FAQs

General
Q. What types of products can apply to use the Smart Approved WaterMark label?
A. These could include, but are not limited to:

• Drip irrigation systems
• Low-flow hoses
• Microspray systems
• Electronic water controllers
• Soil moisture and rain sensors
• Mulches and soil wetting agents
• Rainwater tank systems
• Greywater diverters and treatment systems
• High pressure cleaning devices

Q. What types of services can apply to use the Smart Approved WaterMark label?
A. These could include, but are not limited to:

• Water-efficient plumbers
• Water-saving retrofit services
• Water-saving training and accreditation programs
• Water-efficient design of occupied and new buildings
• Maintenance programs for irrigation systems
• Design services for water-efficient gardens and irrigation systems
• Plant labelling schemes

Q. Can my product carry both the Smart WaterMark and WELS labels?
A. The Smart WaterMark was set up as a sister scheme to the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme. The voluntary Smart WaterMark is a water-saving label with a predominantly outdoor focus, while WELS is a mandatory water-efficiency rating label for indoor products. If your product falls within the WELS scheme you cannot apply for the Smart WaterMark. For more information visit the WELS web site.

Q. Do I need to get both the Smart Approved WaterMark and the plumbing certification WaterMark?
A. The plumbing WaterMark certifies that your product meets Australian plumbing standards, while the Smart Approved WaterMark is a label that helps consumers make water-wise choices. The Smart Approved WaterMark requires that applications meet relevant standards and regulations. If you are applying to the Smart Approved WaterMark scheme for a plumbing or drainage product then check WaterMark's Manual of authorization procedures for plumbing and drainage products (these products generally require WaterMark certification). For more information visit the Standards Australia web site.

Q. I've got a great water-saving idea, how do I get it to market?
A. We're looking into what resources are available to help inventors...watch this space.

Water Rebates
Q. Does the Smart Approved WaterMark give out water rebates?
A. No, but we've created a map which will link you to your local rebating authority.

Applications and Licenses
Q. How can I use the Smart WaterMark label if my application is approved?
A. Once the Smart Approved WaterMark independent Expert Panel has approved a product or service, we license use of the label for a period of two years. The license allows the manufacturer or distributor to use the Smart WaterMark label to promote the approved product or service (not the company as a whole). In the case of products, the license is given to a specific product i.e. brand name and model.

Q. I’m selling another company’s product already approved by the Smart WaterMark but under a different brand name, can I use the Smart WaterMark label?
A. If another company sells the approved product under a different brand name then this second company will need to apply for a Smart WaterMark license. We confirm with the original company that it is the same product and can then issue an out-of-session license.