WELS stands for the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme, an Australian government initiative designed to help consumers reduce water usage. Products such as taps, showers, toilets, and washing machines are given a star rating based on how much water they use. The more stars, the more water-efficient the product. WELS labels allow you to compare products easily and choose options that help lower water bills while conserving one of Australia’s most valuable resources.

The WELS star rating system typically ranges from 1 to 6 stars, with higher ratings indicating greater water efficiency. Alongside the star rating, the label also shows the product’s water consumption rate, such as litres per minute or litres per flush. This combination gives a clear, measurable way to compare products beyond appearance or price, helping homeowners balance performance, sustainability, and long-term cost savings.

WaterMark certification is a mandatory plumbing approval scheme in Australia. Unlike WELS, which focuses on water efficiency, WaterMark ensures that products meet strict health, safety, and quality standards. Any product connected to the drinking water supply, such as taps, toilets, showers, and mixers, must carry a WaterMark certification to be legally installed. This protects homes from faulty products, leaks, and contamination risks.

While WELS and WaterMark often appear together, they serve distinct roles. WELS measures water efficiency, helping you choose products that use less water, whereas WaterMark confirms product safety and compliance with Australian plumbing standards. In simple terms, WELS is about sustainability and savings, while WaterMark is about safety and legality. For many bathroom and kitchen products, both certifications are required.

Choosing products with both WELS and WaterMark certification ensures your renovation is compliant, efficient, and future-proof. Water-efficient fixtures can significantly reduce household water consumption and ongoing costs, while WaterMark certification gives peace of mind that your products are safe, reliable, and approved for installation by licensed plumbers. Together, these certifications help create smarter, more sustainable Australian homes.