SINGAPORE - National water agency PUB will replace for free the 9-litre water closets fitted in older HDB flats for lower-income households, it said on Thursday (June 8).

These water closets, which were phased out in 1992, use twice as much water as new models, PUB said.

Eligible households will be getting more water-efficient ones free of charge over the next three years.

The project, announced during this year's Budget debate, aims to help these families save water by replacing the water closets, and any non-water efficient washbasin taps and kitchen sink taps.

Some 9,000 families who are currently on community assistance schemes, and living in HDB flats built between 1986 and 1992, are expected to benefit.

"Nine-litre water closets use nearly twice the amount of water per full flush, compared to more water-efficient water closets," said Mr Michael Toh, PUB's director of water supply (network).

"We hope that helping these families replace their non-water efficient water closets and taps will help them save water and reduce their water bills by as much as 10 per cent."

Currently, three-room HDB flat owners pays an average of $33 per month for their water bill. With the replacement, they would save up to 10 per cent or $3.30.

PUB said it will progressively inform eligible households from June, starting with 5,700 households living in HDB three-room flats.

These households can then contact PUB or its appointed contractor to arrange for the replacement of their 9-litre water closet.

The second phase will commence in October for the remaining eligible HDB flats.

Details of the project can be found on PUB's website at www.pub.gov.sg.