The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) is part of an ongoing effort by PUB, the national water agency, to encourage people to use water wisely and make water conservation a way of life. WELS enables consumers to make informed purchases based on the water efficiency of a product. By spurring consumers to choose higher rated water efficient products, WELS also gives manufacturers and suppliers an incentive to introduce more water efficient products into the market.
The scheme is implemented through labels that indicate the water efficiency of a product. It awards zero to three ticks for water efficiency, with zero being not efficient, and one, two and three ticks for good, very good and excellent water efficiency ratings respectively. The ratings are accorded to the various categories of products based on their flow rate, flush capacity or water consumption. In addition to the product’s flow rate, flush capacity or water consumption, its brand, model and registration number are also displayed on the label.
WELS comprises both a mandatory and a voluntary scheme. It was first introduced as a voluntary scheme in 2006. As a follow-up to the voluntary scheme, the mandatory scheme was implemented in 2009. Since 1 July 2009, all basin, sink and shower taps, dual flush low capacity flushing cisterns and urinals are already under the Mandatory WELS. With effect from 1 Oct 2011, clothes washing machines have also been moved over to the Mandatory WELS from the Voluntary WELS. Only showerheads currently remain under the Voluntary WELS.
