For Product Manufacturers & Service Providers
Smart Drop Certification
Our Smart Drop scheme independently certifies water efficient products and services in Australia and North America. Businesses can gain national recognition and a market advantage whilst help consumers shop wisely and select from quality, independently certified, water efficient products.
Benefits
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That your product/service is water efficient . You can add the Smart Drop logo to product packaging, marketing materials, website, social media posts, expo stands etc.
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The Water Conservancy promotes Smart Drop Products through its marketing, PR and communications i.e. social media posts, articles in newsletters, word of mouth, presentations at events and the website.
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Reach and promote your product to the water industry – Smart Drop is owned by the Water Services Association of Australia and managed by The Water Conservancy – both very well connected in the water sector with all water utility water efficiency reps.
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Smart Drop is the criteria through which governments and water utilities identify products eligible for rebate offers. Eg: Water Corporation Wifi Irrigation Rebate; Tamworth City Council Pool Cover rebates, SA Water Pool cover rebates.
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Once you are certified with Smart Drop you can apply for Waterwise Accreditation (under Water Corporation) in Western Australia (for no extra charge).
Once certified in Australia, you can extend your Smart Drop licence to North America.
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We are offering free listing for all Smart Drop certified products at the recently launched water efficiency product marketplace - GetWaterSmart.
Application Process
If you’re interested in becoming certified, the first step is to review our criteria, fees and the key dates our Expert Panel meet to review products.
Your product must save water, be environmentally sustainable and fit for service in your chosen region.
The application process starts with the submission of an application form and documentation to support your water-saving claims. An application fee, which covers the cost of administering the application process, is due before your application is considered. The Expert Panel meet quarterly to assess applications after which we will inform you of their decision.
If your application is approved, you can licence the use of the Smart Drop Certified logo to promote your approved product or service in Australia or North America.
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Smart Drop Certified - Australia
Application fee (once off) - AUD $1,950 + GST
Licence Fee (valid for two years) - AUD $2,250 + GSTWaterwise Endorsed Product Program in Western Australia
Free once certified with Smart Drop
Smart Drop Certified - North America
Application fee (once off) - USD $1,225 (as of 14/03/2025)
Licence Fee (valid for two years) - USD $1,410 (as of 14/03/2025)If your product is already approved in Australia you do not need to apply again for North America. Just contact us to ask for a licence extension.
Discounts may be available for multiple product applications/licencing area.
If you have products or services that are very similar with differences that are simply cosmetic in nature such as colours, features and optional extras, and do not affect the actual water use of the product/service you may not have to submit a separate application.
Contact us at info@thewaterconservancy.org before doing multiple applications.
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The Expert Panel meet quarterly to review applications. If you have an urgent need for certification please contact us as we may be able to assess your application out of session.
Upcoming meeting dates:Tuesday 10 June
Tuesday 9 September
Tuesday 9 December
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Check your product fits one of our categories and meets all criteria and guidelines.
View our How to Apply page for more detail.
“As a leading water-saving soil conditioner, Smart Drop Certification reinforces TerraCottem’s proven ability to reduce water consumption by up to 50% when applied when planting or before seeding.
In addition to the independent laboratory and research institute reports that validate this benefit, Smart Drop Certification provides an instantly recognisable mark of trust. Its distinctive logo on our packaging delivers a clear and immediate message about TerraCottem’s commitment to water conservation—at just a glance.”
Carol Devos, CEO TerraCottem.
Meet the Expert Panel
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Jeremy Cape
Chairman
Jeremy’s career in the water industry began in 1990 when he helped to establish & manage the Australian Irrigation Technology Centre (AITC0) to 2000. The AITC broke new ground as a national, independent facility that tested and evaluated irrigation products and equipment to ISO standards.
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Basant Maheshwari
Founding Member
Professor Basant Maheshwari brings global expertise in water research and consulting to water management, environmental sustainability and water literacy. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Udaipur and a Masters from Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Technology and a PhD in water management from Melbourne.
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Jo Jones
Senior Consultant
With 20 years of experience in the University system as a Lecturer and Researcher, Jo now consults with Pinion Advisory, with a primary focus in agriculture and commercial horticulture, helping farmers make informed decisions on how to use water wisely.
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Peter Brueck
Irrigation Specialist
Peter has many years experience in irrigation, starting from an early age in the irrigation business. Peter is committed to ensuring that local governments improve knowledge and implementation of products and water efficiency so that droughts and warmer climates can be proactively planned for and managed.
Read more -
Angie Thomas
Gardening Specialist
Angie is the Horticultural Communications Manager for Yates and writes gardening content for the website, Yates Garden Club and social media, together with training materials for both staff and retail partners. She also runs gardening workshops, speaks at garden clubs and shows as well as doing regular radio interviews.
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Tammy Huynh
Horticulturalist
Tammy has spent the 12 years in the horticultural industry and was awarded the Australian Institute of Horticulture’s ‘Horticulturist of the Year 2021 Award’.
Tammy presents on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia, has a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and a Diploma of Landscape Design.