Singapore - Draft Public Utilities (Water Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 2021

​Singapore National Water Agency announced draft Public Utilities (Water Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 2021.

Under Singapore’s Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS), minimum water efficiency requirements have been mandated for commonly used water fittings and appliances since 2009, with a view to helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions, and encouraging suppliers to introduce more water-efficient products into the market.

In line with the MWELS, the following minimum water efficiency requirements will be mandated for three types of commonly used commercial appliances from January 1, 2022 onwards:

a) ≤ 8.0 liters of water per kilogram for front and top load washer extractors (other than those for household use);
b) ≤ 2.4 liters of water per rack for undercounter and hood dishwashers (other than those for household use); and
c) ≤ 11.0 liters of water per minute for high pressure washers (other than those for: (i) household use; (ii) steam cleaning or hot water pressure washing; (iii) washing equipment or vehicles; (iv) specialized cleaning and work; (v) sandblasting).

For these three types of commercial appliances, only models which meet the minimum water efficiency requirements will be allowed to be offered, displayed or advertised for sale or supply in Singapore. Accordingly, the models will need to be registered under the MWELS before they can be offered, displayed or advertised for sale or supply in Singapore.

However, no labeling requirements or tick-ratings will be imposed on these three types of commercial appliances. In order to register under the MWELS, these models must be tested according to the standards stipulated in the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations, which will be amended to mandate water efficiency requirements and stipulate test standards and/or methods for these three types of commercial appliances. The amendment will take effect from January 1, 2022.

Proposed date of adoption : Notice will be published prior to the date of entry into force.
Proposed date of entry into force : Januar. 1, 2022
Final date for comments : June 7, 2021