WaterMark

What is Watermark Certification and how does it affect me?

You have probably been into stores and seen this W logo on products are not sure what it all means?

Non-compliant products and materials within the plumbing industry can lead to all sorts of problems for consumers and may cause contamination within the drinking water system and cause community health issues, resulting in greater strains on our health system.

Originating in 1988 as the National Certification Plumbing and Drainage Products Scheme and later changing to the Watermark Certification, the objective of the Scheme is to provide a uniform national approach to plumbing approved products. Thus, ensuring certain drainage and plumbing products are fit for purpose and installation.

According to the Australian Building Codes Board “The Watermark Certification Scheme (The Scheme) is a mandatory certification scheme for plumbing and drainage materials and products to ensure they are fit for purpose and appropriately authorised for use in plumbing and drainage installations.”

Under the scheme, approval is based on the certification of products to nominated standards and Technical Specifications as listed in AS 5200.000-2006, and to a Certification Level generally related to a product’s application within the plumbing system. Products that are not specifically listed can be assessed if authorisation is required by the development of a Technical Specification and the allocation of a Certification Level. There are two types of certifications based on the product type:

Level 1:
Water heaters
Hot and cold-water supply pipes and fitting
Taps and valves
Sanitary fixtures – water closets, bidet/bidettes
Appliances
Water filters and water treatment devices

Level 2:
Sanitary and drainage pipes and fittings
Sanitary and drainage valves
Appliances (low/medium hazard)