The Australian Government released the third independent review of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme and Intergovernmental Agreement on 28 September 2022.
The review found that the WELS scheme continues to reduce the demand for water across Australia and deliver water and energy savings.
By using more water efficient products and appliances, Australian households could save an average of $175 each year with reduced heating and water bills by 2030.
The WELS Regulator, together with state and territory governments, are supportive of the 11 recommendations to enhance the scheme and the four recommendations to modernise the Intergovernmental Agreement.
The WELS Strategic Plan 2022 – 2025 sets out the priorities for the administration of the scheme that includes the strengthening and expanding of the program, as recommended by the third review of the scheme.
The response to the recommendations and the WELS Strategic Plan 2022 -2055 can be found at www.waterrating.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Matthew Dadswell, WELS Regulator:
“While there has been significant rainfall in some parts of Australia recently, drought and water shortages are predicted to return, and we need to be prepared.
“The third review of the WELS scheme highlights that informing Australians of the water efficiency ratings of their household appliances and fittings goes a long way to help reduce the demand for water, which allows a limited resource to go further.
"It also saves Australians money on their utility bills and reduces carbon emissions.
“The review recommended that we strengthen the scheme and consider expanding the product range to save even more water.
