Water Efficiency
When it comes to water efficiency, there are hundreds of different things you can do around the home to become more efficient with your water usage. Most of these water saving applications are easy and can be done yourself with a little know-how. However, you can get a professional to help out if you are short on time or the job is too complicated.
For now, water is an inexpensive resource and most of us don't really think about the wastage, as the issue of water shortage is relatively new and we have become accustomed to letting the water flow out through our drains.
Now the pressure is on with many states feeling the brunt of water restrictions and having to use small buckets for everyday needs. By increasing efficiency, we are helping lessen the load on our water resources and adding value to our homes, as a sustainable home with added features of efficiency is becoming highly valued.
Enter your question in the field below and our professional consultants will answer:
Questions and Answers :
Q. How is a product labelled "water efficient" and what makes it so?
A. In a nutshell, the water efficiency of a product as used by the Water Efficiency and Labelling Scheme (WELS) is based on the volume of water used by that product during a single or standard 'operation'. As examples, for taps, showers and flow controllers, the water efficiency is based on the volume of water (in litres) coming out of the outlet each minute - this is the flow rate in L/min. The WELS scheme takes this flow rate figure and applies a standard table to generate the star rating for the product, as follows:
Flow Rate |
Star Rating |
more than 16 L/min |
0 Stars |
12-16 L/min |
1 Star |
9-12 L/min |
2 Stars |
7.5-9 L/min |
3 Stars |
6-7.5 L/min |
4 Stars |
4.5-6 L/min |
5 Stars |
less than 4.5 L/min |
6 Stars |
The more stars, the more water efficient. If it takes you 20 seconds for you wash your hands under a tap, you use less water using a 5 star tap than is you were using a 2 star tap,
For lavatories and urinals, the water efficiency is based on the volume of water per usage to flush. As for taps and showers, the les water used per flush, the more stars. For example, a toilet with a 4.5 L full flush and 3 L half flush has a 4 star rating. For washing machines and dishwashers, the water efficiency is based on the volume of water used per single usage, and again the less water used the more stars.
The WELS scheme is a national scheme run by the Federal Government.
Currently only the above products (taps, showers, flow controllers, lavatories, urinals, washing machines and dishwashers) are covered by the scheme. All of these products have to be WELS tested and labelled for sale in Australia. The WELS star rating allows the consumer to purchase a product with its water efficiency in mind.
Regards, Stephen
Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) Australian Government Department of
the Environment and Water Resources,
Ph 02 6274 1850, www.waterrating.gov.au
There are many different types of water efficient devices and services:
Water Saving Devices
Water saving devices are products that can help reduce water wastage that don't fit into the following categories. These can include products that re circulate the hot water in your pipes until the water is hot enough to come out of the tap or showerhead to reduce the amount of wasted water that goes down the drain.
Water Saving Taps
A water saving tap is any fixture that replaces an existing tap to either restrict water flow or allow more air through the tap to reduce the volume of water that comes out from the opening of the tap.
Water Saving Showerheads
Water saving showerheads are very similar in operation to water saving taps. They normally contain a small rubber restrictor to lower the amount of water that comes out of the opening. Everyone wants a good shower with good pressure, so a good quality water saving showerhead is a must.
Greywater Systems
Greywater is basically all the water that ends up down the drain, either from your kitchen sink, shower or even washing machine. It does NOT include toilet water as this is known as 'blackwater'. A good quality greywater system will capture all of the wasted water down the drain and divert it either to water tank storage (not for drinking) or into an irrigation system fed into your garden.
Gutters
Most people know what a gutter is, but did you know that the type of gutter you choose for your house differs in efficiency? If you have a gutter that is easily blocked by leaves and dirt than the efficiency of your gutter is reduced massively. Even the gutter guards have to be of high quality to make your 'water harvesting' adequately efficient.
Water Diverters
In the city, most peoples gutters and down pipes lead directly into the storm water drain sending away thousands of litres of water at a time. However, an inexpensive piece of equipment known as a water diverter can redirect the water into water tanks of any size without overflowing them.
Rainwater Tanks
Rainwater tanks differ in size an volume and there is nearly a kind of tanks for anyone's needs and space.
Irrigation
The type of irrigation you use for your garden and plants really makes a difference when it comes to water efficiency. You need to evaluate the space you need to irrigate and look at alternatives to work out how to use the minimal amount of water required.
Toilet Systems
Toilet systems differ in 3 aspects. There is the conventional water using lavatory that has been fitted with dual flush action, the composting toilet which uses natural bacteria and organisms to break down the waste with no water, and the waterless toilet which is similar to the composting toilet but with a few variations. Depending on your needs and wants, these toilets will improve water efficiency in your home.
