The Complete Guide To WELS Ratings for Bathroom Fixtures

Saving water starts with understanding the labels on your bathroom fixtures. The WELS scheme applies to a wide range of products including TAPWARE, TOILETS, and SHOWER systems . But what do those stars actually mean? For showers, the WELS label displays both the star rating (from 1 to 6) and the flow rate in litres per minute. A 3-star shower might use 9 litres per minute, while a 6-star model could use as little as 4.5 litres, representing substantial long-term savings . For toilets, dual-flush systems typically earn higher ratings, with full-flush volumes of 4.8 litres or less and reduced-flush volumes of 3.2 litres or less achieving the coveted Grade 1 rating under international standards . Tapware also carries WELS ratings, with basin mixers and kitchen taps displaying their maximum flow rates. Importantly, all WELS-registered products must also comply with relevant AUSTRALIA STANDARD specifications and carry Watermark certification . By choosing higher-rated WELS products, Australian households can significantly reduce their water consumption without compromising on performance, making it a win-win for both the environment and household budgets.