If you've shopped for tapware in Australia, you've probably seen the term "WaterMark certified" on a product listing and moved on without a second thought. It matters more than it looks — WaterMark certification is a legal requirement for plumbing products used in most Australian homes and commercial buildings, and installing uncertified tapware can cause real problems down the track. Here's what the certification actually covers, and what to check before you buy.
What WaterMark certification actually is
The WaterMark Certification Scheme is run by the Australian Building Codes Board and administered through independent, accredited certifying bodies. A product carrying the WaterMark logo has been independently tested against the relevant Australian Standard — for tapware, that's typically AS/NZS 3718 — covering things like material safety, pressure ratings, and backflow prevention. It's a product certification, not a brand reputation claim: two taps from the same brand can carry different certification status if one model hasn't been tested to the current standard.
Why it's not optional
Under the Plumbing Code of Australia, plumbing products connected to the water supply or sanitary drainage system in most jurisdictions must be WaterMark certified to be legally installed. A licensed plumber is required to use certified products, and a building or plumbing inspection can fail if uncertified tapware is found. If you're renovating and sourcing your own fixtures rather than leaving it entirely to your plumber, checking for WaterMark certification before you buy avoids a fitting being rejected — or needing to be replaced — after installation.
What to check before you buy
Every WaterMark-certified product has a certificate number, which is usually listed on the product page or available from the supplier on request. It's worth checking this for anything going into a wet area, backflow-critical point (like laundry and garden taps) or commercial installation, where compliance is checked more closely. At Plumber Supplies, WaterMark status is noted in the product description for our basin, bath, shower, kitchen and laundry tapware ranges — if you can't find it for a specific product, ask us before you order.
WaterMark and water efficiency (WELS) are different things
It's easy to confuse WaterMark with the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) star rating, but they measure different things. WaterMark certifies that a product is safe and compliant to install; WELS rates how water-efficient it is in use, from 0 to 6 stars. A tap can be WaterMark certified without a high WELS rating, and vice versa — for a compliant, water-efficient choice, check both.
A note on compliance
This article explains what WaterMark certification covers in general terms — it isn't advice on your specific installation. Requirements can vary by state and by the type of building work involved, so confirm compliance requirements for your job with your licensed plumber before purchasing or installing tapware.
Browse our WaterMark-certified basin, bath, shower and laundry tapware ranges.