Sun Feb 24

Australians save $1B in water and energy bills with WELS

Australia’s Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme (WELS) saw Australians reduce water use and save more than a billion dollars in 2017.

The scheme clearly and correctly labels Water efficient appliances and fittings using a six star rating which is displayed at the point of sale.

Minister for Water Resources David Littleproud said the scheme had helped Australians save energy and water without reducing standards of living.

“Knowledge is power, and the WELS water ratings give consumers the power to save,” Minister Littleproud said.

“We saw annual savings of $42 per person or $168 for a family of four.

“Most of the savings came from taps and showers, then washing machines.

“It shows water efficiency matters to Australians, either to save money or help the environment.

“This is an important part of Australia’s urban water management and the evaluation shows it is helping families with savings expected to grow.

“By 2036, Australians will be saving more than $2.6 billion a year with more efficient products – an average of $324 a year per family.

“The scheme is also expected to save 230 billion litres of water each year in Australian homes – nearly half the volume of Sydney Harbour.

“This scheme is among the best in the world and it’s been adopted to help other countries save their water.

The WELS evaluation was conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

· Australians saved more than $1 billion on household bills in 2017 by installing efficient water appliances

· Reduced water use came from efficient household taps, showers, and washing machines

· By 2036, Australians expected to save more than $2.6 billion a year