Singapore, 5 June 2023 – National water agency PUB will raise its funding cap for water recycling projects under the Water Efficiency Fund (WEF) from $1 million to $5 million from 1 July 2023, as part of its continuing efforts to drive water conservation efforts and promote sustainable water management practices in the non-domestic1 sector. PUB will also provide expanded support for various project categories under WEF to incentivise more companies to adopt efficient and innovative ways of managing water demand. This was announced by Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu during the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) Spotlight 2023 event held at the Paradox Singapore Merchant Court.
2. Since its establishment in 2007, WEF has provided funding for companies to implement water recycling, adopt innovative technologies for water conservation, and conduct studies to identify water saving opportunities in their operations. To date, 375 successful applications have received grants of varying amounts from PUB, which would result in water savings of 70 million litres a day when fully implemented.
Greater push to manage water demand among non-domestic users
3.Singapore’s water demand is expected to double by 2065, with the non-domestic sector expected to account for two-thirds of this demand. The impact of climate change will also stress our limited water resources. With growing water needs, it is imperative for businesses and industries to prioritise water efficiency and embrace sustainable water management practices, to ensure a sustainable and resilient water supply for Singapore.
4. Recognising the critical role of businesses and industries in ensuring long-term water sustainability, PUB has been working closely with non-domestic users to reduce their water demand. It also offers technical support to help companies identify water-saving opportunities within their operations, and match them with technology providers. Success stories in water management are actively shared through platforms such as SIWW and site visits to inspire and motivate businesses to adopt water-saving measures.
5. During the Committee of Supply debate in March this year, PUB announced plans to mandate water recycling requirements on new projects in the water-intensive wafer fabrication, electronics and biomedical sectors from January 2024. With the new recycling requirements, Singapore is projected to achieve an additional 40 million litres of water savings per day from 2035.
6. “Water conservation is increasingly becoming an integral part of companies’ operations and business sustainability strategy. By implementing water recycling and water-efficient systems, companies can make an immediate impact and reduce their water demand, achieve cost savings and strengthen their long-term competitiveness and resource resilience. This will also ensure sustainable growth in long term water demand in Singapore. The enhancement of WEF is yet another step that we are taking to support companies in their water conservation efforts, and safeguard our water future.” said Mr Ridzuan Ismail, Director of PUB’s Water Supply Network Department.
Enhancements to Water Efficiency Fund
7. PUB will make the following enhancements to the WEF from 1 July 2023:
a) Increase funding cap for water recycling or use of alternate sources of water projects from $1 million to $5 million. This will improve payback period for businesses implementing large-scale water recycling projects.
b) Increase funding cap for the Industrial Water Solutions Demonstration Fund (IWSDF) from $4 million to $5 million. This is a sub-scheme under WEF targeted at the implementation of new technologies and innovative solutions.
c) Increase co-funding ratio for water efficiency assessments and pilot studies from 50% to 70%, to support and encourage businesses to embark on their water conservation journey. Funding cap for pilot studies will be increased from $50,000 to $150,000. This will benefit smaller businesses, and businesses in less water-intensive sectors. (Refer to details in Annex A)
Recognising water champions
8. To recognise the outstanding efforts of water champions who have been instrumental in advancing water saving initiatives, PUB will present the prestigious Singapore Watermark Awards (SWMA) and Water Efficiency Awards2 in 2024. The SWMA will be Singapore’s pinnacle accolade in water conservation, celebrating deserving organisations with exceptional achievements and made significant contributions towards water sustainability in Singapore. PUB will also expand the Water Efficiency Awards to recognise water efficiency projects that have demonstrated excellent improvements in water efficiency performance. By recognising role models in water conservation and sharing best-in-class practices, PUB aims to continue to inspire businesses and the community to do their part in conserving water. Further details about the awards, including nomination process and timelines, will be shared at a later date.
Engaging global leaders for a sustainable water future
9. The three-day SIWW Spotlight 2023 is jointly organised by PUB and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment as a high-level Summit with a focus on bringing global water utility and industry leaders together to share ideas and solutions around the key topics of net zero, decarbonisation, climate resilience and digitalisation. Themed “Urgent Climate Action for a Sustainable Water Future”, the event was attended by 340 senior representatives from water utilities, water agencies and industry, including more than 40 water utility CEOs and C-suites. More information on SIWW Spotlight 2023 can be found in Annex B and on the event website www.siww.com.sg/spotlight-2023.
Footnotes:
[1] Refers to all water users other than households, including industries, commercial offices and retail premises.
[2] Introduced in 2017, the biennial Water Efficiency Awards (WEA) recognises the top water efficiency performers in the respective sectors. These refer to premises with the lowest Water Efficiency Index (WEI), or industrial plants with the highest recycling rates. This award has evolved from the Water Efficiency Building (Gold & Silver) Certification.
Annex A: Enhancements to Water Efficiency Fund
| Name of fund | Old funding framework Applications before 1 Jul 2023 |
New funding framework Applications on or after 1 Jul 2023 |
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| Grant amount | Grant cap | Grant amount | Grant cap | |
| Water Efficiency Assessment | 50% of project cost |
$30,000 | 70% of project cost |
$30,000 |
| Pilot Study | 50% of project cost |
$50,000 | 70% of project cost |
$150,000 |
| Adoption of Water Efficient Equipment |
The lower of: a) Water Savings Incentives; or b) 50% of the Total Qualifying Cost |
$300,000 | The lower of: a) Water Savings Incentives; or b) 50% of the Total Qualifying Cost |
$300,000 |
| Recycling/ Use of alternate source of water |
The lower of: a) Water Savings Incentives; or b) 50% of the Capital Cost |
$1million | The lower of: a) Water Savings Incentives; or b) 50% of the Capital Cost |
$5million |
| Industrial Water Solutions Demonstration Fund (IWSDF) |
The lower of: a) Water Savings Incentives; or b) 50% of the Capital Cost |
$4million | The lower of: a) Water Savings Incentives; or b) 50% of the Capital Cost |
$5million |
* Water Savings Incentives are calculated at $0.71 for every m3 of Potable Water or $0.45 for every m3 of NEWater or $0.37 for every m3 of Industrial Water saved over the economic life of the water recycling plant or 15 years (whichever is earlier).
(2) Infographic: Summary of WEF enhancements
(3) Eligibility Criteria for WEF Categories
| Funding Category | Eligibility Criteria |
Funding capped ($) |
| Water Efficiency Assessment | •Premises with monthly water consumption of at least 1,000 m3. | $30,000 |
| Pilot Study | •Premises with monthly water consumption of at least 1,000 m3. •At least 10% water savings OR annual water savings of at least 6,000 m3. |
$150,000 |
| Adoption of Water Efficient Equipment | •Premises with monthly water consumption of at least 1,000 m3. •Annual water savings of at least 1,200 m3. |
$300,000 |
| Recycling |
•Same as Pilot Study |
$5 mil |
| Industrial Water Solutions Demonstration Fund (IWSDF) |
•Premises with monthly water consumption of at least 10,000 m3. •At least 5% water savings. •The project should utilise an emerging / recently developed technology or an innovative application of existing technologies which has not been implemented in the industry |
$5 mil |
| Notes: 1. Smaller size of water users (<1,000m 3 per month) can apply for WEF collectively to meet the eligible criteria. 2. The following projects are not eligible for funding: • Rainwater harvesting projects. • Initiatives that are put in place to comply with regulatory requirements e.g. Water saving devices such as water efficient taps and flushing cisterns, trade effluent discharge limits or earth control requirements. • Premises that purchase water efficient fittings like taps, showerheads, flushing cisterns, urinals etc. • Use of NEWater or industrial water to replace potable water. |
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Annex B: SIWW Spotlight 2023 programme
*UCR will be a closed-door event for water utility CEOs and senior city officials
**Ecosperity Week 2023 will be held from 6-8 June at MBS
Details on the individual programmes can be found at https://www.siww.com.sg/spotlight-2023/programme/overview
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