Water inefficient taps to be phased out from April 1

SINGAPORE — Taps that are not water efficient will be phased out from Saturday (April 1), the Public Utilities Board (PUB) announced on Friday.

A four-tier rating system, the Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS), will also be introduced for washing machines at the same time, complementing the current maximum 3-tick ratings.

These new measures are aimed at encouraging usage of water-efficient fittings and household appliances.

The PUB said washing in the kitchen sink and showering were the two most water-consuming activities at home, taking up 22 and 29 per cent of the total household water usage, respectively.

Water fittings rated 3-ticks or more can save 54 per cent more water on average when compared to those with an 0-tick rating, it added.

The PUB also said the 0-tick models will no longer be sold or supplied. However, it added that the prices for the 1- to 3-tick rated models were not that much pricier than those with the 0-tick.

Mr Michael Toh, PUB’s Director of Water Supply (Network) said: “The phasing out of 0-tick taps and mixers, and allowing only those with 1-tick or more to be sold or supplied are part of PUB’s plans to eventually phase out water inefficient fittings and appliances.”

“By looking out for the water efficiency label affixed on the water fittings and appliances, consumers can purchase water-efficient fittings and appliances, save water in their daily activities, and reduce their water bill,” Mr Toh added.

“For example, they can save 43 per cent of water per wash when they use a 4-tick washing machine instead of a 2-tick washing machine.”

The statutory board also noted that the market share of 3-tick washing machines increased from 3 per cent in 2011 to 88 per cent in the first quarter of 2016 based on a market survey it commissioned.

Currently, washing machines that use 9 litres or less of water per kg load are awarded 3-ticks. Under MWELS, such washing machines will still be given 3-ticks, while machines that use 6 litres or less of water per kg load will be given a 4-tick rating.

As of Dec 2016, there are 79 “2-tick” models, 474 “3-tick” models and 41 “4-tick” models of washing machines available in the market.

The MWELS currently rates water fittings such as taps and mixers, dual-flush low capacity flushing cisterns (LCFCs), urinals, as well as appliances such as washing machines.

It will be extended to include dishwashers from Oct 2018.