This article was originally published on March 2, 2015, and updated on Feb 7, 2017.

SINGAPORE - An increase in water prices will be announced at the upcoming Budget as Singapore seeks to ensure long-term water security amid uncertain weather conditions.

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said the price increase will help ensure the reliability of the country's water infrastructure, as well as support reliable but more expensive sources of water like desalination.

The details will be announced at the Singapore Budget on Feb 20, which will delivered by Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat.

Here are five ways to save water and reduce water bills.

1. In your bathroom

- Reduce shower time by one minute, and turn off the tap when soaping.

- Use a tumbler when brushing your teeth.

- For dual-flush flushing cisterns, use reduced flush for liquid waste.

- Opt for showers, rather than baths in the bathtub.

- Wait for the water to heat up, before turning on the tap for hot showers .

2. In your kitchen

- Wash dishes and vegetables in a basin, and not under a running tap.

- Do not thaw food under running water. Let it defrost overnight in the fridge instead.

- Use water leftover from boiling to water your plants, after it has cooled.

- Wash full loads, if you are using a dishwasher.

3. When doing your laundry

- Run the washing machine only on a full load.

- Collect the rinse water from the washer to flush the toilet or mop the floor.

4. Housekeeping outdoors

- Keep car washing to a minimum. Use a bucket and not a running hose.

- Water plants by using a watering can instead of a running hose. Reduce the frequency of watering to every third day and not more than 15 minutes each time.

- Water plants in the early morning or late evening (before 7am and after 7pm) to minimise evaporation losses.

5. Others

- Monitor your water bill to track water consumption. If it is more than average, relook your water usage habits.

- Install thimbles or water saving devices at taps with high flow rate.

- Turn off taps tightly to ensure they do not drip.

- Check for leaks in flushing cisterns, pipes and taps, and repair them promptly to prevent water wastage.

- Check for leaks regularly by turning off all taps and checking the water meter. If the meter counter dial continues to run, it means there is a leak.

-Wash your pets outdoors, if you have a garden and outdoor plants.

For more tips, visit http://www.pub.gov.sg/Pages/default.aspx

Sources: Public Utilities Board, Water Use It Wisely, Save Our Water