These days you can't buy a dishwasher or washing machine without coming face to face with one of those water rating stickers. But what are they? What do they actually represent? And what is the difference that one extra star makes?

About the scheme:

The WELS program began life in 2005 when the legal framework for the scheme was set up by the Australian Government in its Water Efficiency Labeling and Standards Act 2005 (The WELS Act), Before the 1st of July 2006 all water conservation ratings were offered voluntarily under the 'AAAAA' label which was endorsed by the Water Services Association of Australia, before the Environment Protection and Heritage Council agreed to a long-term programme working toward the introduction of minimum performance standards for water using products.  July the 1st 2006 marked the beginning of mandatory registration and labeling on an increasing amount of water using products and appliances in accordance with the 2005 act under the title of the Water Efficiency Labeling Scheme.

The scheme manifests itself in the form of a sticker that is adhered to the front of water consuming products. In essence, the sticker shows a zero to six star rating scale that increases in half star steps. The purpose of the stars is to allow a quick comparative assessment of a product’s water efficiency without requiring further research or the fear of being told half truths. Basically, the more stars on the sticker, the better the product’s water usage and efficiency is.

In addition to the stars, the stickers provide an actual figure showing either water consumption per use or water flow per minute. The figure is derived through numerous tests conducted on the product by independent analysis.

The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme website hopes to have saved Australian’s more than $600 million through reduced water and energy bills through the purchase of more efficient products. In addition the site estimates that domestic water use will decrease by about 5%  or 87,200 megalitres of water (that’s 87,200,000,000) each year, roughly 35,000 Olympic swimming pools,  projecting a total of 610,000 megalitres, (an astonishing 610,000,000,000 litres) a saving greater that more Sydney Harbour’s water capacity. The site also believes that by 2021, Australian’s would have achieved half the water savings simply by choosing more water efficient washing machines, another 25% from showers and a further 22% from toilets.

Examination and testing for WELS

The star rating, water consumption and flow figures on the product label are based on rigorous and independent water efficiency tests. All newly manufactured products will be tested under the new WELS legislation and is now mandatory, resulting in retailers, plumbers, wholesalers and developers, now being legally required to label products for water efficiency.

The examinations are mostly done by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), however the National Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Program (NAEEEP) are responsible for testing washing machines and dishwashers also.

More information about the testing authorities, their aims, accreditations and procedures can be found in the Australian Government’s WELS Suppliers Guide - Laboratory testing & maintaining quality of water efficiency performance in WELS products document.

It is actually possible to get a zero star rating. If a product is given a zero rated label, it means that it has failed the WELS test. A zero star product may need to be used in some cases such as areas with low-pressure or gravity-fed systems.

Tapware

Tapware is tested for a number of different qualities, from hydraulic strength and water tightness to endurance of tap components and torque of their joints. During the testing taps are turned on and off around 50,000 times to imitate the use of the tap over several years. A change in the water temperature, from hot to cold and back again, is introduced every 55 cycles. This should then show whether the tap has failed in any way, i.e. cracking or leaking. A rating is given from these results.

When looking to purchase tapware, try and purchase products with a rating of 3 stars or above.

Flow controllers

Before a flow controller can be tested, its ‘nominal flow rate’ must first be determined. This is achieved by testing the flow rate coming through the controller after it is connected to a water supply at 150, 250 and 350 kPa (kPa = kilo Pascals; a measure of pressure). The average flow rate that comes out of the controllers at these three pressures is deemed to be the nominal flow rate. Like the tapware, the controllers are then subjected to around 50,000 on/off cycles and are then retested. In order to pass the test, the nominal flow rate after the 50,000 on/off endurance test has to be within 1.0 L/min of the nominal flow rate before the endurance test.

At the time of writing, flow controllers were the only product that is still optional registration under the WELS programs. All other products require registration.

In recognition of this optional registration, when it comes to minimum star ratings for flow controllers, results tend to be a little blasé. It appears that a 3 star rating is the ‘happy medium’ of rated flow controllers however until controllers require registration this rating should not be seen at the benchmark.

Through the research into what it a flow controllers acceptable rating, some references we made ‘hinting’ that rebates are only available on controllers with a WELS 3 star rating. All enquiries unfortunately have not confirmed this either way.

Shower Heads

Shower heads are tested on several features. They are tested for the angle at which the water sprays from the head itself, which should be between 0- 8C°. The temperature drop between the shower head and the floor is also tested, requiring a drop of no more than 3°C. Water tightness and the customary 50,000 on/off cycle endurance test are also tested. Hand held shower heads are also tested for their hose strength and performance.

All shower heads should be covered by the 3 star/AAA rating. Avoid installing shower heads that do not meet this rating. 

Toilets

Toilets are tested for their performance in discharging material at full and reduced (half) flush. They are also checked for leakage, splashing, physical distortion, and the endurance of the inlet and outlet valves.

Toilets should have no less than a four star rating. Caroma, to their credit, have also just released a 5 star rated toilet, leading the field in more water efficient toilets. 

Urinals

Urinals are tested for effective flushing of the urinal surface and splashing (see ladies, it’s not the guys fault... much), while water closet and urinal flush devices are tested for flushing performance and water tightness.

It appears the minimum star rating for urinals is 3 stars, however research into the topic suggests it may be more ‘acceptable’ to steer toward 4 + star rating systems. 

Clothes washers

Being one of the biggest water consuming products in the home, the testing of the clothes washing machine is perhaps one of the most important items to be evaluated for its water efficiency and consumption. The standard total water consumption for clothes washers is determined by testing three models on a program recommended to wash a normally soiled cotton load, at the rated load capacity of the machine. The water efficiency rating is determined by using a formula derived from the total water consumption. Other tests performed include soil removal, water extraction, severity of wash and rinse performance.

If looking to purchase a clothes washer, try to buy a washer with a minimum of 4 stars. Be aware, however, that each additional star on top of that should save up to 25% of the unit’s running cost.

Dishwashers

The typical total water consumption for dishwashers is verified by testing three models on the program recommended for a soiled load equal to the maximum number of place settings that the machine can carry. The water efficiency rating is determined by using a formula derived from the total water consumption. Washing and drying effectiveness are also tested.

You will achieve the best results using a dish washing with 5 or more stars, however those rated with 4 stars are acceptable. Each addition star over 4 stars should save up top 30% off the units running cost.

WaterMark

Some of the products that come under W.E.L.S. must carry a label known as WaterMark. WaterMark is a certification mark that shows the product has been tested and certified by independent certifying authorities. The certification confirms compliance with the Plumbing Code of Australia and that the listed specifications are relevant Australian Standards. The WaterMark logo, the relevant product Standard and the License Number, are all required to be marked on the product itself.

The WaterMark really only applies to products related to plumbing products, such as showers, toilets, urinals and, although optional, flow controllers. Products requiring WaterMark certification are listed in the Plumbing Code of Australia.

The product certification company Iapmo Oceana details the certification process in regards to WaterMark. 

The Difference between WELS and WaterMark

The difference between WELS and WaterMark are very specific. WaterMark confirms the product complies with the requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia and is fit for purpose for installation under that Code; whereas WELS relates only to the water efficiency of the product. In layman’s, WELS is required for a product to be sold, WaterMark is required for a products to be legally installed.

Funding

According the Australian Government’s National Water Comission,the WELS project would receive funding of $3.077 million, in addition to contribution made on behalf of Australian States and Territories and relevant industries.

What Does It All Mean To You?

The WELS scheme seeks to achieve a number of goals through it’s mandating and implementation and continuance. The most desirable goal comes in the form of actual water savings, created by mandating minimum standards and applying the WELS Scheme to existing and newly manufactures products, over an increasing range of water using products. As mention earlier in this article, a total of 610,000 megalitres of water is hoped to be saved by 2021. As Australian’s all know, water is one of our most precious resources and also one of our most depleted. Any scheme where sizable savings are made is nothing short of a fantastic initiative.

Another of the schemes goals is drive and promote innovation and invention for water saving outcomes while encouraging industries to conduct further research and development on their products before they are released.

Finally, it is a goal to provide the public with a completely credible and reliable reflection of a product’s water efficiency and use without the figures being distorted or clouded in a sales pitch. As the sticker clearly spells out what the product’s water usage is and how many stars it has earned, consumers can now make informed choices as to the products they buy as well as offering a simply bases to compare product against product. The more consumers are inclined to head down water efficient products, the more manufactures will be compelled to invest the resources into ensuring their products capture the water conscience market. In addition, the benefits of purchasing water efficient products flow (mind the pun) onto the consumer by reducing water bills. Of course, the lower your water bill, the more money you save.

All in all the WELS scheme encourages consumers to think about the environmental costs of buying less efficient products. While it is great having a scheme such as WELS in place, it can all fail miserably if you, the consumer, do not make conscience decisions when purchasing water consuming products. When faced with the decision to buy one product over another, do the investigations. Look at other products, whether they are in your price range or not, and try to get a feel for what the market average is for both star rating and water use, then try and better that. Compare the star rating and the litre used/per minute total. Consider if the cost of choosing a product with more stars will be less than the amount you could save on water bills if you were to choose a lower rating product.

At the end of the day enjoy the experience of comparing product against product, and by all means bask in the glow of self satisfaction when you purchase your new, water efficient, environmentally beneficial product.