Overview of the WELS scheme
WELS will provide water efficiency and consumption information to consumers, at the point of sale, for a range of water using products. The primary purpose of water efficiency labelling is to influence consumer decision making at the time of purchase.
The WELS policy is a joint initiative between the Ministry for the Environment and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
A water efficiency labelling scheme will help New Zealanders conserve water. It will give consumers information at the point of sale about a particular product’s water consumption and efficiency. The information will be displayed on a label attached to the product and will allow consumers to make a more informed decision when making a new purchase.
It is envisaged that, in time, water efficiency labelling will encourage manufacturers and importers to design and acquire more water-efficient products. The products proposed under the scheme are taps, dishwashers, washing machines, showers, toilets, and urinals. More products may be added to the list as the New Zealand scheme evolves.
Australian WELS label
The New Zealand WELS labels will be similar to the Australian label shown on the right:
Why have water efficiency labelling?
The scheme is being introduced into New Zealand for several reasons:
- There have been cases where acute water shortages, during the summer months, have caused health, economic and energy concerns in regions throughout the country.
- Water supply infrastructure is expensive. Conserving water can contribute to deferring and reducing these costs.
- Several of the regulated products use large volumes of heated water. WELS will achieve significant energy savings by reducing hot water demand.
- New Zealand and Australia have a commitment under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA) to work to harmonise regulations, like WELS, which affect traded goods.
Water efficiency labelling forms part of a wider programme that focuses on both water quality and conservation. This includes the Sustainable Water Programme of Action and the ‘New Zealand, a valuable body of water’ promotion.
What does water efficiency labelling mean for consumers?
Water efficiency labelling means that consumers will have information on water consumption and water efficiency to help compare products.
Consumption information will be expressed in litres per minute (e.g. for taps and showers) or total litres for each use. The water efficiency is indicated by a star rating system, similar to the energy efficiency labels already seen on appliances, including dishwashers and washing machines.
By selecting a water-efficient model, the consumer can help conserve water and save money on power bills. Businesses, and households in the parts of New Zealand that have water metering, can also save on their water bills.
Last updated: 6 January 2009
