WELS Ticks Explained: Water-Efficient Taps, Showers and Toilets in Singapore
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Every tap, mixer and toilet cistern sold in Singapore has a small label with ticks on it. Those ticks are the WELS rating, and they tell you how much water the fitting uses. More ticks, less water.
WELS stands for the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme, run by PUB. It is worth a quick look before you buy, because the fittings you choose now will be in daily use for years.
What the ticks actually mean
Each type of fitting has its own limits. Here are the ones that matter for a home renovation:
| Fitting | 2 ticks | 3 ticks |
|---|---|---|
| Basin taps and mixers | more than 2 up to 4 L/min | 2 L/min or less |
| Kitchen sink and bib taps and mixers | more than 4 up to 6 L/min | 4 L/min or less |
| Shower taps and mixers | more than 5 up to 7 L/min | 5 L/min or less |
| Dual flush cisterns (full / reduced flush) | more than 3.5 up to 4.0 L / more than 2.5 up to 3.0 L | 3.5 L or less / 2.5 L or less |
Source: PUB WELS ratings. PUB updates its requirements from time to time, so check their website for the latest.
Which fittings have to carry the label?
Taps and mixers, dual flush low capacity flushing cisterns and urinal flush valves must be registered with PUB and labelled before they can be sold. WC flush valves were added on 1 January 2022. Showerheads are labelled under a voluntary scheme, so not every showerhead will have one.
Will a 3 tick tap feel weak?
Not if it is well designed. Good fittings mix air into the water or shape the stream so a lower flow still feels full. Hansgrohe EcoSmart and AirPower, and TOTO Tornado Flush, are built for exactly this. If you are unsure, try the tap or shower in one of our showrooms before you decide.
A simple way to choose
For the basin, a 2 or 3 tick mixer is plenty for washing hands and brushing teeth. In the kitchen, a 2 tick sink mixer fills pots a little faster, and a pull-out spray helps you rinse without wasting water. For the shower, a 2 tick mixer with a good hand shower is comfortable for most homes. For the toilet, 4.5L/3L dual flush and lower is common now, and a well designed bowl clears properly on a smaller flush.
Every tap and toilet on our site lists its model number, so you can look up its WELS rating. Browse basins and taps, shower sets, kitchen taps and toilet bowls.
Frequently asked questions
Is WELS the same as the Green Label?
No. WELS is PUB's labelling scheme for water fittings, rated with ticks. It is separate from other environmental labels.
Are E+NT fittings WELS certified?
Yes. E+NT water fittings are WELS certified, and they are stocked and serviced in-house by Lucky Khoon.
Get help choosing
Not sure what fits? Bring a photo and your measurements to any Lucky Khoon showroom and our team will help you pick the right model. We are an authorised dealer for the brands we carry, and our in-house installation team can supply and install for you.
- Enterprise One: 1 Kaki Bukit Road 1 #01-01 to #01-05, Singapore 415934. Bathroom and kitchen: +65 6346 2172
- Tradehub 21: 24 Boon Lay Way #01-72/73, Singapore 609969. Bathroom and kitchen: +65 6795 1862
- TOTO Boutique, Oxley Bizhub: 61 Ubi Road 1 #01-10, Singapore 408727. Tel: +65 6320 3778
Opening hours are on our contact page.
