The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has announced the release of a new world-leading international standard for water efficiency labelling programs.
The Regulator of the Water Efficiency Labelling Standards (WELS) scheme, Ms Rachel Connell, said this new standard will help other nations to save water, reduce water scarcity, and reduce emissions at a time when water security and climate change is becoming a growing global threat.
“Water underpins all human activity: food and energy production, physical health, life in cities, social stability – yet we are seeing unsustainable demands and pressures on the world’s clean freshwater resources,” Ms Connell said.
“That is why Australia has led the way on developing this standard with industry and key trading partners to ensure we all preserve as much of this precious resource as possible with the added benefits of reducing utility bills and emissions.
“This new standard highlights Australia’s internationally recognised expertise in water management and acknowledges our WELS program as a world leader that saves over 158 gigalitres of water and more than $1.47 billion each year on water and water-heating power bills here in Australia.
“By leading the standard development, we are well positioned to support Australian manufacturers and exporters to meet international water efficiency labelling requirements.
“Australia will continue to work to ensure we are at the forefront of water management globally to improve water security and to reduce the impact of climate change.”
More information on the international standard and the WELS program can be found https://www.waterrating.gov.au/.
