Reduction of water usage not only conserves dwindling supplies but it also eases the load on our wastewater treatment plants and diminishes the effect of effluent discharge on the environment.

To date, the much publicised PUB water conservation efforts are focused mainly on the efficiency of fixtures such as reduced volume flush toilet cisterns, showerheads and tap flow control.

No doubt such measures will result in substantial reduction of water usage but other water-saving solutions should be encouraged and implemented in tandem with PUB's efforts.

Further substantial reduction in water consumption can be accomplished if plumbing professionals take a more innovative approach of the plumbing system design as a whole.

This includes piping system design to incorporate waste water reuse, rainwater harvest, user behaviour and alternative water heating system.

Design optimisation principles, such as minimising the number of fittings, grouping fixtures, reducing pipe lengths and specifying the appropriate pipe sizes, are important factors.

The challenge now is for our plumbing design professionals to review our current outdated plumbing system design and update the code of practice for the sanitary sewerage system and come up with a new visionary concept which is a victory for efficiency and the environment.

The newly established water research centre should seriously find a solution to capture and recycle bath and shower water from fixtures in the houses or apartments for flushing of toilets.

Chia Wai Chon

Operations Manager

Singapore Plumbing Society