In the next few years, householders and businesses could see more products on the market with water efficiency labelling that will help them choose products that save more water.
More manufacturers will also be able to promote the water efficiency of their products thanks to a planned expansion of the highly successful Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme.
Annual nominations for new products that could be regulated and labelled under the scheme can be made through the department’s website until 15 March 2024.
The scheme currently regulates the water efficiency labelling for taps, showers, flow controllers, toilets, urinals, washing machines and dishwashers offered for sale in Australia.
New product categories can be nominated that are designed for commercial settings, such as in the hospitality industry, or residential settings.
Increasing the range of products under the scheme will allow consumers to be able to choose more water efficient products and help to save more water and money, right across Australia.
Visit the WELS website for more information on the nomination process at waterrating.gov.au/register/new-product-category-nomination
About the WELS Scheme
The WELS label is a widely recognised and trusted brand that helps Australians to purchase more water efficient products.
The WELS label provides consumers with information about water efficiency of products, at the point of sale, so they can save water as well as energy and money.
Australian consumers use the WELS label daily to choose water efficient products. More than 80% of consumers are aware of the WELS scheme and use it to inform their purchasing decisions.
Quotes from Matthew Dadswell, Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme Regulator:
“Since its implementation 19 years ago, the WELS scheme has driven improvements in household water efficiency and product innovation across multiple industries.
“This year alone, the WELS scheme is expected to save 172 gigalitres of water across Australia.
“That’s enough water to fill 68,864 Olympic-size swimming pools and equivalent to every person saving 18 litres of water every single day of the year.
“The WELS scheme is expected to save Australians more than $1.6 billion in reduced utility bills this year, which is an annual saving of $155 per household.
“Expanding our product categories would benefit manufacturers and consumers who are wanting to make environmentally and economically conscious decisions for their households and businesses.”
Source: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/