Urban Water Usage
There is a growing need to reduce water consumption across Australia as urban populations increase, and climate change results in more frequent extreme dry weather conditions. Water shortages and longer-term security of water supply are an increasing concern for many of our major cities.
Water Efficiency Labelling System (WELS)
Households account for about 16% of the consumption of the mains-supplied water in Australia, the second largest share of mains water use after agriculture.
Everyone has a role to play in reducing water consumption. Choosing a water-efficient product is one way to do this while saving money. Reducing/managing demand for urban water usage makes more water available for other uses such as industry and agriculture.
To help to reduce urban water consumption on a national scale, the Australian Government, in collaboration with State and Territory governments, has introduced a Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme, which applies national mandatory water efficiency labelling and minimum performance standards to household water-using products.
The WELS Scheme will help customers choose between products by comparing their relative water efficiency.
The water-using products that will be covered by the WELS Scheme include:
- clothes washing machines
- dishwashers
- flow controllers
- toilets
- showers
- tap equipment (intended for use over a kitchen sink, bathroom basin, laundry tub or ablution trough)
- urinals
From 1 July 2006, mandatory registration and labelling will apply to all of these products apart from flow controllers, for which this will be optional.
The Living Environment Program will provide funds to support the national mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme by supporting the mandatory labelling of appliances with water efficiency information and conducting compliance audits.
Take the Environment Challenge. You can make a difference! Check out the website: www.up2me.com.au
Further information:
Contact: Environment Enquires
Environment Division Enquiries
Phone: 6233 2758
Email: EnvironmentEnquiries@environment.tas.gov.au
See also:
Water Conservation Tips
