The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment has announced the release of an updated standard for the Australian New Zealand Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme that introduces 5-star shower heads for the first time.
The Regulator of the WELS scheme, Ms Rachel Connell, said the updated globally recognised standard will help Australians save even more on water and other utility bills.
"This standard is part of our focus on reducing emissions and building more resilient systems that support water security from the rapidly growing threat of climate change," Ms Connell said.
"More water efficient products will also help Australians to save money on bills so they can better deal with higher utility prices we are currently seeing.
"WELS currently saves families and businesses about 158 gigalitres of water each year - that's more than all the water used by every South Australian household in a year and equates to an average household and business saving each year of $144 dollars on water and water-heating power bills.
"The new standard will see highly efficient showers now able to receive a 5-star rating, while we phase out inefficient products from the Australian market.
"It will also see improved labelling information for products and better regulatory alignment with the National Construction Code 2022
"Our WELS program is a world leader and one of many initiatives Australia is developing to lead the way globally in water management."
The WELS scheme is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with state and territory governments.
More information on the updated standard and the WELS program can be found at https://www.waterrating.gov.au/
