Jan - 2007 WELS scheme

As one of the driest continents on the planet, the topic of water shortages and the longer-term security of water supply is a serious concern for Australia and your customers.

Thanks to the introduction of WELS; a dedicated water efficiency rating system, you can now help your customers conserve water and save money on water and energy bills.

WHAT IS WELS?
The WELS scheme (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) is a mandatory Australian labelling standard designed to encourage customers to select water efficient products and appliances.

The new water efficiency labelling scheme also allows consumers to compare the water efficiency of different products by displaying the water consumption or water flow figure.

The rating system is similar to the energy rating labelling, with six stars. Basically the more stars you see on the bathroom and plumbing product the more water efficient it is.

HOT TIP
Star rating gives customers a quick comparative assessment on the product's water efficiency

HOT TIP
The water consumption figure provides the estimation of likely water usage

WHY WELS?
According to the Australian Government dedicated WELS site www.waterrating.gov.au by 2021 Australians could save more than $600 million through reduced water and energy bills by simply choosing more water efficient products.

By 2021 it is estimated that using water efficient products will help to:

Reduce domestic water use by five per cent or 87,200 megalitres each year
Save about 610,000 megalitres (more water than in Sydney Harbour)

FAST FACTS

What to consider when working on major building developments or residential homes

Nearly half of your customer's water savings inside the house will come from more efficient washing machines
About 25% of your customer's water savings will come from showers
And 22% of your customer's water savings will come from toilets

www.waterrating.gov.au

WHEN CAN YOU SEE WELS IN-STORE?
All tapware with an outlet (excluding bath sets), toilets, urinals and showers are now required to carry a WELS label on the packaging at point of sale. Dishwashers and clothes washing machines will require WELS labelling after June 2007.

Note that the WELS scheme does not mandate installation requirements - these are specified under relevant plumbing/building codes and regulations.

SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
As a plumber you and your staff are considered responsible for selling a WELS product if you:

Include product sales as part of tendering or offering work in building and construction projects and renovations or
Selling products as part of installation or repair work

You are not considered to be selling products if you are only involved in installing a WELS product that someone else has sold to your customer.

WHAT WILL YOU NEED TO DO UNDER WELS?
Under the new WELS scheme you will need to ensure that any products you sell:

Are registered with the WELS Regulator and have a WELS label, and
Have their labels clearly visible to the customer when offered for sale

Note that all products with a WELS label should be registered but if you do have any doubts, or find you have been sold unlabelled products there is a regulator you can call.

The WELS Regulator number is 1800 803 772 or you can search for registered products online by visiting www.waterrating.gov.au

CAN CUSTOMERS GET A REBATE ON WELS PRODUCTS?
Rebates may be offered on some WELS rated products but you will need to tell your customers to contact their local water authority or council for further information.

WELS does not rebate products covered under the WELS scheme, but only rates them for water efficiency.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR NOT COMPLYING WITH WELS REQUIREMENTS?
In order to maintain the objectives of the WELS scheme and the credibility of the WELS label and standard the WELS Regulator can take enforcement action.

When installing WELS products it's important to let your customers know that if they commit an offence under the WELS Act, the Regulator will determine the consequences on a case-by-case basis. This may include educating the offender about his or her obligations or administrative action.

Legal measures open to the Regulator include:

An infringement notice
A court prosecution
Applying to the Federal Court for an injunction to stop someone from committing the offence
Order the offender to undertake specific action, e.g. remove a non-compliant product

When a conviction for an offense has occurred the Regulator may publicise that offence at his or her own discretion.

GET TO KNOW YOUR WELS RATING SYSTEM
Tapware & Showerheads
0 Stars	More than 16 litres per minute or failing the performance requirements
1 Star	More than 12 but no more than 16 litres per minute
2 Stars	More than 9 but no more than 12 litres per minute
3 Stars	More than 7.5 but no more than 9 litres per minute
4 Stars	More than 6 but not more than 7.5 litres per minute
5 Stars	More than 4.5 but not more than 6 litres per minute

Dual Flush Toilets
3 Stars	6/3 dual flush - uses 3 litres of water on half-flush and 6 litres for full flush
4 Stars	4.5/3 dual flush - uses 3 litres of water on half-flush and 4.5 litres for full flush

Flow restrictors and tap accessories including washer kits and water saving discs can also reduce water use by up to 65 per cent.

Whilst encouraging your customers to think about water efficiency inside the home is required, there is also countless water saving options to suggest for outside the home.
For instance the installation of automatic controllers, rain and soil sensors, rainwater tanks and a tap timer and nozzle go a long way to preserving our water supplies.

WELS PRODUCTS
The WELS scheme applies to the following products
Plumbing Products showers tap equipment flow controllers (optional)	White Goods clothes washing machines dishwashers	Sanitaryware toilet (lavatory) equipment urinal equipment