WATER EFFICIENCY LABELLING SCHEME

WATER EFFICIENCY LABELLING SCHEME

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(Grants for sanitary fittings upgrade): **

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Mr Teo Siong Seng asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources (a) if his Ministry can simplify administrative procedures and reduce the high cost of testing each model of shower heads and sanitary fittings for compliance with the mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS); and (b) what grants/incentives can be provided to help suppliers of sanitary fittings upgrade to comply with WELS requirements in support of the Government's green drive.

Assoc. Prof. Dr Yaacob Ibrahim: The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme is part of PUB's 10-Litre Challenge initiative to help users reduce water consumption. The labelling scheme rates water appliances according to their water efficiency, thus enabling consumers to make informed purchase decisions. With effect from 1st July 2009, the labelling of taps, urinals, and dual-flush low capacity flushing cisterns (LCFCs) was made mandatory, under the Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS). The labelling of shower heads and clothes washing machines is voluntary.

A key consideration in the scheme's design was the minimisation of inconvenience and cost to suppliers. The application process is conducted online and only requires basic information of the company and the product, and the necessary test reports. The Public Utilities Board ( PUB) does not charge any fee for registration. Upon approval, the applicant can print the Water Efficiency Labels for use with the product.

To qualify for at least a "one-tick" water efficient label, appliances have to undergo a water-efficiency test and meet a minimum standard. The test can be conducted at local or foreign laboratories accredited by the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC), and typically costs about $200 per model for tap and mixers. Furthermore, for urinals and dual-flush LCFCs, there is no additional cost as the water efficiency test is already part of the mandatory performance test required for all water products to ensure their suitability for use with the potable water supply system.

We have no plans to provide grants or incentives under MWELS as the water efficiency requirements for the one-tick label are consistent with mandatory water efficiency requirements that must be met by all models when installed, and the additional cost of testing to suppliers is not high. Furthermore, suppliers could potentially benefit from better sales of higher rated products.

In designing the MWELS, PUB consulted suppliers, the Singapore Sanitary Wares Importers and Exporters Association (SSWIEA), the Singapore Hardware and Tools Association, the Singapore Plumbing Society (SPS) as well as other professional bodies. Notwithstanding that, we would be happy to receive specific suggestions for improvement from the parties concerned.