The Scheme is open to all manufacturers and importers selling water efficient WCs, flushing cisterns, taps and combination tap assemblies, shower controls and baths in the UK, provided their products meet with the stringent criteria as defined in the Scheme proposal. It is envisaged that once established, the Scheme could be extended to cover other products and components that encourage the efficient use of water.

Eligible WC suites must comply with Class 2 of EN 997 and the flush must not exceed 4.5 litres per single flush, or in the case of dual flush mechanisms an average flush not exceeding 4.5 litres based upon a ratio of three short flushes to one full flush.

Flushing cisterns must comply with the requirements of Class 2 of Pr EN 14055 and be set to deliver the volume(s) required to flush a particular WC pan, provided the WC pan complies with the above criteria.

All taps - including self-closing and electronic types - and combination tap assemblies for use with wash basins and bidets, that deliver no more than six litres per minute through each inlet under pressures up to and including five bar. In the case of combination tap assemblies, each side of the fitting must be tested separately.

With combination tap assemblies when both sides are fully open, divided outlet types will provide a flow rate that equates to the combined flow rate through each inlet but single outlet types are unlikely to provide a flow rate that equates to the combined flow rate through each inlet.

For all types of taps and combination tap assemblies supplied with interchangeable outlets compliance with the Scheme’s requirements is based upon the ‘as approved’ specification. The manufacturer will clarify in installation instructions whether the Scheme’s criteria is invalidated if an alternative outlet is used. For example, approval may be invalid if a flow straightener is fitted in place of an aerator.

All shower controls that deliver no more than a nominal 13 litres per minute under pressures up to the maximum operating pressure specified by the manufacturer. Or, in the case of no maximum being specified, at pressures up to and including five bar.

Baths containing no more than 80 litres when this equates to 40 per cent of the total volume contained when filled to the invert of the overflow fitment.

The Scheme is underpinned by an audit procedure, which specifies that in addition to meeting all of these criteria, companies wishing to use the label must sign a Declaration of Conformity. The Declaration of Conformity includes statements confirming that products submitted for approval comply with all relevant UK Regulatory requirements; devices used to measure volumes, pressures and flow rates are calibrated to National Standards; and, a documented system of Factory Production Control is in operation.

Regarding Factory Production Control, a manufacturer must have a documented and operational system to ensure that products submitted for approval conform with the requirements of the Scheme. The BMA may request copies of the documented system, which must specify product characteristics appropriate for the Scheme, the frequency and method of testing, the results of testing and actions or measures to be taken in the event of non-conformity.

The Scheme will be supported by a website at www.waterefficiencylabel. org.uk, which will go live during the summer. This website will host a comprehensive database of qualifying products and a detailed description of criteria explaining how product qualifies for the label. In addition, there will be hints and tips on reducing water wastage.

The Scheme is expected to be fully up and running during the autumn when there will be a full launch with the participation of key Government figures.

For further information about the BMA please e-mail karen.myles@bathroom-association.org.uk or telephone 01782 747123.

For further information regarding the BMA Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme criteria please e-mail mike.rymill@bathroom-association.org.uk or telephone 01782 747123. For information on all of the BMA activities visit www.bathroom-association.org

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