Grace Chua, Straits Times 28 Nov 08;
SINGAPORE'S national water agency is calling on businesses across the country to cut their water use by 10 per cent, as part of a new conservation drive.
The PUB's 10% Challenge, launched on Wednesday, in particular is urging hotels to rein in their water consumption, a call that is expected to be expanded to other industries in the future.
The non-domestic sector consumes 650,000 cubic metres of water a day, equivalent to about 260 Olympic-sized swimming pools. That amounts to about half of all water used in the country.
Saving water is even more imperative than usual, given the current economic downturn, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, at the scheme's launch.
'While we expand our water supply options through technology and sound planning, the good work will come to nought if we use water carelessly and do not manage our water demand,' he said.
The 10% Challenge will target hotels first, and will expand to include schools, commercial buildings and government offices over the next two years.
Under the scheme, building managers can attend a water efficiency course run by the PUB and Singapore Polytechnic.
The Government also launched yesterday a guidebook on designing water-efficient buildings and a website, www.tenpercent.sec.org.sg, to help building managers assess water use.
If hotels took steps like using low-flow shower heads, retrofitting washing machines and monitoring water use, they could make a big difference in consumption, the PUB said.
Mr Albert Teo, second vice-president of the Singapore Hotel Association, said reducing water use would not only help save the environment, but also reduce operating costs.
'I think it's in every general manager and entrepreneur's nature to find ways to save,' he said.
