When shopping for a new shower head in Australia, you'll encounter the WELS label on every product—a blue logo featuring a star rating and water consumption figures. But what do these ratings actually mean, and how should they influence your purchasing decision? This comprehensive guide explains Australia's Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme and helps you make informed choices that balance water conservation with shower performance.
What Is the WELS Scheme?
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme is a mandatory Australian government program that requires water-using products to display their water efficiency information. Introduced in 2005, WELS covers a range of household products including shower heads, taps, toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers.
The scheme serves two primary purposes: it provides consumers with clear, standardised information to compare products, and it drives manufacturers to develop more water-efficient designs. Since its introduction, WELS has contributed to significant water savings across Australian households, estimated at billions of litres annually.
All shower heads sold in Australia must be registered with WELS and display the appropriate label. If a product lacks WELS registration, it cannot legally be sold in the Australian market.
Reading the WELS Label
The WELS label contains several pieces of information that together tell you everything you need to know about a product's water efficiency:
Star Rating
The most visible feature is the star rating, ranging from zero to six stars. More stars indicate greater water efficiency. For shower heads, the ratings are determined by flow rate as follows:
- 0 Stars: Greater than 16 litres per minute
- 1 Star: 12 to 16 litres per minute
- 2 Stars: 9 to 12 litres per minute
- 3 Stars: 7.5 to 9 litres per minute
- 4 Stars: 6 to 7.5 litres per minute
Shower heads rarely achieve 5 or 6 star ratings, as extremely low flow rates typically compromise the shower experience too significantly for consumer acceptance.
Water Consumption Figure
Below the stars, the label displays the actual water consumption in litres per minute (L/min). This precise figure allows direct comparison between products with the same star rating. A shower head rated at 7.6 L/min uses measurably less water than one rated at 8.9 L/min, even though both carry 3 stars.
Registration Number
Each WELS-registered product has a unique registration number that can be used to verify the product's credentials on the WELS website. This is useful for confirming that a product's claims are legitimate.
A 3-star rated shower head using 9 L/min can save over 10,000 litres per year compared to an older unrated head flowing at 15 L/min, based on average Australian shower habits.
How Flow Rates Are Measured
WELS testing follows a standardised procedure to ensure fair comparison. Shower heads are tested at a pressure of 250 kPa (kilopascals), which represents typical Australian mains water pressure. The flow rate is measured under these controlled conditions to produce the figure displayed on the label.
Real-world flow rates may differ from the label if your home's water pressure varies from the test standard. Homes with higher pressure may experience higher flow rates, while those with lower pressure will see reduced flow. This is why some people find that a shower head performs differently than expected after installation.
Balancing Efficiency and Experience
The natural question arises: will a highly efficient shower head still provide an enjoyable shower? The answer depends on several factors, including the shower head design, your personal preferences, and your home's water pressure.
Modern Design Innovations
Today's water-efficient shower heads use various technologies to maintain satisfying performance despite reduced flow rates. Air injection systems mix air with water to create fuller-feeling droplets. Pressure-compensating designs maintain consistent performance regardless of incoming pressure. Precision-engineered nozzle patterns maximise coverage and perceived intensity.
These innovations mean that many 3-star rated shower heads provide an experience equal to or better than older high-flow models. The technology has evolved significantly since WELS began, and manufacturers have become adept at delivering performance within efficiency constraints.
When Higher Flow Rates Make Sense
Some shower experiences inherently require more water. Large rainfall shower heads, for instance, are designed to cover a broad area with gentle flow—achieving this with minimal water is physically challenging. Users who prioritise the rainfall experience may accept a lower star rating for the sake of that luxury.
Similarly, those with particularly low water pressure may find that ultra-efficient heads provide inadequate performance in their specific circumstances. In such cases, a 2-star head may actually deliver better results than a 3-star model designed for standard pressure conditions.
Financial Implications
Water costs vary across Australia, but every litre saved reduces your water bill. Additionally, hot water represents a significant portion of household energy consumption, so reducing shower water use also cuts energy costs.
Calculating Potential Savings
Consider this example: upgrading from a 12 L/min shower head to a 7.5 L/min model for a household where each person takes an 8-minute daily shower:
For a family of four:
- Old shower head: 4 people × 8 minutes × 12 L/min × 365 days = 140,160 litres/year
- New shower head: 4 people × 8 minutes × 7.5 L/min × 365 days = 87,600 litres/year
- Annual savings: 52,560 litres
Depending on your water utility rates and the proportion of hot water used, this could translate to savings of $200 or more annually. The shower head upgrade typically pays for itself within months.
Some Australian water utilities offer rebates for installing WELS 3-star or above shower heads. Check with your local water provider to see if rebates are available in your area.
WELS and Australian Plumbing Standards
WELS registration is separate from Australian Standards certification (AS/NZS 3662) for plumbing products. While WELS addresses water efficiency, AS/NZS certification covers safety and compatibility with Australian plumbing systems. A compliant shower head should carry both the WELS label and evidence of AS/NZS certification.
Products purchased from reputable Australian retailers will typically meet both requirements. Exercise caution with imported products purchased directly from overseas suppliers, as these may lack proper certification.
Beyond the Stars: Other Factors to Consider
While WELS ratings provide valuable water efficiency information, they don't tell the whole story. When choosing a shower head, also consider:
- Spray patterns: Multiple spray settings offer versatility that a single flow rate figure doesn't capture.
- Build quality: Durable construction using quality materials like brass and stainless steel affects longevity.
- Maintenance requirements: Anti-clog nozzles and easy-clean features impact long-term performance.
- Your water pressure: A shower head optimised for high pressure may underperform in low-pressure situations.
- Household needs: Families with children or elderly members may prioritise handheld functionality over maximum efficiency.
Making an Informed Choice
The WELS scheme provides essential information for comparing shower heads, but it's one factor among many in your decision. A 3-star rated shower head represents a solid balance of efficiency and performance for most Australian households, offering meaningful water savings without compromising the shower experience.
For those willing to adapt to slightly lower flow rates, 4-star options can further reduce water consumption. Conversely, if luxury features like large rainfall heads are your priority, understanding that these typically carry lower ratings helps set appropriate expectations.
Use the WELS rating as a starting point, then explore specific models that meet your other requirements. Our comparison tools and recommendation quiz can help narrow down options that balance efficiency with your personal shower preferences.