The water price increase for the domestic sector should be much lower than that for the non-domestic sector, where demand for water is expected to rise steeply.

According to the information published on water consumption by the PUB, the non-domestic sector takes up 55 per cent of total water consumption currently and is projected to increase to 60 per cent by 2030 and 70 per cent by 2060 ("Cost of supplying water has more than doubled: PUB"; Feb 24).

Then, domestic sector demand will take up 30 per cent of Singapore's water supply.

Domestic water consumption fell from 165 litres per capita per day in 2003 to the current 151 litres.

Households have been exercising prudence and responsibility in conserving water, with the help of PUB's successful water conservation awareness programmes.

The Government should continue with the water conservation programmes, using creative means to promote awareness.

Households should be incentivised for the 15th year of water conservation effort instead of being penalised with the steep 30 per cent increase in water price. When an increase is unavoidable, it should be in small and gradual increments.

The Government can facilitate and encourage the non-domestic sector to start planning for the implementation of water conservation initiatives, as it will be the dominant water consumer in the future.

Aaron Ang Chin Guan