What is WaterMark and WELS?
WaterMark certification verifies that plumbing products meet the relevant safety and fit-for-purpose requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia.
WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) labelling rules require a product to be registered for water efficiency, and to display the product’s star rating (water efficiency) and water usage information.
Is it legal for sale and installation in Australia?
Before you check out, check if your product meets the legal requirements of the WaterMark Certification Scheme (WaterMark) and the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Act 2005.
WELS water efficiency labelling
If it’s sold in or to Australia, the product:
- must be WELS-registered
- must display, wherever it is listed or advertised for sale, both the WELS star rating and water efficiency details.
This includes whenever these products are listed for sale on online sites like eBay and Amazon.
Buying products that are more water efficient will save water and reduce your water and energy bills.
WaterMark certification
If it’s to be installed in Australia, most plumbing and drainage products need to also meet the requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia, including being:
- WaterMark certified
- marked with the WaterMark trademark
- listed on the WaterMark product database.
Buying WaterMark certified products means they are fit for purpose and safe for you and your family.
Know the products
Products that require both WaterMark certification and WELS registration
Products that must be WaterMark certified and WELS registered, and that must display the WaterMark trademark and WELS water efficiency information, are:
- taps
- showers
- lavatory equipment (toilets and cisterns)
- urinals
- flow controllers
For all of the products just listed, WaterMark certification is required:
- in order for them to be legally installed by your licensed plumber and
- as a precondition of WELS registration.
Products that require WELS registration only
Products that must be WELS registered, and that must display the WELS water efficiency information, are:
- dishwashers (do not require WaterMark certification)
- washing machines (do not require WaterMark certification).
Before you buy, check the following
| WaterMark | WELS (Water Rating) |
|---|---|
WaterMark certified products advertised for sale online must display the following information:
Don’t risk buying a product that cannot be installed by a licensed plumber and that does not meet the requirements of the Plumbing Code of Australia. | Products advertised for sale online must display the following WELS information:
Don’t risk buying a product that may not meet Australian standards. |
If you buy a product that does not show the WaterMark trademark and the WELS label on the product or the packaging, report it via the links below.
Check our databases
| WaterMark | WELS (Water Rating) |
|---|---|
| Search the WaterMark database. Make sure the product you want to buy is WaterMark certified and authorised for use. Check the WaterMark licence is valid. | Search the WELS database. Make sure the product you want to buy is registered with WELS. Confirm its WELS information. |
You can search by:
| You can search by:
|
Can’t find the information? Request it from the seller before you buy it.
Found something illegal?
If you suspect that the product is not WaterMark certified or labelled properly, report it.
If you suspect the product is not WELS registered or labelled properly, report it.
Find out more …
Learn more about the WaterMark Certification Scheme
Learn more about the WELS product labelling and display requirements.
Discover how you can compare water efficient products.
This advertising and information has been developed and funded in conjunction with the Australian Building Codes Board, on behalf of the Australian Government and the State and Territory governments of Australia.
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.