Save and Sound
Through the Four National Taps, PUB has put in place a diversified and sustainable supply of water for Singaporeans. However, securing an adequate supply of water is only half the equation — managing the demand is equally crucial to ensure sustainability.
The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme helps consumers make an informed choice when buying household items like taps, showerheads and washing machines.
“Singapore’s holistic approach to water resource management has integrated a water demand management programme that incorporates the proper handling of the transmission and distribution network to minimise losses, as well as the implementation of water conservation measures. Today, Singapore’s per capita domestic water consumption stands at 157 litres per person per day, compared to 165 litres in 2003. Our target is to further reduce it to 155 litres by 2012,” said Mr Chong Hou Chun, PUB’s Director of Water Supply Network.
Among the water conservation measures in place is the 10-Litre Challenge which was introduced in 2006 to encourage Singaporeans to reduce their daily water consumption by 10 litres. Besides introducing useful tips on how to save water through a one-stop edutainment website portal, the programme also includes other initiatives such as Water Efficient Homes, Water Volunteer Groups, a labelling scheme for water-efficient appliances, and promoting the use of dual-flush low-capacity flushing cisterns.
The voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme aims to provide consumers with the necessary information on the water efficiency of products to allow them to make well-informed choices. To enhance the scheme, PUB will make labelling mandatory for taps, flushing cisterns and urinals from July 2009. The scheme may be extended to showerheads and washing machines in future, when more waterefficient models are available.
The Water Efficient Homes (WEH) programme, launched in all 84 constituencies since 2003, was extended to focus on homes with high consumption. Under this enhanced programme, PUB officers visit households with high consumption to install water-saving devices such as thimbles and cistern water saving bags, and offer advice on good water conservation practices. PUB also works with schools and grassroots organisations to form Water Volunteer Groups (WVGs) and assist in educating households on water conservation habits.
For the non-domestic sector, the Water Efficient Buildings (WEB) programme encourages users to run water-efficient buildings by using water-efficient fittings and monitoring their water consumption. Users in commercial and industrial premises are also encouraged to use NEWater in place of potable water for non-potable purposes such as cooling, washing and processing. They are also encouraged to recycle or reuse water. Recycling rates of up to 75 per cent have been achieved, especially by the wafer fabrication plants. In July 2007, PUB also launched the Water Efficiency Fund (WEF) to provide companies with financial incentives to look into efficient ways of managing their water demand, take on water conservation measures and develop alternative water sources.
Moving forward, the 10% Challenge will be PUB’s umbrella programme for engaging the non-domestic sector to improve their water efficiency and reduce water consumption through sustainable and efficient design, use of water conservation devices, and proper monitoring and management. Through this programme, PUB aims to help businesses save 10 per cent of their monthly water consumption, thereby lowering their operational costs. PUB will engage different non-domestic sectors and tailor the approach accordingly, starting with schools, commercial buildings, government buildings and hotels.
The water agency has also built up an impressive record in its unaccountedfor water, from 11 per cent in the 1980s to less than 5 per cent today, one of the lowest levels in the world.
