Water Efficient Operator (WEO) Questions & Answers

Information about training and registration for Commercial Mobile Operator in:

  • pet care
  • vehicle washing
  • building washing or other application of water to the external surfaces of a building or paved area

Who is a commercial mobile operator?

Any person or entity conducting a business which is primarily focused on delivering the relevant service in:

  • pet care
  • vehicle washing
  • building washing
  • or other application of water to the external surfaces of a building or paved area.

I have been operating my business for a long time. Why do I need training?

With south east Queensland in the worst drought for 100 years every drop counts. The training is focused on improving water use efficiency practices and preserving our precious commodity.

By becoming a trained and registered water efficient operator you will help save water and protect our precious resource.

When do I need to be registered by?

Registrations must be completed as soon as possible. Contact a registered training provider for details of upcoming training.

Do I have to join an association to get trained?

No.

Who else can provide training?

This matter is under consideration by the QWC. For further information on registering as a training provider, please contact Elizabeth Kellet at the QWC.

Are the training costs the same across each industry sector?

No, training costs will differ from industry to industry. You will need to contact the relevant industry training provider for current costs.

Will I have to pay more for training if I am not a member of an association?

No, costs are the same for members and non-members.

When will the training courses be run?

You will need to contact the relevant training provider for the training schedule.

Is the training an accredited course?

Not at this time.

Do I need to be trained by a Registered Training Authority?

No.

I am registered, trained and operating in accordance with the relevant water efficient guideline. Can I train other people?

Yes.

I run a pet shop that also has a dog wash service. Do I need to be trained and registered?

Yes.

I run a dog wash service from home on weekends. Do I need to be trained and registered?

Yes.

I am a mobile dog washer/groomer. Do I need to be trained and registered?

Yes.

I am a franchisor. Do I need to be trained and registered?

Yes, if you are engaged in carrying out the business activity.

What about my franchisees?

Yes, franchisees need to be trained and registered.

I come from another area that does not have water restrictions. Do I need to be trained and registered?

Yes, if you are conducting your business activities in an area that has level 5 or level 6 water restrictions.

How will anyone know if I am trained and registered?

A trained and registered commercial mobile operator will:

  • carry a Water Efficient Operator card
  • display a Water Efficient Operator sign/sticker
  • show a Certificate of Registration.

I operate two businesses under the one ABN the first business is about washing down building and the other industrial machinery. I also sub-contract out services. Do I need to be registered and trained for both businesses?

You will need to have the business registered and the registration should indicate that the business is carrying out two activities.

The operator washing external buildings will need to be registered and trained in accordance with the relevant guideline.

External house washing sub-contractors also need to be registered and trained.

Generally, town water should not be used to wash commercial machinery except to prevent or otherwise address a material health or safety risk. In those circumstances it would be expected that water efficiency practices such as using a either a bucket filled directly from a tap, a high pressure cleaning unit or a hand held hose would be used.

Where can I get more information about training?

All QWC Registered Training Associations are listed on our website.

I wash the surfaces of buildings such as roofs, windows, patios etc with non potable water. Do I need to be trained and registered?

No.

I am engaged in delivering commercial services in one or all of the following: washing external surfaces of a building; roofs, windows, patios or other outdoor surfaces. Under what circumstances can I use town water for these activities?

Table 1
  How often can I undertake these activities for customers? Do I need to be trained, registered and operating under the guideline?
For washing a house, building, unit, townhouse, etc. for pre-sale preparation Only once in any twelve month (one year) period Yes
For washing a house, building, unit, townhouse, etc. to comply with the provisions of a tenancy agreement or lease which require the external surface of a building to be cleaned. On expiry or termination of the tenancy or lease. Yes
For washing external windows and glass areas of a building. Only once in any twelve month (one year) period Yes
For washing the external surface of the building for maintenance purposes (no roof washing). Only when absolutely necessary Yes
For pre-painting preparation, and I am undertaking the painting. Only when absolutely necessary No
For pre-painting preparation, and I am undertaking the washing and not the painting Only when absolutely necessary Yes
For washing the external surface of the roof for maintenance purposes or restoring, and I am undertaking the maintenance or restoration. Only when absolutely necessary No
For washing the external surface of the roof for maintenance purposes or restoring, and I am undertaking the washing only and not the maintenance or restoration. Only when absolutely necessary Yes
To prepare the roof for pre-painting or re-pointing. Only when absolutely necessary Yes

I provide vet services/pet refuges/pet stores/boarding kennels etc. Do I need to be registered and trained?

Yes. If you are a business providing dog washing services then you should be registered, trained and operating under the relevant guideline.

Do pet grooming salons need to operate under the guidelines?

Yes, if the services provided include the washing of pets.

I want to start a dog grooming, vehicle washing or building washing business. Do I have to be trained and registered before I begin to operate?

Yes.

I am a painter. Do I have to be trained and registered?

Not at this time, unless you are engaged in any activites outlined in Table 1.

Where can I get more information about the registration process?

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland
t: 07 3842 2244
f: 07 3832 3195
e: weo@cciq.com.au
w: www.cciq.com.au/weo.aspx
375 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, QLD 4000