You can choose water efficient products with the help of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme water rating label. This can help you save water as well as energy and money.
In 2025, the WELS scheme will save an estimated 178 gigalitres of water across Australia or about 18 litres per person per day.
This is equal to filling 71,472 Olympic-size swimming pools with water.
The scheme is also on track this year to save Australians over $1.7 billion in reduced utility bills. That’s a saving of about $243 per four-person household.
Products covered
The WELS scheme regulates:
- Taps and showers
- Toilets and urinals
- Dishwashers and washing machines
- Flow controllers
These products must be WELS registered for the Australian market and labelled with their water efficiency information when they are offered for sale.
How to read the WELS label
How to read the WELS label - video transcript (DOCX 19.8 KB)
There are three parts to the label.
- The star rating at the top shows the water efficiency of the product. The more stars, the more water efficient.
- The water consumption rate in the middle shows the amount of water used.
- The company name and the WELS license number are at the bottom. This company is responsible for registering the product.
You can use the WELS product database to confirm a product’s registration status and the water efficiency information.
Think long term
The plumbing products you buy today will likely be used for over 10 years, impacting your water and energy bills long-term. Choosing water-efficient products helps conserve Australia's water resources. Every drop counts!