Criteria for Approval

Applications to the Smart WaterMark scheme are assessed by an independent Technical Expert Panel, against the following criteria:

1. Water Saving
   That the primary purpose of the product or service is directly related to reducing actual water use and/or using water more efficiently, where there is a direct correlation between the use of the product and water savings.
2. Fit for Purpose
   That the appropriate use of the product or service is consistent with supplied instructions and other documentation.
3. Meets Regulations and Standards
   That the product or service is of high quality and meets industry standards, and customer and community expectations, in relation to water use.
4. Environmentally Sustainable
   That the product or service, while satisfying the above three criteria, is environmentally sustainable, and despite claimed water savings will not adversely affect the environment in other areas.

Water saving claims need to be independently verified (i.e. independent testing, case studies, comparative reports etc.). Unsubstantiated marketing claims are not regarded as evidence of water saving.

Detailed guidelines have been developed for applications from specific product groups and are available to download as pdfs: Mulches, Soil Amendments, Irrigation Equipment, and Plant Pots .

We are also presently consulting on revisions to our Pool Cover Guidelines.

The Smart WaterMark is the outdoor sister scheme to the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme (WELS). Products currently registered under WELS will NOT be considered for the Smart Approved WaterMark label.

If you have any questions about a product or service that you would like to be assessed for Smart WaterMark approval please contact us on phone 02 9223 3322.