WELS and WaterMark
WELS is a government regulatory scheme, underpinned by product testing to Australian Standards. WELS products must carry a WELS label showing the water efficiency star rating and the water consumption or flow rate of the product.
For plumbing, WELS products are taps (with some exceptions), showers, toilets, urinals and flow controllers (optional). Some of these plumbing products will also carry a label called WaterMark.
What is WaterMark?
WaterMark is a product quality certification mark provided by independent certifying authorities. It confirms that the product complies with the requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia and the specifications listed in relevant Australian Standards. These relate to the quality of the product, including aspects of health and safety, and warrant that it is fit for purpose.
WaterMark certification is mandatory for products to be legally installed in accordance with state and territory plumbing regulations. Those products required to be certified are listed in the Plumbing Code of Australia and AS5200.000.
The WaterMark logo, the relevant product Standard and the License Number are required to be marked on the product itself.
WaterMark is not required for a product to be legally sold in Australia.
Are WaterMark and WELS the same?
No.
- WaterMark confirms the product complies with the requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia and is fit for purpose for installation under that Code.
- WELS relates only to the water efficiency of the product.
WELS products must carry a WELS label in order to be legally sold, but may not necessarily have the WaterMark.
Those buying a WELS labelled product which does not carry the WaterMark should ask their local water authority or plumber if it can be legally installed.
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