As concerns around water quality and public health continue to grow, the presence of lead in drinking water remains a critical issue that can no longer be overlooked. Often invisible and difficult to detect without testing, lead contamination poses significant risks to communities, infrastructure and building occupants, particularly in ageing water systems and older buildings. Addressing this challenge requires more than compliance alone; it demands greater awareness, investment and a coordinated approach to monitoring, remediation and long-term prevention.

The session will examine the sources, risks and ongoing impacts of lead contamination in water systems, exploring the regulatory, technical and operational measures needed to protect public health. It will consider how industry, government and asset owners can work together to identify risks, modernise infrastructure and build safer, healthier environments, helping to eliminate one of the built environment’s most persistent and often unseen threats.