WATER EFFICIENCY LABELLING SCHEME

(VOLUNTARY & MANDATORY)

BY

PUB
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

Updated 1 Mar 2013

INTRODUCTION
1.

Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) sets out the requirements, guidelines
and terms and conditions for water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and products
to be labelled for water efficiency. The requirements, guidelines and terms and
conditions shall be set and issued by PUB. WELS is administered by PUB.

2.

The purpose of WELS is to:

3.

a.

Conserve water by further reducing water consumption through greater

awareness and use of water efficient water fittings, appliances, apparatuses
and products.

b.

Provide water efficiency and performance information to purchasers of water

fittings, appliances, apparatuses or products so that they can make a well
informed purchasing decision.

c.

Provide consumers with the necessary information on the water efficiency of

the labelled water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product and allow them to
compare it to other similar models in the market places, before deciding on
the purchase.

d.

Clearly differentiate the less water efficient water fittings, appliances,

apparatuses or products from the more water efficient ones.

e.

Encourage vendors to offer more water efficient water fittings, appliances,

apparatuses and products in Singapore and mould consumer preference
towards more water efficient water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and
products.

f.

Stimulate the introduction of cost-effective and water efficient technologies.

g.

Promote the adoption of efficient and effective water-use technologies.

Meaning of the WELS label:

a.

A water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product is WELS labelled if it is

labelled in accordance with the requirements, guidelines and terms and
conditions set out in this WELS Guidebook and the provisions in the Public
Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations for WELS for water fittings, appliances,
apparatuses or products of that kind.

b.

Such requirements, guidelines, terms and conditions and provisions may

relate to one or more of the following:
i.

Testing of the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product to meet

stipulated outcomes, requirements and standards. Such outcomes,
requirements and standards may not be limited to water efficiency.

Updated 1 Mar 13

ii.

Documents or other material used for, or provided in connection with, the

supply of the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product.

iii.

The characteristics, contents, placement and quality of labels attached to

water fittings, appliances, apparatuses or products or displayed on the
packaging of the water fittings, appliances, apparatuses or products.

iv.

Advertisement and promotion of the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or

product.

4.

PUB will oversee the registration of water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and
products under WELS to which the labelling and standards provisions apply, and
will monitor to enforce compliance with the scheme.

5.

Vendors (importers, parallel importers, retailers, manufacturers or new distributors)

of all water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and products (including those that do
not meet any water efficiency requirements) under the Mandatory Water Efficiency
Labelling Scheme (MWELS) must apply to have their models labelled.

6.

Vendors (importers, parallel importers, retailers, manufacturers or new distributors)

of those water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and products under the voluntary
WELS may apply to have their models labelled.

7.

Applications for labels can be made to PUB (hereafter referred to as the

Registration Centre).

8.

The water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and products covered under MWELS
include:
a.

Shower Taps and Mixers (except concealed shower taps and mixers &
concealed bath/shower taps and mixers)

b.

Basin Taps and Mixers

c.

Sink/Bib Taps and Mixers

d.

Dual Flush Low Capacity Flushing Cisterns (Dual Flush LCFCs)

e.

Urinal Flush Valves

f.

Waterless Urinals

g.

Clothes washing machines intended for household use (with effect from 1 Oct
2011)

Updated 1 Mar 13

Bidet taps and mixers, concealed shower taps and mixers and concealed
bath/shower taps and mixers will not be covered under MWELS for the time being.
They can continue to be installed in new and existing developments and premises.
However, they must be installed with constant flow regulators to ensure that the
flow rates from the showers comply with the mandatory maximum allowable flow
rates stipulated in the Singapore Standard CP 48 Code of Practice for Water
Services. The Code of Practice specifies that the maximum allowable flow rate for
showers shall not exceed 9 litres/min except for hotels. The maximum allowable
flow rate for showers in hotels shall not exceed 12 litres/min.
Bathtub taps and mixers will also not be covered under MWELS. Bath/shower taps
and mixers (except concealed bath/shower taps and mixers) will be covered under
MWELS. For bath/shower taps and mixers, MWELS will only be applicable to the
shower flow rates. MWELS will not be applicable to the bath flow rate from
bath/shower taps and mixers for filling of bathtubs.
9.

With effect from 1 Oct 2011, only showerheads will be covered under voluntary
WELS.

10. All water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and products to be labelled under the
mandatory and voluntary WELS shall comply with the standards and requirements
stipulated by PUB.
11. MWELS requires the water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and products covered
to be MWELS labelled for the purposes of supply, sale, or offer, display or
advertisement for supply or sale or installation or use of the water fittings,
appliances, apparatuses and products in Singapore.
12. All water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and products that are required to be
labelled under the MWELS will be rated. Zero Tick label shall apply to water
fittings, appliances, apparatuses and products that do not meet 1 or more ticks
requirements or have not undergone test for water efficiency. Details of ratings for
the various water fittings, appliances, apparatuses and products are given in
Appendix 1. The more the ticks, the better the water efficiency.
13. PUB reserves the right to amend existing and introduce new requirements,
guidelines and terms and conditions to the WELS including requirements,
guidelines and terms and conditions specific to particular water fittings, appliances,
apparatuses and products under WELS.
14. PUB welcomes feedback to help improve this Guidebook.
comments to the addresses listed below:

Updated 1 Mar 13

Kindly send your

Inspectorate Branch
Water Demand Management & Inspectorate Division
Water Supply (Network) Department
PUB
40 Scotts Road, #10-01
Singapore 228231
Tel: 1800-2846600 (PUB-One)
Fax: 67313023
Email: [email protected]

APPLICATIONS & NOTIFICATIONS

Application for Registration
1.

To register a water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product model to be labelled, the

supplier shall submit the application, a clear and well taken photograph of the water
fitting, appliance, apparatus or product model and the required documents
(relevant test reports and certificates to show proof of compliance in accordance
with the standards and requirements stipulated by PUB) to the Registration Centre
online. Upon clearance and registration by the Registration Centre, the supplier
shall then print the Water Efficiency Labels in accordance to the specified
requirements indicated in Appendix 2 for use with the water fitting, appliance,
apparatus or product model registered.

Third Party Registration

2

A Third Party is allowed to submit an application on behalf of an applicant to

register a water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product model to be labeled. The
Third Party submitting an application on behalf of the applicant is required to
furnish his/her necessary particulars in the application as required by the
Registration Centre. In addition, a letter of authorisation obtained from the
applicant has to be submitted to the Registration Centre together with the
application.

Notification of Change in Particulars

2.

A supplier whose water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product model has been
registered, shall notify the Registration Centre of any change to any of the
particulars (e.g. change in company name, etc) provided to the Registration Centre
during application for registration of the model. The notification shall be made not
less than 14 working days before the change. The supplier shall notify the
Registration Centre with details of the changes online. Failure to comply may
render the model registration null and void.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Notification of Modifications to Registered Water Fitting, Appliance, Apparatus or

Product Model
3.

Where any registered water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product model is

modified in any way, the supplier of the model shall do the following, failing which,
the model registration shall be deemed null and void:
a.

notify the Registration Centre online with a detailed description of the

modifications; and

b.

where the modification alters the water efficiency of the registered model, retest the model and submit to the Registration Centre, the relevant test
certificates and reports showing the water efficiency as modified and such
other information/details as the Registration Centre may require.

The Registration Centre may revise the water efficiency rating of the registered
model based on the test certificates and reports and information/details submitted.
Change of Distributorship
4.

When the distributorship of an existing registered water fitting, appliance,

apparatus or product model is taken over from a current supplier, the supplier that
takes over the distributorship shall notify the Registration Centre with an
undertaking letter to undertake all declarations made by the previous supplier for
the model taken over. To avoid unnecessary additional documentation, the new
supplier may make use of previously submitted test reports if the previous
suppliers agreement is obtained. For this purpose, an authorisation letter from the
previous supplier is required. Otherwise, the registration of the model shall be
deemed null and void and a fresh application for registration of the model shall be
made by the new supplier.

TEST REPORTS
General
1.

Before a water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product model can be considered for
registration under WELS, it is mandatory for the model to comply with and be
supported with the relevant test certificates and reports showing compliance with
PUBs stipulation of mandatory standards and requirements for that water fitting,
appliance, apparatus or product. Hence, besides the submission of test certificates
and reports for water efficiency for registration of the model, the supplier shall also
submit the relevant test certificates and reports showing compliance of the model
with PUBs stipulated mandatory standards and requirements for that water fitting,
appliance, apparatus or product.

Updated 1 Mar 13

2.

Upon submission of the test certificates and reports issued by the test laboratories,
submission of test sample to the Registration Centre is normally not required.
Nevertheless, the Registration Centre reserves the right to require sample and/or
further documents in support of the application for registration or to examine the
water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product listed in the test report or to request
for test if necessary.

3.

Wherever mentioned in this Guidebook, the term accredited should be taken as

accredited for testing to the test standards for the water fittings, appliances,
apparatuses or products listed in items 8 and 9 of the introduction of this
Guidebook.

Guidelines
4.

Only the following reports shall be accepted by the Registration Centre for the
purpose of registration under WELS:
a.

Test reports issued by independent laboratories in Singapore which have

been accredited under the Singapore Laboratory Accreditation Scheme
(SINGLAS) for the test standards stipulated.

b.

Test reports issued by independent laboratories out of Singapore which have

been accredited by the Partners under the Singapore Accreditation Council
Mutual Recognition Arrangement (SAC-MRA partners) for the test standards
stipulated.

The list of recognised testing laboratories/national certification bodies is available

from the Singapore Accreditation Council (SAC).

GUIDELINES FOR COMPLETING APPLICATION FORMS ONLINE

Applicants Details
1.

Name of the company (registered in Singapore) applying for the registration. The
applicant must be a Singapore-based company registered with the Accounting and
Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) in Singapore.

2.

Address of the company.

3.

Unique Entity Number (UEN) of the company issued by the ACRA.

4.

Name and title (designation) of the person appointed by the company to be in

charge of submission of application as well as to liaise with the Registration Centre.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Manufacturers Details
5.

Name of the factory that manufactures the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or
product. Attach a separate list if it involves more than one factory.

6.

Address (including country) of the factory that manufactures the water fitting,
appliance, apparatus or product.

Water Fitting, Appliance, Apparatus or Product Details

7.

Brief description of the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product.

8.

Brand of the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product to be marketed. If there

is no brand name on the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product, fill in the
name of the manufacturer shown on the rating label.

9.

Model number of the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product to be marketed.

The model number must be clearly shown on the rating label or the packaging.
Registering of family series is not allowed even though the model number falls
within this family series.

Test Certificates and Reports

10. All test certificates and reports for the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product
model shall be attached with the application and submitted together.
Applicants Legal Statement
11. Fill in the name of the company, the name and the title (designation) of the person
(who represents the Singapore company) who shall be responsible for the
application. Terms and conditions shall be read and fully agreed upon before
proceeding to submit an application.

THE WATER EFFICIENCY LABEL

Design of Label
1.

The designs of the labels for the mandatory and voluntary WELS are given in
Appendix 2. The labels shall be printed by the supplier whose water fitting,
appliance, apparatus or product model has been registered in accordance with
Figures 1 (for MWELS) and 2 (for voluntary WELS).

Updated 1 Mar 13

Use of the Water Efficiency Label

2.

The water efficiency label shall be fixed to each water fitting, appliance, apparatus
or product model displayed for sale or supply. The water efficiency label shall also
be fixed to each water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product model or on its
packaging at the point of sale or supply or offer for sale or supply. The label shall
be fixed such that it is prominent to let consumers view and compare with ease.
The markings and information on the label shall not be removed, defaced or
obscured in any manner that may confuse and/or mislead the consumer.

3.

The water efficiency label shall not be defaced, obstructed, removed, misused,
forged, falsified or altered.

Guidelines for the Use of the Water Efficiency Label in Advertisements and
Publicity Materials
4.

The water efficiency label shall be used only for the registered models.

5.

Advertisements for water fittings, appliances, apparatus or products labelled under

the MWELS in all forms of media including newspapers, brochures, catalogues,
publicity materials, websites etc shall display the water efficiency label for each and
every water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product model featured.

6.

When used in advertisements and publicity materials, the water efficiency label for
each registered model shall be separately displayed if there is more than one
model being advertised or promoted.

7.

The use of the water efficiency label in advertisements and publicity materials shall
also comply with the following requirements:

8.

a.

The water efficiency label shall appear next to the water fitting, appliance,
apparatus or product model featured so that it is easily identified with the
model featured.

b.

All information on the label shall be clearly visible and legible. Where it is
impractical for the label to be of a size or quality sufficient for any of the
information on the label to be clearly visible and legible, the relevant
information shall be extracted and printed clearly and legibly alongside the
label. The relevant information shall include the brand, model, water
efficiency rating (number of ticks i.e. 0, , or as well as wordings
i.e. Good, Very Good or Excellent), water consumption and registration
number.

Statements connoting that the product is MEWR/ PUB tested or MEWR/ PUB
certified or MEWR/ PUB approved shall NOT be used. These statements are
misleading.

Updated 1 Mar 13

9.

If in doubt, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers may seek clearance for

advertisements and publicity materials featuring the water efficiency label from
PUB before publication and promotion. A sample of the advertisement/publicity
material may be sent to the following address for clearance before publication and
promotion:
Inspectorate Branch
Water Demand Management & Inspectorate Division
Water Supply (Network) Department
PUB
40 Scotts Road, #10-01
Singapore 228231
Tel: 1800-2846600 (PUB-One)
Fax: 67313023
Email: [email protected]

REMEDIAL MEASURES IN CASE OF ERRONEOUS DATA

1.

When any data declared by the supplier (and hence displayed on the water
efficiency label) for any model is found to be in error, the registration shall be
immediately null and void and the supplier shall immediately remove all erroneous
labels from display and public circulation. The Registration Centre shall be notified
immediately and a new submission made to re-register the model in question.

2.

The Registration Centre may request the supplier to send the relevant product
model in question for third-party accredited testing. The Registration Centre will
select the samples for testing. All testing shall be carried out at the expense of the
supplier.

LISTING OF WATER EFFICIENT LABELLED MODELS

1.

The list of all water fitting, appliance, apparatus and product models that have been
registered for labelling can be viewed at www.pub.gov.sg/wels.

Updated 1 Mar 13

ENQUIRIES
1.

All enquiries on WELS can be addressed to PUB at the following address:

Inspectorate Branch
Water Demand Management & Inspectorate Division
Water Supply (Network) Department
PUB
40 Scotts Road, #10-01
Singapore 228231
Tel: 1800-2846600 (PUB-One)
Fax: 67313023
Email: [email protected]

ENFORCEMENT
1.

PUB will conduct regular spot checks on retailers and suppliers. Failure to comply
with the requirements, guidelines and terms and conditions stipulated in this WELS
Guidebook and the provisions for WELS in the Public Utilities (Water Supply)
Regulations shall render the registration of the water fitting, appliance, apparatus or
product model null and void. Anyone found contravening any of the requirements,
guidelines and terms and conditions stipulated in this WELS Guidebook and the
provisions for WELS in the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations shall also be
liable to prosecution under the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Appendix 1

DETAILS OF RATINGS
Products/
Fittings

Shower Taps
and Mixers

Test Standards and Requirements

For Water Efficiency(+)

For Shower Taps (cold water only),

Self-Closing-Delayed-Action Shower Taps, Sensor
(including Self-Closing-Delayed-Action) Shower
Taps or Combination Shower Taps:

Flow Rate/Flush
Volume Requirements
for Water Efficiency
Labelling
Pressure Range from
1.5 to 5.0 bars
Zero Tick :
> 9 litres/min

Either of the following

Annex A of SS448 : Part 3 : 1998
or
Section 10 of BS EN 200 : 2008
or
Section 10.3 of BS5412 : 1996
(For tests done before 1 Jan 11)
For mechanical shower mixers with a single or
separate control device for adjusting flow rate and
temperature:
Section 10 of BS EN 817 : 2008
Or
Section 10 of BS EN 817 : 1998
(For tests done before 1 Sep 09 only)
For thermostatic mixers:
Section 3, Clause 12 of BS 1415:Part 2:1986
Or
Section 10 of BS EN 1287:1999
Flow Rate Requirements
(a) The flow rates shall be measured in accordance with the
standards stipulated above but at the following dynamic
flow pressures: 50 kPa, 100 kPa, 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350
kPa, 450 kPa, 500 kPa and 550 kPa.
(b) The nominal flow rate shall be the mean of the average
flow rates obtained at the following dynamic flow
pressures: 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa and 500
kPa

Updated 1 Mar 13

Good (1 Tick) :
> 7 to 9 litres/min
Very Good (2 Ticks) :
> 5 to 7 litres/min
Excellent (3 Ticks) :
5 litres/min or less

(c) The difference between the highest and lowest average

flow rates determined in accordance with the standards
stipulated above at each of the dynamic flow pressures
of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa and 500 kPa
shall not exceed 2.0 litres/min.
(d) The highest average flow rate determined in accordance
with the standards stipulated above at each of the
dynamic flow pressures of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa,
450 kPa and 500 kPa shall not exceed the upper limit of
the flow range for the applicable rating (shown in the
column on the right) for the determined nominal flow rate
by more than 0.5 litres/min.
(e) The lowest average flow rate determined in accordance
with the standards stipulated above at each of the
dynamic flow pressures of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa,
450 kPa and 500 kPa shall not be less than the lower
limit of the flow range for the applicable rating (shown in
the column on the right) for the determined nominal flow
rate by more than 0.5 litres/min. For Excellent or 3 Ticks
rating, this lowest average flow rate shall not be less than
4.5 litres/min.
(f) The water consumption of a tap equipment shall be taken
to be the nominal flow rate determined in accordance
with (b) above and shall be indicated on the Water
Efficiency Label. The water efficiency rating of the tap
equipment shall be determined in accordance with the
flow ranges as shown in the column on the right for the
water consumption based on the nominal flow rate.
(g) If a tap equipment does not comply with the requirements
specified in (c), (d) and (e) above, its water efficiency
rating shall be zero tick. In such an instance, the water
consumption on the Water Efficiency Label for the tap
equipment will not be indicated.
(h) The recording of the average flow rates at 50 kPa, 100
kPa and 550 kPa are for data collection purposes only.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Products/
Fittings

Test Standards and Requirements

For Water Efficiency(+)

Showerheads

Appendix B of

Flow Rate/Flush
Volume Requirements
for Water Efficiency
Labelling
Pressure Range from
1.5 to 5.0 bars

AS/NZS 3662:2005
Flow Rate Requirements
(a) The flow rates shall be measured in accordance with
Appendix B of AS/NZS 3662 but at the following dynamic
flow pressures: 50 kPa, 100 kPa, 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350
kPa, 450 kPa, 500 kPa and 550 kPa.
(b) The nominal flow rate shall be the mean of the average
flow rates obtained at the following dynamic flow
pressures: 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa and 500
kPa
(c) The difference between the highest and lowest average
flow rates determined in accordance with Appendix B of
AS/NZS 3662 at each of the dynamic flow pressures of
150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa and 500 kPa shall
not exceed 2.0 litres/min.
(d) The highest average flow rate determined in accordance
with Appendix B of AS/NZS 3662 at each of the dynamic
flow pressures of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa
and 500 kPa shall not exceed the upper limit of the flow
range for the applicable rating (shown in the column on
the right) for the determined nominal flow rate by more
than 0.5 litres/min.
(e) The lowest average flow rate determined in accordance
with Appendix B of AS/NZS 3662 at each of the dynamic
flow pressures of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa
and 500 kPa shall not be less than the lower limit of the
flow range for the applicable rating (shown in the column
on the right) for the determined nominal flow rate by
more than 0.5 litres/min. For Excellent or 3 Ticks rating,
this lowest average flow rate shall not be less than 4.5
litres/min.
(f) The water consumption of a showerhead shall be taken
to be the nominal flow rate determined in accordance
with (b) above and shall be indicated on the Water
Efficiency Label. The water efficiency rating of the
showerhead shall be determined in accordance with the
flow ranges as shown in the column on the right for the
water consumption based on the nominal flow rate.
(g) The recording of average flow rates at 50 kPa, 100 kPa
and 550 kPa are for data collection purposes only.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Good (1 Tick) :
> 7 to 9 litres/min
Very Good (2 Ticks) :
> 5 to 7 litres/min
Excellent (3 Ticks) :
5 litres/min or less

Products/
Fittings

Basin Taps &

Mixers

Test Standards and Requirements

For Water Efficiency(+)

For Pillar Basin Taps, Self-Closing-Delayed-Action

Basin Taps, Sensor (including Self-ClosingDelayed-Action) Basin Taps or Combination Basin
Taps:

Flow Rate/Flush
Volume Requirements
for Water Efficiency
Labelling
Pressure Range from
1.5 to 5.0 bars
Zero Tick :
> 6 litres/min

Either of the following

Annex A of SS448 : Part 3 : 1998
or
Section 10 of BS EN 200 : 2008
or
Section 10.3 of BS5412 : 1996
(For tests done before 1 Jan 11)
For mechanical basin mixers with a single or
separate control device for adjusting flow rate and
temperature:
Section 10 of BS EN 817 : 2008
Or
Section 10 of BS EN 817 : 1998
(For tests done before 1 Sep 09)
For thermostatic mixers:
Section 3, Clause 12 of BS 1415:Part 2:1986
Or
Section 10 of BS EN 1287:1999
Flow Rate Requirements
(a) The flow rates shall be measured in accordance with the
standards stipulated above but at the following dynamic
flow pressures: 50 kPa, 100 kPa, 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350
kPa, 450 kPa, 500 kPa and 550 kPa.
(b) The nominal flow rate shall be the mean of the average
flow rates obtained at the following dynamic flow
pressures: 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa and 500
kPa
(c) The difference between the highest and lowest average
flow rates determined in accordance with the standards
stipulated above at each of the dynamic flow pressures
of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa and 500 kPa
shall not exceed 2.0 litres/min.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Good (1 Tick) :
> 4 to 6 litres/min
Very Good (2 Ticks) :
> 2 to 4 litres/min
Excellent (3 Ticks) :
2 litres/min or less

(d) The highest average flow rate determined in accordance

with the standards stipulated above at each of the
dynamic flow pressures of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa,
450 kPa and 500 kPa shall not exceed the upper limit of
the flow range for the applicable rating (shown in the
column on the right) for the determined nominal flow rate
by more than 0.5 litres/min.
(e) The lowest average flow rate determined in accordance
with the standards stipulated above at each of the
dynamic flow pressures of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa,
450 kPa and 500 kPa shall not be less than the lower
limit of the flow range for the applicable rating (shown in
the column on the right) for the determined nominal flow
rate by more than 0.5 litres/min. For Excellent or 3 Ticks
rating, this lowest average flow rate shall not be less than
1.5 litres/min.
(f) The water consumption of a tap equipment shall be taken
to be the nominal flow rate determined in accordance
with (b) above and shall be indicated on the Water
Efficiency Label. The water efficiency rating of the tap
equipment shall be determined in accordance with the
flow ranges as shown in the column on the right for the
water consumption based on the nominal flow rate.
(g) If a tap equipment does not comply with the requirements
specified in (c), (d) and (e) above, its water efficiency
rating shall be zero tick. In such an instance, the water
consumption on the Water Efficiency Label for the tap
equipment will not be indicated.
(h) The recording of the average flow rates at 50 kPa, 100
kPa and 550 kPa are for data collection purposes only.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Test Standards and Requirements

For Water Efficiency(+)

Flow Rate/Flush
Volume Requirements
for Water Efficiency
Labelling

For Bib Taps, Sink Taps (cold water only), Sensor

Sink Taps or Combination Sink Taps:

Pressure Range from

1.5 to 5.0 bars

Either of the following

Zero Tick :
> 8 litres/min

Products/
Fittings

Sink Taps
and Mixers
/Bib Taps

Section 10 of BS EN 200 : 2008

or
Section 10.3 of BS5412 : 1996
(For tests done before 1 Jan 11)
For mechanical sink mixers with a single or
separate control device for adjusting flow rate and
temperature:
Section 10 of BS EN 817 : 2008
Or
Section 10 of BS EN 817 : 1998
(For tests done before 1 Sep 09)
For thermostatic mixers:
Section 3, Clause 12 of BS 1415:Part 2:1986
Or
Section 10 of BS EN 1287:1999
Flow Rate Requirements
(a) The flow rates shall be measured in accordance with the
standards stipulated above but at the following dynamic
flow pressures: 50 kPa, 100 kPa, 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350
kPa, 450 kPa, 500 kPa and 550 kPa.
(b) The nominal flow rate shall be the mean of the average
flow rates obtained at the following dynamic flow
pressures: 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa and 500
kPa
(c) The difference between the highest and lowest average
flow rates determined in accordance with the standards
stipulated above at each of the dynamic flow pressures
of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa, 450 kPa and 500 kPa
shall not exceed 2.0 litres/min.
(d) The highest average flow rate determined in accordance
with the standards stipulated above at each of the
dynamic flow pressures of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa,
450 kPa and 500 kPa shall not exceed the upper limit of
the flow range for the applicable rating (shown in the
column on the right) for the determined nominal flow rate
by more than 0.5 litres/min.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Good (1 Tick) :
> 6 to 8 litres/min
Very Good (2 Ticks) :
> 4 to 6 litres/min
Excellent (3 Ticks) :
4 litres/min or less

(e) The lowest average flow rate determined in accordance

with the standards stipulated above at each of the
dynamic flow pressures of 150 kPa, 250 kPa, 350 kPa,
450 kPa and 500 kPa shall not be less than the lower
limit of the flow range for the applicable rating (shown in
the column on the right) for the determined nominal flow
rate by more than 0.5 litres/min. For Excellent or 3 Ticks
rating, this lowest average flow rate shall not be less than
2.5 litres/min or sink taps and 3.5 litres/min for bib taps.
(f) The water consumption of a tap equipment shall be taken
to be the nominal flow rate determined in accordance
with (b) above and shall be indicated on the Water
Efficiency Label. The water efficiency rating of the tap
equipment shall be determined in accordance with the
flow ranges as shown in the column on the right for the
water consumption based on the nominal flow rate. .
(g) If a tap equipment does not comply with the requirements
specified in (c), (d) and (e) above, its water efficiency
rating shall be zero tick. In such an instance, the water
consumption on the Water Efficiency Label for the tap
equipment will not be indicated.
(h) The recording of the average flow rates at 50 kPa, 100
kPa and 550 kPa are for data collection purposes only.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Products/
Fittings

Flushing
Cisterns

Test Standards and Requirements

For Water Efficiency(+)

SS 574 : Part 1 : 2012 - Volume of Discharge per

Flush
(Dual Flush Low Capacity Flushing Cisterns - Full
Flush & Reduced Flush)

With effect from 1 Mar 13, only dual flush WC low capacity
flushing cisterns and WC pans that have been tested to
comply with SS 574:Part 1:2012 and SS 574:Part 2:2012
respectively shall be allowed for display, advertisement, sale,
supply and installation in potable water supply systems in
Singapore. Dual flush WC low capacity flushing cisterns and
WC pans tested to comply with SS 378:1996 and SS
379:1996 respectively prior to 1 Mar 13 will continue to be
allowed for display, advertisement, sale, supply and
installation in potable water supply systems in Singapore.

Urinals and
Urinal Flush
Valves

Volume of Discharge Test

(Please refer to PUB website at
http://www.pub.gov.sg/general/Pages/FittingAndSta
ndards.aspx)

Flow Rate/Flush
Volume Requirements
for Water Efficiency
Labelling
Per Flush
Good (1 Tick) :
> 4 to 4.5 litres
(full flush) &
> 2.5 to 3 litres
(reduced flush)
Very Good (2 Ticks) :
> 3.5 4.0 litres
(full flush) &
> 2.5 to 3 litres
(reduced flush)
Excellent (3 Ticks) :
3.5 litres or less(++)
(full flush) &
2.5 litres or less
(reduced flush)

Per Flush
Good (1 Tick) :
> 1 to 1.5 litres
Very Good (2 Ticks) :
> 0.5 to 1 litres
Excellent (3 Ticks) :
0.5 litres or less(**)
or Waterless Urinals

Updated 1 Mar 13

Products/
Fittings

Clothes
Washing
Machines
Intended For
Household
Use

Test Standards and Requirements

For Water Efficiency(+)

Clause 8.6 of IEC 60456 Edition 5.0 (2010-02) or

Clause 11 of BS EN 60456:2005 relating to
measurement of water consumption.*
*The following are not required for the measurement of water
consumption:

Use of Reference Machine for normalisation of base load

items.

Parallel operation of Reference Machine with the test washing

machine.

Specific inlet water temperature, water hardness and water

pressure.

Specific ambient temperature and humidity.

Use of stain test strips.

Use of detergent.

Flow Rate/Flush
Volume Requirements
for Water Efficiency
Labelling
Per Kg Washload
Good (1 Tick) :
> 12 to 15 litres
Very Good (2 Ticks) :
> 9 to 12 litres
Excellent (3 Ticks) :
9 litres or less

The programme selected on the test washing machine and

any associated settings shall be in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions for the programme recommended
in the product literature for a normally soiled load at rated
load capacity. The programme selected on the test washing
machine (with any associated settings) shall be reported in
the test reports. The selected programme shall be indicated
along with the water consumption figures on the Water
Efficiency Label. The supplier is required to show proof of
programme recommendation in product literature when
registering for water efficiency labelling.
The objective of the Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling
Scheme (MWELS) for Clothes Washing Machines is primarily
to provide consumers with information on the water
consumption efficiency of the machines, which they can
factor into their purchasing decisions and thus make more
well-informed choices. The Scheme does not enquire into
the washing effectiveness/efficiency of the machines.
Note:
(+)

Before a water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product model can be considered for registration under
WELS, it is mandatory for the model to comply with and be supported with the relevant test certificates
and reports showing compliance with PUBs stipulation of mandatory standards and requirements for that
water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product. Hence, besides the submission of test certificates and
reports for water efficiency for registration of the model, the supplier shall also submit the relevant test
certificates and reports showing compliance of the model with PUBs stipulated mandatory standards and
requirements for that water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product. PUB's stipulated mandatory
requirements and standards for specific water fittings can be found at PUB's website at
www.pub.gov.sg/general/Pages/FittingsandStandards.aspx.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Suppliers can adopt the same flow rate test result/report for different models of taps and mixers without
additional testing if they are of similar designs with the same flow rate performance. Taps and mixers of
similar designs with the same flow rate performance include those which have the same body design but
with different colours, finishing or handle designs that do not affect the hydraulic performance of the taps
and mixers.
(++)

(**)

To pass laboratory simulation test on waste transportation efficiency in pipes prescribed by PUB if full
flush volume is less than 3.5 litres.
To pass the Dye Test specified in Clause 10.5 of the ASME A112.19.2-2003 or Clause 8.5 of the ASME
A112.19.2-2008/CSA B45.1-08 if flush volume is less than 0.5 litres.

Updated 1 Mar 13

Appendix 2

DESIGN OF WELS LABELS

Figure 1: Water Efficiency Label for MWELS

Figure 2: Water Efficiency Label for Voluntary WELS

Updated 1 Mar 13

Both labels shall comprise the following

a) The title Water Efficiency
b) Ticks that indicate the water efficiency rating of the labelled water fitting, appliance,
apparatus or product
c) The water efficiency rating in words:
Zero Tick (Water Efficiency Label for MWELS only - applicable to water fittings,
appliances, apparatuses or products which are unable to meet at least a 1 or
more ticks requirement under the MWELS category)
Good (for water fittings, appliances, apparatuses or products with 1 Tick water
efficiency rating)
Very Good (for water fittings, appliances, apparatuses or products with 2 Ticks
water efficiency rating)
Excellent (for water fittings, appliances, apparatuses or products with 3 Ticks
water efficiency rating)
d) Water Consumption* (Not tested for water efficiency to be indicated for water
fittings, appliances, apparatuses or products with Zero Tick rating if they are not
tested for water efficiency)
e) Type of product (To indicate type of water fitting, appliance, apparatus or product)
f) Brand name
g) Model number
h) Registration number (applicable to Water Efficiency Label for MWELS only)
i) Serial number (applicable to Water Efficiency Label for voluntary WELS only)

*For clothes washing machines, the programme selected on the test washing machine shall be
indicated along with the water consumption figures on the Water Efficiency Label.

Updated 1 Mar 13