Final report on the consideration of domestic irrigation controllers for inclusion in the WELS Scheme
Background Research Project
Prepared by Allen Consulting Group for the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
November 2009
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- Final report on the consideration of domestic irrigation controllers for inclusion in the WELS Scheme (PDF - 434 KB) | (RTF - 667 KB)
About the report
Domestic irrigation controllers are devices which control water flow in domestic irrigation systems, such as a lawn sprinkler or drip irrigation system. These devices can control water flow according to varying levels of sophistication and may do this with or without complementary equipment. Some use a simple timer switch to trigger and end water flow at set points in the day/week. Others can automatically adjust watering frequencies and duration on the basis of data collected by soil moisture sensors, rain sensors and weather data. Domestic irrigation controllers also vary on their ability to retain instructions and recover from energy failures, depending on whether the controller is powered by batteries only, mains only, or mains with battery backup.
In September 2008, Irrigation Australia and HydroPlan Irrigation Consultants prepared a background report on domestic irrigation controllers as the basis for the preparation of a cost benefit analysis and regulation impact statement (if required) on the potential inclusion of this product into the WELS Scheme.
The cost benefit analysis was undertaken by the Allen Consulting Group. It was found that whilst domestic irrigation controllers have the potential to save water, these savings are largely dependent on the user being educated on the appropriate use of the type or model of domestic irrigation controllers that are installed as part of the irrigation system, rather than the inherent features of the domestic irrigation controllers. It is possible that the same level of garden water efficiency and irrigation efficiency can be achieved using multiple configurations and practices. The Allen Consulting Group concluded that domestic irrigation controllers are not suitable for inclusion in the WELS scheme, because the water efficiency of these products is heavily dependent on a range of factors outside the influence of the manufacturers. As such, any rating scheme that focuses on domestic irrigation controllers is unlikely to reflect the water efficiency of the model in practice.
The Allen Consulting Group concluded that, while domestic irrigation controllers can make a contribution to national water conservation, they are not a suitable product for inclusion in the WELS scheme.
Under best practice regulation guidelines, government intervention can be justified when:
- there is an inherent failure in the market’s ability to deliver fair and equitable outcomes; and
- the benefits from correcting the failure are greater than the costs associated with doing so.
As neither of these criteria are sustained when considering water use and efficiency of domestic irrigation controllers , government intervention through the WELS scheme cannot be justified in this instance and hence there is no requirement for the publication of a Regulation Impact Statement on domestic irrigation controllers.
This outcome has been agreed by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council and concludes investigations into the potential inclusion of domestic irrigation controllers into the WELS Scheme.
Background
In late 2005, an independent analysis was conducted of potential products which might be suitable to include in an expanded WELS Scheme. In 2006-07 a shortlist of products was agreed by Australian, state and territory governments and the National Water Commission.
New products to be considered for WELS labelling are:
- combination washer/dryers that use water in dryer mode
- evaporative air coolers
- instantaneous gas water heaters
- hot water circulators and
- domestic irrigation controllers.
Consideration is also being given to the introduction of new minimum water efficiency standards for:
- clothes washers
- taps
- dishwashers
- combination washer/dryers
- showers
- urinals and
- other potential new products.
Raising the minimum water efficiency standards for toilets is also being considered.
Research is underway to determine the feasibility and implications of these proposals. This work includes the preparation of cost benefit analyses and regulation impact statements. Reports are being made available on this website for public comment once they are finalised.
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