Water Efficiency Labelling in Australia: What the WELS Scheme Means for Builders and Homeowners

What Is the WELS Scheme?

Water Efficiency Labelling WELS is Australia’s national initiative to promote responsible water use. It applies to a wide range of plumbing and household products and aims to conserve water, reduce costs, and help consumers make informed purchases. Regulated products include washing machines, dishwashers, showers, taps, flow controllers, and toilets. You can find general forms for building permits and compliance on our Forms page.

Why the WELS Scheme Matters

Water is a finite resource. The WELS Scheme plays a crucial role in protecting it by:

• Encouraging efficient water use
• Reducing household and business utility bills
• Supporting Australia’s broader sustainability goals

Builders can demonstrate compliance with national codes by selecting products with valid WELS labels. Explore how this connects with our full range of Services.

Projected Benefits by 2030

By 2030, the WELS Scheme is expected to:

• Save over 200 billion litres of drinking water each year
• Reduce national water and energy bills by more than $2 billion annually

Who Must Comply with WELS?

The scheme places responsibilities on several industry groups:

• Manufacturers & Suppliers: Must test and register their products before sale
• Retailers: Must display accurate water efficiency labels
• Builders, Plumbers & Developers: Must select and install compliant products in residential and commercial buildings
• Real Estate Agents: Should highlight WELS-compliant features to buyers and renters

What Products Are Regulated?

Products subject to WELS include:

• Showers
• Taps and flow controllers
• Toilets and urinals
• Dishwashers and washing machines
• Combination washer–dryers

Each product must:

• Be tested in accredited labs
• Display a 1–6 star water efficiency label
• Meet plumbing codes and WaterMark certification

Legal Obligations and Compliance

Under the WELS Act 2005, suppliers must:

• Register products with the national WELS database
• Ensure accurate labelling in stores, online, and in advertising
• Use certified labs and approved registration procedures

Non-compliance can result in financial penalties or product removal.

How to Check a Product’s WELS Status

To verify if a product is WELS compliant:

• Visit the WELS product database
• Search by brand or model number
• Confirm current registration and star rating

You can also find state-level guidance on the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) WELS Scheme page.

Looking for more guidance around plumbing standards, building regulations, or water-related compliance? Visit our FAQs for answers to commonly asked questions.

Promote Water-Efficient Living

Using WELS-approved products is a simple way to reduce water waste and cut long-term costs. For builders, it also shows compliance with national codes. Make the switch to compliant fixtures and help protect Australia’s most valuable resource.

Real-Life Example

A plumbing contractor in regional Victoria recently retrofitted a series of older homes using only WELS-compliant taps and showerheads. As a result, the client reported significant water savings in under 3 months and met the efficiency criteria needed for local council incentives.