WELS and WaterMark
What is WaterMark?
WaterMark is a product quality certification mark provided by independent certifying authorities. It confirms the product complies with the Plumbing Code of Australia and the relevant Australian Standards, which relate to product quality, including 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. Products required to be certified are listed in the Plumbing Code of Australia and AS3500.000.
The WaterMark logo, pictured right, the relevant product standard and the license number are required to be marked on the product itself.
Is WaterMark required for WELS registration?
From 1 November 2011 WaterMark certification, where it is already required by state and territory plumbing regulations, will also be a mandatory prerequisite for WELS registration of showers, lavatory and urinal equipment, tap equipment and flow controllers intended for use in the reticulated water system.
For WELS scheme purposes, WaterMark certification is not compulsory for products registered before 1 November 2011, but will be required when these products need to be re-registered.
Please note that evidence of current WaterMark certification for flow controllers fitted in WELS products is also required. This can be provided either by a WaterMark certificate that shows the flow controller was tested in the product or by a separate WaterMark certificate for the flow controller.
