Water efficient fixtures in dwellings

Installing water efficient fixtures and fittings around the home can save water, and money on water bills.

Requirements

All toilets must be a minimum 4-star dual flush (as rated under the Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards (WELS) scheme) in:

• new houses and townhouses (class 1 buildings)
• sole-occupancy units in multi-unit residential buildings (class 2 buildings).

All showerheads and tapware must meet a minimum 3-star WELS rating.

These requirements don't apply to renovations.

New and replacement garden irrigation systems in areas serviced by a water service provider must comply with the Efficient irrigation for water conservation guideline (PDF, 7MB).

Rental properties

Landlords of rental properties can pass on full water consumption costs to tenants if:

• the building has individual meters
• water efficient fixtures (showerheads, toilets and tapware to kitchen sinks, basins and laundry tubs) are installed.

Charging arrangements must be stated in the tenancy agreement.

Also consider...

• Learn about water efficient fixtures in new houses, townhouses and units (PDF, 78KB).
• Read the Queensland Development Code QDC 4.1—Sustainable buildings.
• Learn more about the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code.
• Find star ratings for water efficient products.
• Find out how to reduce water use on the Australian Government's Your Home website.