Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Non-Domestic Water Demand Management

Question:

To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what is PUB's strategy to slow down the increase in national water consumption rate especially in the non-domestic sector; (b) how frequently does PUB review the Sectoral Water Efficiency Benchmarks and Recycling Rates; and (c) what incentives or penalties exist for those businesses consistently performing better or worse than these benchmarks.

Answer:

PUB manages national water consumption through a multi-pronged approach.

As water is a scarce resource, it is priced to reflect the full costs of its supply and production, and the cost of producing the next drop of water. Right-pricing water encourages water conservation by all users, including those from the non-domestic sector.

PUB also mandates measures to encourage and incentivise large water users and water-intensive industries to use water efficiently. Large water users must submit their Water Efficiency Plans to PUB annually which allows PUB to engage companies to identify water saving opportunities and provide guidance on water efficient use.

For new projects with annual water consumption above 60,000 m³ in the wafer fabrication, electronics, biomedical and pharmaceutical industries, PUB has introduced mandatory water efficiency requirements from 1 January 2024, such as a minimum 50% recycling rate for new plants in the wafer fabrication sector involved in front-end semiconductor manufacturing. Companies that fail to comply with the mandatory measures are liable for an offence amounting to a maximum penalty of $40,000.

PUB also supports companies that seek out efficient and innovative ways to manage their water demand through incentives and grants. Companies can tap on PUB’s Water Efficiency Fund to support their water efficiency projects, including large-scale water recycling projects to achieve higher recycling rates than the mandatory requirements.

PUB has developed sectoral water efficiency benchmarks and best practice guides. PUB reviews sectoral water efficiency performance annually, taking into consideration the latest industry trends and technology developments, and sets water efficiency targets to guide and improve overall sectoral performance.  

The intent of such benchmarks and guides is to encourage companies to continually identify and implement new solutions to enhance their water efficiency. PUB recognises organisations in Singapore for exceptional achievements in water efficiency, innovation, and advocacy under the Singapore Watermark Awards.