Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards (WELS)

The Australian Government has introduced a new Water Efficiency and Labelling Standard or WELS for short. This new labelling replaces the old AAAAA ratings that was previously seen on water-use appliances and fittings and has more detail regarding actual water usage. This new labelling has a similar style to the Energy Efficient Ratings that already exists on electrical appliances.

The WELS Scheme was introduced on July 1 2005 in a voluntary basis and will become mandatory from July 1 2006 for all new water-use appliances and fittings. This labelling scheme is the first national scheme of its kind in the world. WELS was introduced to address concerns over water consumption and wastage. The standard provides a quantifiable comparison for the consumer that can be use when choosing between different models.

The label has two main features to assist the consumer;

• The six star rating provides a quick assessment of the models water efficiency, with the more stars indicating the model is more water efficient.
• A water consumption figure, providing an estimate for water usage of the model based on tested water consumption

For the first time the consumer will know the actual water consumption a product uses, and not just how efficient it is. There is a series of WELS labels that have been designed for the various products. The WELS Scheme currently covers the following water using products:-

• domestic clothes washing machines
• domestic dishwashers
• flow controllers
• toilet equipment
• showers
• tap equipment intended for use over a kitchen sink, bathroom basin, laundry tub or ablution trough
• urinal equipment

With Australia currently experiencing water conservation concerns, due to the extended drought conditions over regional catchment areas, the Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards Scheme provides the consumer with the data needed to make informed decisions. Consider purchasing models based on a combination of costs and efficiency and send a message to manufactures, that Australians care about water usage.

For further information on the Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards visit www.waterrating.gov.au