Water Efficiency Testing
You can now add on Water Efficiency Testing to your existing Smoke Alarm Compliance package for just an additional $44!
What are the legal requirements as to why I require Water Efficiency Testing?
In NSW, landlords are only allowed to charge tenants for water used at a rental premises if the premises are individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle) & if the property meets prescribed water efficiency standards.
Water efficiency standards are outlined in clauses 12 & 13 of the Residential Tenancy Agreement. By the 23rd March, 2025, all toilets must meet the following standards:
- Be Dual Flush
- Have a minimum 3 Star WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) Rating
Additional Benefits of Water Efficiency Testing
A Water Efficient Property will:
- Save on Water Bills
- May decrease the amount of heating your hot water tank needs to do, thus saving on electricity bills
- Reduces pressure on natural water resources!
What are the minimum standards for Water Efficiency set out by NSW Fair Trading?
- No leaking taps or toilets anywhere on the property
- Internal cold water taps and single mixer taps for kitchen sinks and bathroom basins* must have a maximum flow rate of 9 liters per minute.
- Shower heads must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute.
- From 23 March 2025, all toilets must be dual flush and have a minimum 3-star WELS rating.
* The standard for internal cold water taps and single mixer taps only applies to kitchen and bathroom sinks. Other taps such as those over the bath, laundry tubs, outside taps and taps to washing machines and dishwashers do not need to meet water efficiency standards.
When must Water Efficiency Testing be conducted?
Water efficiency testing must be conducted at each change of tenancy, this is a legal requirement to be able to pass the water bill onto the new tenant.
You may also wish to do a once-off test in properties which have been tenanted for a while. This way you can know if the water efficiency is up to standards.
