ABCB Water efficiency consultation document 2023

Overview

The ABCB Office seeks input from wider industry on proposed changes to the water efficiency requirements in NCC Volume Three.

The changes are outlined in the document linked below.

NCC Volume Three, the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) has mandated minimum water efficiency standards since 2015.

Water efficiency in fixtures and fittings has improved significantly since the PCA set its original requirements in 2015. It is now opportune to review the water efficiency requirements in the PCA to identify if further reductions in flow rates would provide additional benefit.

More stringent water efficiency requirements already exist in Western Australia and Queensland.

Why your views matter

Initial review of an industry based proposal for change (PfC) by the ABCB Plumbing Code Committee has resulted in a recommendation that greater industry consultation be done prior any decision being made on this issue.

Industry consultation will identify if industry supports the introduction of more stringent drinking water efficiency requirements. It may also identify any unintended consequences resulting from these changes and identify if any alternative options are preferred to the proposed changes.

What happens next

The ABCB welcomes your comments on the proposed changes. Your comments will be considered in the decision-making process.

Any proposed changes to the NCC provisions will be subject to public comment prior to being included in NCC Volume Three 2028.