do not exceed the maximum allowable concentration.

How Testing is Determined. Manufacturer/Supplier will seek evaluation from their Watermark Conformity Assessment Body (WMCAB). WMCAB to advise level of certification and test conditions for the Test Laboratory. Test Laboratory to undertake testing and provide Test Report to Manufacturer/Supplier and WMCAB.

Testing in the Laboratory. Product is tested via immersion or ‘In-the-product’ exposure under conditions specified by WMCAB. Water Sample Extracts are taken at set time intervals stipulated in the Standard allowing product time to demonstrate ability or inability to leach into Water. Samples are rinsed and flushed between Start and Finish to simulate flow as in the field. Water Sample Extracts are then analysed in the Laboratory for results.

Hot Water System under AS/NZS Installed On-Site at the AWQC. Installed to Australian Plumbing Standards. Installed by a Licensed Plumber. Set up and Run per manufacturer’s specification. Water Extracts taken at specified times per Standard. HWS flushed to simulate flow rates and demand.

Potential Issues with Test Results. Composite Products: Taste Assessment Cytotoxicity Microbial Growth Extraction of Metals Products such as Brass Valves, Tapware, Elastomeric Compounds. Hot Water Systems: Appearance Test Breakdown of enamels in tanks or corrosion in tanks and fittings.

Testing Consideration. 12 – 14 week duration for Composite Products/Materials. 6 – 8 week duration for Wholly Metallic and Hot Water Systems. Test Laboratory and WMCAB to determine sample selection, test conditions and troubleshooting. Test Laboratory to provide AS/NZS 4020 Test Report at conclusion.

AS/NZS 4020 & WaterMark WMCAB to provide Product Manufacturer/Supplier with Type Schedule. Type Schedule to include AS/NZS 4020 and Performance Testing. Compliance of Type Schedule to grant WaterMark. Licensed Plumbers/Builders to use WaterMark Compliance components.

Conclusion A number of other Standards reference AS/NZS Check with your WMCAB. Challenge for manufacturers is to produce commercially viable products that do not leach harmful compounds into drinking water.

More Information on AS/NZS AWQC AS/NZS 4020 Test Laboratory (08) Webwww.awqc.com.auwww.awqc.com.au Via your WMCAB