Sale of zero-tick washing machines to stop from April 1

SINGAPORE - From April 1, only washing machines with one or more ticks will be allowed for sale in stores.

The minimum requirement for washing machines will be raised from one tick to two ticks in 2015, said PUB, the national water agency, in a press statement.

Currently, washing machines and other water appliances sold in Singapore carry a water efficiency label ranging from zero to three ticks.

The number of ticks indicate how water efficient a product is. A one-tick washing machine can save 81 litres of water per wash for a 7kg laundry load. Those with two and three ticks can save 102 litres and 112 litres of water, respectively. Sales of three-tick washing machines have increased by 17 per cent from 55,174 in 2011 to 79,309 in 2013, according to the PUB.

"PUB has been working with suppliers and retailers to provide clear labelling to indicate the water efficiency of every washing machine," said Mr Chong Hou Chun, Director of Water Supply Network at PUB.

Showers and washing in the kitchen sink top the chart as the two most water-consuming activities at home at 29 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively.

PUB is increasing its efforts on water conservation as it moves to encourage more water-efficient household water appliances under the Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS).

Ms Elsa, a resident who stays in a 4-room flat at Punggol Walk said, "We purchased a three-tick washing machine when we moved into our new flat last year. It helps us to save water and save money."

natlim@sph.com.sg