The much awaited Victorian 5 star regulations have been released today.

From the 1st July 2004 if a new reticulated water supply is installed to a shower head then the shower head flow rate cannot be more than 9ltrs per minute or less than 7.5 ltrs per minute. Maximum outlet pressures within a building where new reticulated water supply is installed must not exceed 500kpa static pressure.

If the building is constructed to an energy efficient level of 4 stars then a solar hot water service or a rain water tank must be installed Solar hot water 1st july - min. energy performance 50% solar gain - 1st july 2005 min 60% solar gain flow and return pipes must be insulated to min. R0.3 Rain water tanks 1st july 2004 - min. capacity 2000ltrs and have a catchment area from a roof of 50 square meters and must be connected to all flushing systems within a building Water efficient flow rates 1st july 2005 - between 7.5 - 9ltrs / min for kitchen sink, laundry trough, shower heads, basin taps.

For more information please go to www.pic.vic.gov.au