Australia has introduced national mandatory water efficiency labelling and standards ( WELS). This applies to all showerheads, washing machines, toilets, dishwashers, urinals and some types of taps. In addition, the scheme includes minimum water efficiency standards for toilets and voluntary water efficiency labels on flow control devices.

Meeting the Challenge

Reports, progress and links:

Recognising the benefit of a national approach South Australian passed WELS legislation (complementing national legislation), which came into operation on 17 July 2006.

Following the successful introduction of WELS a programme of additional work to expand the WELS Scheme to include additional products, and to introduce of minimum performance standards for existing WELS products, is now under way.

A non-exclusive shortlist of products has been agreed by jurisdictions and the National Water Commission.

New products being investigated for the scheme include:

• · Combination washer dryers that use water in the dryer mode
• · Evaporative air conditioners
• · Instantaneous gas hot water systems
• · Domestic irrigation controllers
• · Hot water recirculators

Expansion also involves the introduction of new minimum water efficiency standards (WES) for clothes washing machines, taps, dishwashers, combination washer dryers, showers, urinals and other products and raising the minimum WES for toilets.

Detailed investigations and other work to support the expansion of WELS is occurring and is being managed by the WELS Regulator. New product registration and water efficiency standards will be introduced in a staggered fashion, subject to relevant Standards processes and test procedures being available.

For more information on WELS and to find WELS rated products please click here.

SA Water will promote the WELS as part of a broader education program to support Water Proofing Adelaide. Information regarding WELS is also available on SA Water website.