It allows consumers to make quick comparative assessments of the water efficiency of a product by viewing its water rating labels that shows a zero to six star rating. The more stars on the WELS rating label, the more water efficient the product. The scheme is a cooperative legislative arrangement between the Commonwealth, states and territories for the registration and labelling of water-using products by suppliers of white goods and plumbing products.
It was established in 2005 under the Commonwealth Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005.
The complementary Western Australian legislation is the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2006.
For more information about the WELS Scheme and registering products, go to the WELS website.
Are you planning, building or selling property developments?
Builders, developers, real estate agents, plumbers and other trade professionals have important obligations under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme.
If you are involved in supplying or installing regulated products in a new building or renovation, you must meet the same requirements as retailers selling products to consumers.
Regulated products include:
- showers
- taps (excluding over a bath)
- flow controllers
- toilets
- urinals
- dishwashers
- washing machines
- combination washer-dryers.
Find out more information here on your legal obligations, how to avoid penalties and to help you inform your customers about the water efficiency of products you are including in a new development or renovation before they buy.
