WELS reforms and legislative review

Objectives of the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 Conserve water by reducing water consumption Provide information for purchasers of water-using and water-saving products Promote the adoption of efficient and effective water-use and water-saving technologies This achieved through: Registration, Labelling Communication, including the website and public search database Compliance action

Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (Registration Fees) Act 2013 Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Determination 2013 (No. 2) Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (Registration Fees) Determination 2013 WELS Legislation framework WELS Standard AS/NZS 6400 – Water Efficient Products Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Regulations 2005 Product specific standards Tap equipment, AS/NZS 3718 Flow controllers, AS Lavatory equipment, AS 1172 Urinal equipment, AS/NZS 3982 Clothes washers, AS/NZS 2040 Clothes dryers, AS/NZS 2442 Dishwashers, AS/NZS 2007 Showers AS/NZS 3662

Reforms to date Improvements to the database Free access to AS/NZS6400 Registration processing times have been reduced Reduced applicant error rates

WELS Standard Revision The WELS Standard has been revised together with Industry and is available for comment on the Standards Australia Website The standard has been simplified and streamlined Changes include:  Each product type is now a stand alone chapter  New labels  More options for text advice  4 Star showers

WELS Act Review The next review of the WELS Act will commence in late 2014 The scope of the review has not been determined but will include cost to business Consultation with Industry will be central to the review process

Answers to common queries WELS does register zero star rated showers WELS cannot provide exemptions from requirements You can use one test report for multiple models WELS administers the scheme and is the only authority that can make a ruling