A six-month-old warning to flush household taps for about 30 seconds in the morning to reduce exposure to lead in drinking water is "common sense", the government has said.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt responded to recommendations by the Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) over lead poisoning concerns, released in July, that was on Sunday highlighted in media reports.
"I’m pleased that now, somewhat delayed, it has been given the prominence that I thought it should have otherwise received."
The enHealth statement — which represents the National Health and Medical Research Council along with Commonwealth, state and territory departments — offers a series of "precautions" to reduce exposure to lead that may be dissolving into drinking water from plumbing products.
Consuming levels above that can have a negative effect on your health.
There is no need for households to have their water tested, it adds.
The federal government is reportedly considering new national guidelines that will reduce the permitted amount of lead in brass fittings from 4.5 percent.
After three years, water tested found the levels of lead to be below Australia’s maximum allowance.
Authorities later deemed the water supply safe.
Minister Hunt said the guidelines do not relate to a particular incident.