Click here for National Water Efficient Product Labeling Summary

Click here for WELS website: http://www.waterrating.gov.au

The use of water efficient products certified to the Scheme conserves water without the difficult task of having to change behavioural habits, because the performance of these products is not compromised by their reduced water usage. 

As such, consumers not only conserve an essential commodity and protect the environment but they also benefit financially.  As an illustration, one of the most cost effective means of reducing the demand for water is to install a water efficiency showerhead in the bathroom.  This is because it has been estimated that about 30% of the domestic water used indoors is consumed in the shower. 

It has also been estimated that the electricity used for heating this water accounts for almost 20% of all the electricity consumed in a typical household.  As such, the use of a water efficient showerhead not only saves water but also reduces energy consumption, which in turn significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 

All of these factors add up to not only protecting the environment but also saving the consumer money.

The key features of the Scheme are as follows:

• The Scheme is voluntary until 1 July 2006. After this date products must be registered and labelled, except for flow controllers, for which labelling will remain optional.
• products must comply with all the relevant requirements of Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS6400 Water efficient products - rating and labeling. This includes requirements that the product must
  
  • meet the key performance criteria of other relevant Australian Standards performance requirements before they can be considered for an efficiency rating.
  • a satisfactory performance type test report from an appropriate test laboratory must be submited before any application can be accepted.

• Shower heads (shower heads can only obtain a maximum rating of 3 Stars at present. Additional tests are being developed)*
• Dishwashers
• Clothes washing machines
• Urinal Equipment 
• Taps and tap outlets
• Toilet suites or matched cistern and pan sets
• Flow regulators