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Australia's aim is to reduce water consumption by the introduction of a Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme, which applies national mandatory water efficiency labelling and minimum performance standards to household water-using products.

The WELS Scheme addresses domestic water consumption by providing nationally consistent water efficiency information to consumers at point of purchase. The aim of the WELS Scheme is to encourage the uptake of water-efficient products and appliances in domestic and commercial areas while maintaining individual choice.

The water-using products covered by the WELS Scheme currently include:

• clothes washing machines
• dishwashers
• flow controllers
• toilet (lavatory) equipment
• showers
• taps
• urinals

From the 1st of July 2006, mandatory registration and labelling applies to all of these products apart from flow controllers, for which this will be optional. Once a product is registered under the scheme, compliance with the relevant standard (including labelling requirements) are obligatory. In addition to labelling and performance requirements, a mandatory minimum water efficiency requirement will apply to toilet equipment. Further products are expected to be added to the scheme over time.

WRc-NSF has teamed up with SAI Global to offer testing to the requirements of the WELS Scheme in Australia. For further information contact Ian Broad.

23rd October 2006