Today Online 1 Jul 09;
FROM today, consumers will get some help in choosing water efficient products for their homes.
All taps, mixers, flushing cisterns and urinals must now carry a water efficiency label ranging from three ticks (uses the least water), to zero.
The impact on water consumption - and utility bills - is more than just a trickle. Those who use a dual-flush, low-capacity flushing cistern (LCFC) with three ticks, for example, can save about 2,600 litres of water annually, according to national water agency PUB.
About 16 per cent of water consumption in a typical Singapore household goes to toilet flushing, and 22 per cent for kitchen use.
There will be "no significant cost increase" for consumers purchasing the labelled products, said PUB.
The Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme is an extension of the Voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme introduced in October 2006.
The voluntary scheme will continue for the labelling of showerheads and washing machines for clothes.
In addition, all taps and mixers, urinals and LCFCs installed in all new developments and existing premises undergoing renovation must have at least a one-tick water efficiency rating. These LCFC installations also must be a dual-flush type from today.
