How to Read a Water Efficiency Rating on Australian Appliances
When shopping for a washing machine or dishwasher, you'll see a blue and white star rating label with a litre consumption figure. This is the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) label — Australia's mandatory water efficiency rating system. Here's how to read it and use it to compare appliances.
What Is the WELS Scheme?
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme is a mandatory Australian government labelling program. All new washing machines, dishwashers, taps, showers, toilets and flow regulators sold in Australia must display a WELS label showing their water efficiency rating.
WELS is managed by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
How to Read the WELS Label
The WELS label shows two key pieces of information:
- Star Rating — from 0 to 6 stars. More stars = more water efficient. The stars are displayed on a blue and white label similar in format to the energy star rating labels.
- Comparison Consumption Figure — shows how many litres per wash (washing machines) or per wash cycle (dishwashers) the appliance uses. This is the most useful number for direct comparisons.
WELS Ratings for Washing Machines
| Star Rating | Typical Water Use per Load | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 stars | 100–150L+ per load | Poor efficiency |
| 3–4 stars | 60–100L per load | Moderate efficiency |
| 4.5–5 stars | 40–60L per load | Good efficiency |
| 5.5–6 stars | Under 40L per load | Excellent efficiency |
Note: Front-load washing machines are almost always more water efficient than top-load machines and typically achieve 4–6 star WELS ratings. Top-loaders typically achieve 3–4 stars.
WELS Ratings for Dishwashers
| Star Rating | Typical Water Use per Cycle | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1–3 stars | 18–25L per cycle | Moderate efficiency |
| 3.5–4.5 stars | 12–18L per cycle | Good efficiency |
| 5–6 stars | Under 12L per cycle | Excellent efficiency |
Modern dishwashers are typically very water efficient — significantly more so than hand washing in a full sink. A 6-star dishwasher uses approximately 7–9 litres per cycle, while washing the same load by hand typically uses 50–70 litres.
Why Does Water Efficiency Matter in Sydney?
Sydney is on dam storage, and water restrictions have historically been implemented during droughts. Beyond environmental impact, water efficiency directly reduces your water bill. Over a 10-year appliance lifespan, the difference between a 2-star and 5-star washing machine can represent thousands of litres per year and meaningful savings on your water bill.
Find High WELS-Rated Appliances at Oceania Appliances
All the brands we carry — Samsung, LG, Electrolux, Fisher & Paykel, Bosch and others — offer high WELS-rated washing machines and dishwashers. We can advise on specific ratings for items in our current stock. Free delivery across Sydney. Contact us today.