SINGAPORE - A new four-tick rating for washing machines will be introduced from Saturday (April 1).

National water agency PUB will also phase out zero-tick taps and mixers in a bid to get households to conserve water.

Here's more about the mandatory water efficiency labelling scheme.

1. What is it?

The scheme, introduced in 2009, reflects the water efficiency of a product.

2. Which products are included?

It covers water fittings such as taps and mixers, dual-flush low-capacity flushing cisterns, urinal flush valves and waterless urinals, as well as appliances such as washing machines.

Dishwashers will be included from October 2018.

Showerheads fall under a voluntary labelling scheme.

3. What do the ticks mean?

Four ticks on a washing machine means it uses 6 litres of water or less per kg of washing.

A three-tick machine uses 6 to 9 litres of water.

For taps and mixers, the ticks indicate the flow rate of water per minute.

Click here for the full chart.

PUB also has an online listing of all the rated products.