What are WELS & WaterMark Certifications?

If you're designing or renovating a bathroom in Australia, you’ve probably come across the terms WELS and WaterMark when browsing products. These certifications aren't just optional labels, they’re important indicators of water efficiency, product safety, and legal compliance.

At Blue Leaf Bath, we’re committed to supplying products that not only look great but also meet Australian standards. In this guide, we break down what WELS and WaterMark mean, why they matter, and how they influence your product choices.

1. What is WELS?

WELS stands for Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards. It’s an Australian Government initiative that was introduced to reduce water consumption and encourage the use of water-efficient products. Every product registered with WELS is given a star rating and a water usage value so that consumers can compare options more easily.

Here’s what to know about WELS:

• The star rating ranges from 1 to 6, with more stars indicating higher water efficiency. Choosing higher-rated products can help save water without compromising performance.
  

• Products also list their water consumption, such as litres per minute for taps and showers, or litres per flush for toilets. This lets you see exactly how much water each item uses.
  

• WELS ratings apply to bathroom products including basin tapware, shower heads, toilets, dishwashers, and washing machines.
  

For example, our WELS-rated shower sets help reduce water usage without affecting water pressure or comfort. Similarly, you can upgrade to WELS-compliant basin mixers to cut down on water wastage and improve efficiency in your daily routine.

Choosing WELS-rated products doesn’t just help the environment, it also lowers your utility bills over time.

2. What is WaterMark Certification?

WaterMark is a certification scheme that ensures plumbing and drainage products meet Australian regulations and safety standards. It’s a legal requirement for many bathroom products, and failing to use WaterMark-certified items can result in compliance issues with your builder or local council.

Key things to understand about WaterMark:

• WaterMark-certified products are independently tested for structural integrity, material safety, durability, and performance.
  

• Products must meet the Plumbing Code of Australia, and only those that pass these assessments are granted the WaterMark logo.
  

• In Australia, it’s illegal to install certain products, like toilets, taps and basins, without WaterMark approval.
  

At Blue Leaf Bath, we only stock WaterMark-approved items to ensure your renovation meets compliance. Whether you're after a new freestanding bath or shower mixer, you can shop with confidence knowing every piece has passed Australian certification standards.

3. Why WELS and WaterMark Matter in Your Bathroom

These certifications go beyond just government compliance. Choosing WELS and WaterMark products helps protect your investment and improve the overall functionality of your bathroom.

Here’s why they matter:

• Save money on water bills: Using a WELS-rated tap or shower could cut your water use by 30 to 50 percent, which leads to significant savings over time.
  

• Meet legal requirements: Most councils and licensed plumbers in Australia require WaterMark certification for installation approval.
  

• Avoid faulty products: WaterMark ensures your tapware or basin won’t fail prematurely due to poor materials or design flaws.
  

• Maintain warranty support: If your product isn’t certified, you may not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty or homeowner insurance.
  

• Sustainability: WELS promotes smarter water usage, reducing your home’s environmental impact.
  

Choosing bathroom products without these certifications is a risky move that could cost more in repairs, replacements, or even legal issues in the long run.

4. How to Check If a Product is Certified

If you’re not sure whether a product is WELS or WaterMark approved, there are easy ways to check before purchasing.

• Look for the WaterMark logo: Certified products must display the official WaterMark logo either on the product itself or in the technical documentation. It’s usually etched or printed with the registration number.
  

• Check the product packaging or brochure: Retail packaging often states WaterMark and WELS approval details.

• Visit www.waterrating.gov.au to search the official WELS register by product type or brand.
  

• For WaterMark certification, head to theWaterMark Database where you can verify if a product has valid approval.

• At Blue Leaf Bath, we make this even easier, every product description includes clear certification details so you know exactly what you're buying.
  

5. Shop Certified Bathroom Products at Blue Leaf Bath

We pride ourselves on offering bathroom solutions that meet both aesthetic and regulatory standards. When you shop with Blue Leaf Bath, you’re choosing products that are built for Australian homes, tested for quality, and compliant with the latest regulations.

Check our popular collections:

• Above-counter basins for a bold and modern look
  

• Shaving cabinets with integrated lighting and storage
  

• Towel ladders to keep your bathroom warm and organised
  

• Freestanding baths that create a stunning centrepiece
  

• Round mirrors and arched bathroom mirrors for added style and light
  

• Wall-hung bathroom vanities for compact spaces and modern appeal
  

We partner with trusted Australian brands so your bathroom is not only beautiful, but also built to last and comply with the law.