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Voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme on Water Taps

WELS on water taps is a voluntary scheme. It adopts a grading type labelling system.

A water tap applying for registration under the scheme will be tested to confirm its compliance with the performance requirements specified in the scheme which also include the flow controller endurance test. In addition, the water tap will be produced/manufactured according to a recognised international quality system (such as ISO 9001 or equivalent).

The water efficiencies of the water taps are rated to different grades according to their types and nominal flow rates as shown in Tables 1 and 2. Grade 1 is the most water efficient whereas grade 4 is the least water efficient.

Table 1: Conversion of Nominal Flow Rates to Water Efficiency Grades for Non-mixing Type Water Taps

Nominal Flow Rate :
ƒ(litres/minute)		 Water Efficiency Grade Symbolic Presentation on the Water Efficiency Label 
ƒ ≤ 2.0 Grade 1 1 water droplet  water droplet.
2.0 < ƒ ≤ 4.0 Grade 2 2 water droplets water droplet. water droplet.
4.0 < ƒ ≤ 6.0 Grade 3 3 water droplets water droplet. water droplet. water droplet.
ƒ > 6.0 Grade 4  4 water droplets water droplet. water droplet. water droplet. water droplet.

 

Table 2: Conversion of Nominal Flow Rates to Water Efficiency Grades for Mixing Type Water Taps 

Nominal Flow Rate :
ƒ(litres/minute)		 Water Efficiency Grade Symbolic Presentation on the Water Efficiency Label 
ƒ ≤ 5.0 Grade 1 1 water droplet  water droplet.
5.0 < ƒ ≤ 7.0 Grade 2 2 water droplets water droplet. water droplet.
7.0 < ƒ ≤ 9.0 Grade 3 3 water droplets water droplet. water droplet. water droplet.
ƒ > 9.0 Grade 4  4 water droplets water droplet. water droplet. water droplet. water droplet.

Additional merit will be given to the water taps equipped with automatic open/close device or automatic closing mechanism and to the mixing type water taps achieving a nominal flow rate of not more than 2 litres/minute. The merit(s) is/are shown on the Label for public information.

Notes:

  1. The fewer droplets, the more water efficient.

  2. Points for Choosing Mixing Type Water Taps

      Grade 1 - Water-saving and compatible to the storage type water heaters, but not for flow-controlled or pressure-controlled type. 
      Grade 2 - Water-saving and compatible to the storage or flow-controlled type water heaters, but not for pressure-controlled type. 
      Grade 3 - Minimal water-saving but compatible to most types of water heaters (except electric pressure-controlled type). 
      Grade 4 - Compatible to all types of water heaters but not water-efficient. 
     


    In general, flow-controlled type water heaters allow temperature setting whereas pressure-controlled type water heaters only allow heating power setting (e.g. Hi/Lo or Max/Min). For further details of water heaters, consumers are recommended to contact relevant retail shops or water heater suppliers

The testing methodology is described in Annex 1 of the scheme document with reference to the testing conditions and requirements specified in the Australian/New Zealand Standard No. AS/NZS 3718:2005 (R2016) - Water Supply - Tap Ware with Amendment Nos. 1 and 2 or other equivalent international standards approved by Water Supplies Department.

Commencement of Registration to the Scheme

Registration to the scheme commences on 2 September 2010. No application fee will be charged.

Further Information

WELS on water taps is detailed in its scheme document.

Any enquiry on the Scheme can be referred to the Water Supplies Department Enquiry Hotline or by fax or by e-mail.

Sample Labels

Sample Label (Full version).       Sample Label (simplified version).
Sample Label (full version)   Sample Label (simplified version)