What does WELS mean

WELS stands for: Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme. This allows consumers to compare the water efficiency of different bathroom products.

The rating system is similar to the energy rating labelling, with six stars. The more stars the better your bathroom products are. As well as a star rating the labels also show a water consumption or water flow figure for bathroom tapware, showerheads, toilets etc.

Water shortages and the longer-term security of water supply are serious concerns for Australia. By buying more water-efficient bathroom products you can save money on water and electricity bills and help the environment.

By 2021 Australians could save more than $600 million through reduced water and energy bills by simply choosing more efficient bathroom products. By 2021 it is estimated that using water efficient bathroom products will help to:

• Reduce domestic water use by five per cent or 87,200 megalitres each year.
• Save about 610,000 megalitres (more water than in Sydney Harbour).

The water savings will come from more efficient bathroom showers and toilets. For example:

• An old-style single-flush bathroom toilet could use up to 12 litres of water per flush. Whilst a standard dual flush bathroom toilet uses only three litres on a half-flush.
• A standard bathroom showerhead may use up to 25 litres of water per minute. Whilst a water-efficient bathroom showerhead might use as little as seven litres per minute.

For more information on bathroom trends, design and product visit Cass Brothers Fine Bathroomware.

Written by Samantha Anderson for Cass Brothers Fine Bathroomware