Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) Guide for Singapore

The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) is an intiative introduced by the Public Utilities Board (PUB). Its aim is to encourage water conservation by raising awareness about water-efficient products. Products under this scheme are given a rating between zero to four ticks that symbolises how efficiently the product consumes water. The two categories under WELS are the Voluntary WELS (VWELS) and Mandatory WELS (MWELS).

Where can these water efficiency labels be found?

Water efficiency labels are designed to be easily identifiable by consumers. Adhering to the guidelines, these labels should be prominently displayed on products, their packaging, or within their advertisements.

The standard label resembles a blue water droplet with ticks that represent the product's efficiency rating and text that further elaborates on its efficiency and states its registered information. If you cannot find the label, the label information might have been written out within the product's advertisement instead.

Voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (VWELS)

The Voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) was introduced in October 2006 and targets water-efficient fittings and appliances. It empowers consumers to make informed choices by providing data on product water efficiency. While products under VWELS are not mandated to align with PUB's efficiency standards, vendors can voluntarily submit their products for evaluation to gain consumer trust. Currently, the only product under this category is showerheads.

Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS)

The Mandatory Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MWELS) started on July 1, 2009 and builds upon VWELS. MWELS stipulates that all designated water products intended for use in potable water installations must undergo testing and be labelled. Products that pass the requirements are then permitted for supply and installation in Singapore.

MWELS initially covered taps, dual flush low capacity flushing cisterns (LCFCs), urinals, and urinal flush valves. Over the years, the list expanded to include washing machines, household dishwashers, wash closet flush valves, commercial washer extractors, commercial dishwashers, and high-pressure washers.

In order to reduce water consumption from washing machines nationwide, consumers were strongly encouraged to purchase washing machines with three ticks. This was highly effective, as sales of 3-tick washing machines jumped from 37% to 70% between 2011 and 2014. Only washing machines with a rating of 2-ticks or higher were allowed be sold from October 1, 2015 onwards.

Additionally, starting April 1, 2019, only fittings with a 2-tick rating or above under MWELS were permitted for supply and installation.

Why was WELS introduced

The Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) is an initiative that seeks to foster a culture of water conservation in Singapore. WELS aims to reduce unecessary water consumption by increasing awareness and promoting the use of water-efficient fittings, appliances, devices, and products.

A cornerstone of this scheme is the provision of detailed water efficiency and performance data to potential buyers. This ensures that consumers are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions, allowing them to compare the water efficiency of a labeled product against other offerings in the market.

Furthermore, WELS serves as a mechanism to differentiate products based on their water efficiency, making it easier for consumers to identify and opt for superior products. This differentiation also incentivizes vendors to prioritize water-efficient products in the Singaporean market, subtly shaping consumer preferences in favor of these products.

Beyond immediate consumer choices, the scheme plays a pivotal role in stimulating the development and introduction of cost-effective, water-saving technologies, actively championing the adoption and utilization of methods that optimize water use effectively.

The role of licensed plumbers

Licensed plumbers (LPs) are not allowed to install or oversee the installation of water pipes or fittings that do not comply with PUB's standards and requirements. This includes the installation of non-MWELS labelled water fittings.

You should not purchase non-MWELS labelled water fittings and products from overseas because their installation is not allowed in Singapore. Our plumbers have been contacted by hundreds of homeowners seeking the installation of non-approved fittings but we had to turn them down. Any plumber from a reputable plumbing services company will do the same.

Our licensed plumber would be issued with ten demerit points for installing a non-MWELS labelled water product. This would lead to an immediate suspension from carrying out regulated works for a period of six months. We have written an article that goes over the demerit point system for licensed plumbers.

While it is a fact that you would save a lot of money purchasing non-MWELS labelled water products from overseas, we recommend that you stick with labelled products because they have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they do not adversely affect the health of you and your loved ones.

Pre testing Water fittings stanards

Other than water conservation, the WELS registration for water fittings also protects public health and safety. This is because prior to certification by an Accredited CB, the water fitting, appliance, apparatus and product to be labelled under the WELS must be tested for compliance with PUB’s stipulated standards and requirements under Regulation 5 of the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations to address water contamination, water wastage and reliability aspects of the product.

WELS Certification process

After they are tested for general compliance, the items can then undergo the WELS certification process managed also by an Accredited Certification Body (CB) such as TÜV SÜD PSB to ensure they meet the standards defined under the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS).

After certification, the product details are then sent to the PUB by the CB to be made available on the WELS website for public access. Finally, the PUB issues the efficiency label to the supplier, confirming the product's compliance and ready for sale in Singapore.