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Water Efficiency Certificate NSW: tested, fixed and certified in one visit
- Licensed NSW plumber
- Price before we start
- Austral · Liverpool · Macarthur
A water efficiency certificate is what a NSW landlord needs before passing water usage charges on to a tenant: the property has to be separately metered and meet the water efficiency measures in the tenancy laws, and a licensed plumber's certificate is the proof. Agents ask for it because it settles the question before it becomes a tribunal argument.
We do the inspection, fix whatever fails on the spot where we can, and issue the written report the same day.
A water efficiency certificate is a licensed plumber's written report confirming a rental property meets NSW's water efficiency measures: showerheads, kitchen and basin taps at no more than 9 litres per minute, no leaking taps or toilets, and every toilet dual-flush with at least a 3-star WELS rating (required since 23 March 2025). Monarch Civil & Plumbing inspects, fixes and certifies rentals across South West Sydney and the Macarthur region for landlords and property managers, at a fixed price quoted when you book.
What the NSW rules actually require
Under the NSW water efficiency measures, a landlord who wants to charge for water usage needs all of the following: the property separately metered; showerheads, kitchen sink taps and bathroom basin taps with a maximum flow of 9 litres per minute (bath, laundry and outdoor taps are exempt); no leaking taps or toilets anywhere on the property at the start of the tenancy and whenever measures are installed or repaired; and, since 23 March 2025, every toilet a dual-flush model with a minimum 3-star WELS rating.
A tenant can test the flow rate with a bucket and a stopwatch. A written report from a licensed plumber is the evidence most agents want on file, and it's what we provide.
What happens on the visit
We measure the flow at every showerhead, kitchen tap and basin tap, check every toilet for dual flush, WELS rating and silent leaks into the bowl, and check all taps for drips. Anything that fails gets fixed then and there where possible: water-saving aerators and flow regulators, a compliant showerhead, tap washers or cartridges, cistern outlet valves. Toilets that can't be brought up to standard get a quote for a compliant replacement.
You get a written water efficiency report the same day: the plumber's name and licence number, what was tested, the readings, what was fixed, and the WELS details of anything installed, plus photos for the file.
For property managers and agents
One number, 24/7. Bulk bookings across a rent roll, reports formatted for the tenancy file, and any repairs invoiced clearly so the landlord's expense is backed up. If the same visit turns up a running toilet or a hot water system on its last legs, we tell you and quote it. We don't just tick the box. See toilets, taps & fixtures and leaks.
What it costs
The inspection and report are a fixed price quoted when you book. Fixes are quoted before they're done. Most aerators, showerheads and washers are minor add-ons, and we'll tell you if a toilet needs replacing rather than adjusting.
From recent jobs
Water efficiency certificates: questions we get asked
What is a water efficiency certificate?
A written report from a licensed plumber confirming a rental property meets NSW's water efficiency measures: 9 L/min showerheads and taps, no leaks, and dual-flush 3-star WELS toilets. Landlords use it as evidence that they can charge tenants for water usage on a separately metered property.
Do I legally need a plumber to issue it?
Not strictly. Receipts, WELS registration numbers and a condition report can also be evidence. In practice most agents want a licensed plumber's report because it covers the flow tests, the leak check and the toilet standard in one document that holds up in a dispute.
Do all toilets in a NSW rental have to be dual flush now?
Yes. Since 23 March 2025 every toilet in the property must be dual flush with a minimum 3-star WELS rating for the landlord to charge water usage. Older single-flush suites need replacing; we quote that on the visit.
Which taps have to be 9 litres per minute?
Showerheads, kitchen sink taps and bathroom basin taps. Bath outlets, laundry taps, washing machine and dishwasher connections and outdoor taps are exempt. Most taps can be brought under 9 L/min with an aerator or flow regulator in minutes.
Can you fix what fails on the same visit?
Usually. We carry aerators, flow regulators, compliant showerheads, washers and cistern valves. Toilet replacements are quoted and booked separately unless you've asked us to bring a suite.
Page updated 2 October 2026.
Where we do this work
Across Austral, Liverpool, Fairfield and the Macarthur region, see all service areas, Liverpool, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Cabramatta, Casula, Prestons.