Singapore promulgated the “Public Utilities (Water Supply) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2021” (“the Regulations”) on December 1, 2021. The Regulations expand the range of products covered by the Mandatory Water Efficiency Labeling Scheme (MWELS) to include minimum water efficiency requirements for flushing toilets, fully automatic commercial washing machines, dishwashers, and pressure washers. The Regulations have been effective since January 1, 2022.
The original text of the Regulations can be viewed at the following URL:
https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL-Supp/S920-2021/Published/20211201?DocDate=20211201
The Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations, including this amendment, can be viewed at the following URL:
https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL/261-RG5?DocDate=20211201
The four items added as MWELS products and the corresponding minimum water efficiency requirements are as follows:
Product |
Minimum water efficiency requirement |
1. Water‑closet flush valve | 4.0 L or less per wash |
2. Vertical/drum type fully automatic washing machine (excluding household) | 8.0 L or less per kg |
3. Undercounter type/hood type dishwasher (excluding household) | 2.4 L or less per rack |
4. Pressure washer (excluding household, steam/hot water washing, cleaning of equipment and vehicles) | 11.0 L or less per minute |
Importers or manufacturers of products subject to MWELS must register themselves as a supplier with the National Water Agency (PUB) prior to supplying or advertising the products and also register the products. The supplied products must meet the minimum water efficiency requirements and be labeled with a water efficiency label. However, in terms of affixing of a water efficiency label and advertising, the above 2 to 4 are exempted from displaying a water efficiency label and check mark.
The flush valve label for flushing toilets is shown in the figure below.
The ratings (number of check marks) to be displayed on the flush valve label for flushing toilets are as follows:
Ratings |
1. Amount of water per wash |
2 ticks | Above 3.5 L and 4.0 L or less |
3 ticks | 3.5 L or less |