From April 1, washing machines that are not water efficient will no longer be sold in stores. Singapore’s national water agency PUB said only those with one or more ticks are allowed for sale.
The more ticks a product has, the more water efficient it is.
Moving forward, PUB said it intends to raise the minimum requirement for washing machines from one tick to two ticks in 2015.
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.
PUB said sales of washing machines with three ticks have increased by 17 per cent from 55,174 units sold in 2011 to 79,309 units in 2013.
“Laundry is the third most water-consuming activity at home and accounts for 19 per cent of an average family’s monthly water consumption.
“PUB has been working with suppliers and retailers to provide clear labelling to indicate the water efficiency of every washing machine. This will help consumers to make an informed choice when buying one,” said 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.
