Details for Water Labelling in Australia

As increasing pressure is placed on our water reserves, water efficiency is becoming of high importance for Australians. Government bodies are actively seeking to promote water efficiency and are encouraging water conservation strategies and incentives.

Currently, there are three labels that can be applied to water efficient products in Australia (Fig1). These include ‘The Water Efficiency Labelling Standards (WELS) Scheme’, ‘The Smart Approved WaterMark Scheme’ and the ‘WaterMark’ Labelling scheme. The ‘WELS’ scheme allows consumers to compare the relative water efficiency of products at the point of sale, the ‘Smart Approved WaterMark’ provides a labelling system for outdoor products and ‘WaterMark’ provides labels for sewerage, plumbing, drainage products and water supplies. This summary will provide a brief overview of each of these labelling systems, and how they can help you cut your water use.

Fig 1. Different water efficiency labels currently implemented in Australia. a) The Water Efficiency Labelling Standards (WELS) Scheme Label, b) The Smart Approved WaterMark Logo, and c) The WaterMark logo.

The WELS Water Rating Label

The WELS labelling scheme initiated in 2006, replacing a voluntary water conservation rating called ‘AAAAA’ label implemented by the Water Services Association of Australia. The WELS water rating system allows consumers to compare products, whilst also rewarding those who make and sell water efficient models. It has two main features including a star rating and a water consumption figure. The water consumption figure provides an estimate of the water consumption of the product where the star rating allows for a quick comparative assessment of the product’s water efficiency. Labels can provide up to 6 stars, with more stars meaning the product is more water efficient. If the label is rated ‘zero star’, the product does not meet basic water performance standards.

The WELS labelling scheme applies to a vast array of products including washing machines, dishwashers, flow controllers, toilets, showers, a variety of taps and urinal equipment. The scheme became mandatory for all new products in 2008 and it is now unlawful to sell any showerheads, washing machines, dishwashers or toilets unless they are registered and labelled in accordance with the standard set under the national Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005. By 2021 it is estimated that using water efficient products will help to save approximately 610 000 mega litres of water per year (more than in Sydney Harbour) and reduce domestic water use by at least 5%.

Cost benefit analyses and regulation impact statements are currently being prepared to determine the implications and feasibility of expanding this scheme. A shortlist of products have been agreed on by Australian, state and territory governments and the National Water Commission and include evaporative air conditioners, instantaneous gas hot water heaters, hot water re-circulators and domestic irrigation controllers. In addition, a new minimum water efficiency standard for taps, showers, urinals and other products is being considered as well as a proposition to raise the minimum water efficiency standards for toilets.

Full details of the testing and performance requirements for each product type can be found from The Australian and New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS6400:2005 Water-efficient products—Rating and labelling) and/or technical specification for each product type (Tap ware: AS/NZS 3718, Flow controllers: ATS 5200.037.2:2005, Showers: AS/NZS 3662, Toilets: AS 1172.1, AS 1172.2, ATS 5200.020, ATS 5200.021 and ATS 5200.030, Urinals: AS 3982 or ATS 5200.004, Clothes washers: AS/NZS 2040.2, Dishwashers: AS/NZS 2007.2).

WELS rated products can be searched for online via a library system (savewater!® library), accessed from the URL: http://www.savewater.com.au/how-to-save-water. The WELS scheme excludes second-hand products and products imported into Australia for personal use. The WELS registration and product search database contains information about the water efficiency labelling of products registered under the WELS scheme. Rebates may be offered for some WELS rated products, information can be found from local councils or water authorities and www.smartwatermark.info .

To ensure the credibility and integrity of the WELS scheme, a regulator from within the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities monitors and enforces the Act. The regulator can impose penalties and enforce provisions to both individuals and corporations. Significant fines and penalties for breaches of WELS can be implemented by the regulator including: the withdrawal of a product from the market, deregistration of a product and advertising convictions. As an alternative to legal action, the regulator can also use education and administrative actions to help retailers, manufacturers and importers meet their legal obligations.

Further information and links regarding the WELS scheme. can be accessed via the link:

http://www.waterrating.gov.au/publications/index.html

The Smart Approved Watermark Labelling Program

The Smart Approved Watermark labelling program for outdoor products and services is a non-for profit, voluntary program which aims to actively improve Australia’s water conservation. It helps consumers by identifying and promoting products and services that conserve water, through providing water education, and promoting innovative solutions to help save water. The program was developed by The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA), the Irrigation Association of Australia (IAA), the Nursery and Garden Industry of Australia (NGIA) and the Australian Water Association (AWA). It operates with funding from ‘Water Smart Australia’ through the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.

The Smart Approved Watermark labels can be used on web sites, marketing materials, product packaging, at events and displays and in advertising. Any product that can prove that it saves water can apply to use the Smart Approved Watermark label. For example:

• smart irrigation systems
• low-flow hoses/nozzles
• commercial cleaners
• pool technologies
• soil moisture and rain sensors
• mulches and soil wetting agents
• rainwater harvesting systems
• grey water and treatment systems
• car wash technologies, and
• commercial catering equipment.

Similarly, any service that can show how it saves water can also apply. These services could include:

• water-efficient plumbers
• water-saving retrofit services
• water-saving training and accreditation programs
• water-efficient design of occupied and new buildings
• maintenance programs for irrigation systems
• design services for water-efficient gardens and irrigation systems
• plant labelling schemes
• pool maintenance services, and
• rainwater harvesting maintenance.

Accredited products are listed on an online database which can be accessed for more information about products.

The program is overseen by a Steering Committee with representation from Commonwealth and State Governments, water utilities, the four founding associations, and the chair of the Program's Technical Expert Panel. The Technical Expert Panel has been set up to independently assess the applications of products and services wanting to receive Smart WaterMark accreditation. It comprises six members who are appointed by the Smart WaterMark Steering Committee and an independent Chair. All applications for the Smart Approved Watermark labelling program are assessed by the expert panel.

The Smart Approved WaterMark Label does not give out water rebates, however the label is often used as accreditation for inclusion into rebate programs. More information can be accessed from local rebating authorities or from the URL: http://www.smartwatermark.org/home/rebates.asp

The WaterMark Labelling Program

The WaterMark logo is a certification mark that verifies that a product complies with requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia and specifications listed in relevant Australian Standards. The certification trademark is used in reference to water supply, sewerage, plumbing and drainage goods. Standards relate to product quality, durability and health and safety aspects. For products that are legally installed in accordance with state and territory plumbing regulations, WaterMark certification is mandatory.

The WaterMark trademark is owned by Standards Australia Limited. Certifiers approved by Standards Australia are able to enter license agreements with manufactures and users; however the latter are not able to be granted licenses directly. The relevant product standard and license number and the WaterMark logo are required to be marked on the product. The following organisations have been listed as approved certifiers under the WaterMark scheme by Standards Australia:

• Approval Mark International Pty Ltd
• Australian Certification Services Pty Ltd
• Australian Gas Association
• British Standards Institution (BSI) Management Systems
• Global-Mark Pty Ltd
• International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials Research and Testing(IAPMO R&T)
• International Standards Certification Pty Ltd
• National Sanitation Foundation(NSF) International, and
• SAI-Global Pty. Ltd.

The requirements for certification on plumbing products are related to their level of risk and drainage systems. There are two WaterMark levels for higher risk, or lower risk products. Products can be searched on a database from the following URL:

http://www.watermark.standards.org.au/search.asp

Comparison of Labels

Products must carry a WELS label in order to be legally sold, but may not necessarily have the WaterMark. If this is the case and products do not carry the WaterMark logo, consumers should inquire with their local water authority or plumber to ensure it can be legally installed.

Products can have both the Smart Approved Label and the plumbing certification WaterMark as the WaterMark certifies that the product meets plumbing standards while the Smart Approved WaterMark helps consumers buy water wise products.

Products cannot carry both the Smart WaterMark and WELS label as they are designed for different types of appliances.