WELS water‑efficient appliances save the Territory $19.6 million

The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme has a significant impact across Australia, helping households and businesses reduce water use, lower bills and support long‑term water security.

Recent research highlights the scale of benefits delivered so far, while the opportunities for more products to be registered under the scheme are helping shape the future of water savings.

National and Territory benefits

A study by the Institute for Sustainable Futures confirms the WELS scheme’s significant contribution to water savings since its introduction.

Nationally, the scheme has saved 2060 gigalitres (GL) of water since 2005, equivalent to $16.6 billion in avoided utility bills. In 2025 alone, Australians saved 209 GL through WELS‑rated products.

The Northern Territory (NT) has been part of the scheme since 2006. In 2025, the Territory saved 3.6 GL of water, equivalent to $19.6 million in reduced water and energy bills. Annual water savings for the NT are projected to more than double by 2045.

Household savings

The scheme is helping NT households use less water every day. For an average household of 2.5 people, WELS‑rated products are estimated to save 35 litres per day in 2025, rising to 43 litres per day by 2045. These savings translate to household savings of $107 per year in 2025, increasing to $113 per year by 2045.

The study confirms that WELS delivers broad benefits, including lower water and energy use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved resilience of water systems.

Nominations now open for new product categories

The annual nomination period for new products to be accepted under the WELS scheme is now open until 20 March 2026.

Manufacturers and suppliers nominate products under product categories:

• Plumbing products
  • showers
  • flow controllers
  • taps
  • toilets
  • urinals.
• White goods
  • dishwashers
  • clothes washers
  • combined washer‑dryers.

New product category:

• commercial ice makers
• clothes washing machines
• dishwashers
• thermostatic mixing taps
• glasswashers
• water‑cooled wok stoves.

You can do your bit for the Territory’s water security and help Territorians choose water‑efficient appliances by registering your products under the WELS scheme.

Links

To find out more about the evaluation of the environmental and economic benefits of the WELS scheme, go to the Australian Government’s Water Rating website.

Read about the WELS scheme on the Australian Government’s Water Rating website.

To submit a nomination, go to the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.

Learn more about the nomination process on the Australian Government’s Water Rating website.

The WELS label helps consumers make smart, water-efficient purchasing choices.