Water conservation and plumbing: PUB replies

PUB, the national water agency, thanks Mr Chia Wai Chon from the Singapore Plumbing Society for his feedback ("Water conservation efforts may affect plumbing"; last Saturday).

Water conservation efforts do not affect the effectiveness of plumbing systems that are properly installed in accordance with plumbing design codes.

PUB reviews the plumbing design codes and standards regularly, with inputs from all industry players, including the Singapore Plumbing Society.

Before introducing water-efficient appliances like the low-capacity water closet into the market, tests for flushing endurance and transportation through the sanitary pipelines are conducted to ensure that used water would be adequately conveyed without causing any blockage along the pipelines.

The Singapore standards for low-capacity water closets were last reviewed in 2012.

Water conservation remains a key pillar for Singapore to achieve water sustainability, and our target is to reduce the per capita consumption of 150 litres a day to 140 litres by 2030. Members of the public who wish to make their homes more water efficient can call PUB's 24-hour call centre on 1800-284-6600 for advice, and request free thimbles for their existing taps and shower heads.

Ooi Kian Eng

Director, Water Reclamation Network,

PUB

This article was first published on July 8, 2015.
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