The simplest way to ensure that a property is meeting the minimum standards set by the regulations in your state is with the Detector Inspector Water Efficiency service.
Why is water efficiency important?
Water is a precious resource and making sure properties use it efficiently is better for the environment, for tenants and for landlords.
In NSW and Queensland, landlords have to prove that their property complies with minimum water efficiency standards if they want to pass on water usage charges to their tenants.
Get the compliance certification you need with our water efficiency service
Our service was designed to check each property against the required standards for water efficiency in each state.
Servicing is carried out by one of our trained technicians using our advanced technology to ensure that they complete the service in strict accordance with the Australian Standards and relevant state-based legislation.
Learn more about what to expect from our water efficiency service
Water Efficiency Standards in NSW & QLD
No leaking taps or toilets
In NSW, no leaks at the start of the tenancy and whenever the other water efficiency measures are installed, repaired or upgraded
Shower heads
In both NSW & QLD, maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute
Internal cold water taps
In both NSW & QLD, maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute
Dual flush toilets
In QLD, toilets must have a dual flush function. In NSW, from 23 March 2025, all toilets must be dual flush and have a minimum 3-star WELS rating
The annual Water Efficiency service includes:
-
Assessment of water efficiency
Includes shower heads, cold water taps and single mixer taps for kitchen sinks and bathroom basins
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Identification of leaks
Includes leaking taps or toilets
-
Required works
Identification of any works required to meet the regulated requirements
-
Water Efficiency Certificate
Where the property is judged to be water efficient, a certificate will be issued.
Pricing
Our water efficiency service is available as an add-on to an annual smoke alarm service.
Pricing
Water efficiency service
A water efficiency service provided as an add-on to the annual smoke alarm service for:
New South Wales
Queensland
Pricing
Water efficiency service
A water efficiency service provided as an add-on to the annual smoke alarm service for:
$25
Ex. GST per property
$30
Ex. GST per property
Legislation
In QLD and NSW, a landlord can only pass on water charges to a tenant if all water devices at the property meet water efficiency standards.
Queensland
In Queensland, landlords are only allowed to pass on the full charge for water consumption at a rental premises if the premises are individually metered (or water is delivered by vehicle) and if the property meets water efficiency standards for the entire period of the rental agreement.
Minimum standards for water efficiency are set out by the RTA:
- Internal cold water taps and single mixer taps* must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute.
- Shower heads must have a maximum flow rate of 9 litres per minute.
- Toilets must have a dual flush function. The full flush must not exceed 6.5 litres and the half flush must not exceed 3.5 litres with a maximum average flush volume of 4 litres based on 1 full flush and 4 half flushes.
*The standard for internal cold water taps and single mixer taps applies to taps installed over hand basins, kitchen sinks and laundry taps. Bath taps, outside taps and taps to dishwashers and washing machines do not need to meet water efficiency standards.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, 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) and if the property meets prescribed water efficiency standards.
Minimum standards for water efficiency are set out by Fair Trading NSW:
- 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 litres 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.
Important disclaimer
The advice provided in these guidelines is of a general nature only and is a summary of the main legislation and regulations affecting residential safety and compliance for the services and in the states described. It is not to be treated as a comprehensive appraisal of all applicable legislation and regulations in force. This advice does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. The advice is a summary of guidelines published by state and territory government websites. Accordingly, we have relied on the accuracy of the content published by the relevant websites in compiling this advice. You should seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content.
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