About the review
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme was reviewed as required by the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005.
The scheme mandates that specified household water-using products be registered and labelled for their water efficiency. Products currently included in the scheme are washing machines, dishwashers, showers, taps, toilets and urinals. Flow controllers are currently included in the scheme on a voluntary basis. The Australian Government administers the scheme in cooperation with state and territory governments, which have complementary legislation to ensure national coverage.
Terms of reference
Discussion paper
Independent reviewer
Dr Chris Guest was engaged to undertake the review. Dr Guest has extensive water and natural resource management experience, including leading the negotiation of the referral of powers by Murray Darling Basin states to the Commonwealth in relation to Basin water planning and management, and design and implementation of the National Water Market System. Also he was General Manager of Regulatory Strategy and Reform for the Sydney Water Corporation and Deputy Director-General the NSW Cabinet Office.
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