Australian businesses and households are expected to save over $1.6 billion on their utility bills this year, simply by choosing more water efficient plumbing products and appliances.
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme is helping consumers save water and money. Since launching in 2005, the scheme has saved Australians more than $16.6 billion off their bills (and 2,060 gigalitres of water).
During 2025 alone, households and businesses have collectively shaved millions of dollars off their utility bills:
- Queensland: $433 million
- New South Wales: $438 million
- Victoria: $388 million
- South Australia: $139 million
- Tasmania: $35 million
- Australian Capital Territory: $38 million
- Western Australia: $138 million
- Northern Territory: $20 million
Figures based on the latest updated modelling by the Institute for Sustainable Futures
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said the scheme meant Australians were better equipped with bill-busting knowledge that helped household budgets, and the environment.
"The plumbing products, dishwashers or washing machines that people buy today will likely be used for more than 10 years-impacting the affordability of their water and energy bills now and for years to come," Minister Watt said.
"The more stars on the label, the more savings."
Water Ministers from across Australia reaffirmed their commitment to the WELS scheme when they met for Water Ministerial Council meetings today.
The Australian, state and territory governments are working together to enhance the scheme, including updating its administrative framework and modernising cost-recovery arrangements.
Minister Watt said it was a productive meeting, with many new faces around the table.
"For many years under the former Federal Coalition Government, Water Ministers didn't meet regularly to collaborate and share their experiences, and Australia's waterways were poorer and more fragmented because of it," Minister Watt said.
"These meetings provide a space for all jurisdictions to discuss issues affecting us all - like how to balance the increase in demand for water from a growing population and emerging industries with the decrease in reliability as a result of climate change.
"We're moving into a period of significant opportunity to re-think how we manage our precious water resources nationally, with states now considering signing the National Water Agreement. And in the Murray-Darling Basin, we're entering a significant period of review that will shape future management of the Basin.
"Both of these pieces of work will be better off because of input from the State and Territories."
