Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Water pressure

Question:

Mr David Hoe: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what water pressure range or service standard does PUB aim to provide to households residing in HDB flats; (b) how many feedback cases on low water pressure from HDB flat dwellers has PUB received in each of the past five years; and (c) whether PUB has reviewed if the current minimum standard remains adequate.

Answer:

The Singapore Standard on the Code of Practice for Water Services stipulates the requirements for all plumbing systems. This is a national standard on water services, drawn up and reviewed regularly in consultation with engineering professionals, members of the industries and relevant Government agencies. The Code does not specify a minimum water pressure and there are no plans to change this because water pressure varies significantly across locations, building heights, pipe configurations and usage patterns. Instead, Professional Engineers work closely with developers, architects and building owners to design water systems tailored to each development to ensure adequate water pressure and supply.

At the national level, PUB maintains water pressure that can adequately supply water directly to fittings not exceeding 25 metres above mean sea level.  Correspondingly, the Code requires those with water fittings higher than 25 metres above mean sea level to be served by indirect supply from water storage tanks. For HDB blocks, these tanks are situated at the rooftop and maintained by the Town Councils.

Over the last five years, PUB received an average of 75 cases of feedback per month on low water pressure from HDB units, with this monthly average figure remaining largely the same through the years. Most of the incidents of low water pressure are due to localised issues such as stoppage of pumps, partially closed service valves or blockages in older service pipes or fittings.