SINGAPORE: The government has set up a new Water Efficiency Fund to encourage industries to be more innovative when it comes to saving water.

Speaking at the inaugural WaterMark Award ceremony on Tuesday evening, Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim said the fund would help companies and community groups implement water saving initiatives. It could also be used for research and community campaigns.

The WaterMark Award, organised by the PUB, recognises people and organisations that have made outstanding contributions in the effort to use water wisely.

Of the nine winners selected for the award, four are organisations like Alexandra Hospital, three are schools and two are individuals.

One of the individual recipients, 45-year-old Albert Phee, visits his neighbours to spread the message of saving water by giving them thimbles, which help to reduce water flow, and helping them install these thimbles on taps and shower hoses.

Mr Phee and his family also practise what they preach.

He said: "When I wash my clothes, I do a full load, collect the rinse water to wash the toilet or flush the toilet.

"I try to save water and at the same time, these habits help me to reduce (the) water bill not just for my family, but also for my friends. I'm doing my part to conserve water for the country. I have also imparted these habits to my kids."

His daughter, Jolin, said: "When my sister bathes for a long time, I'll ask her to quickly finish her bath because the water is wasted. It's not being used properly."

Washing vegetables in a basin and saving that water to flush the toilet later may sound simple, but many are still not practising such water-saving techniques.

Singapore's per capita domestic water consumption has been dropping progressively and currently stands at 158 litres a day.


- CNA/so