PUB, the national water agency, thanks Mr Ramesh Kumar for his feedback ("Two ways to save water in public loos"; Forum Online, last Saturday) and is heartened by his interest in the importance of water conservation.
Public toilets are required to be fitted with sensor-operated flush valves for hygiene reasons. This requirement for public toilets is stated in the National Environment Agency's Code of Practice for Environmental Health.
All taps and flush valves must meet the requirements specified by PUB to ensure water conservation and proper operation before they can be sold or installed.
For sensor flush valves, flushing shall be activated only after the user moves out of the sensing distance. For manual self-closing delayed action taps, the pre-set timing shall not exceed three seconds.
Building managements are required to carry out regular maintenance to ensure that the taps and flush valves installed in their buildings continue to perform properly, so that hands can be washed efficiently, and unwanted and multiple flushing does not occur.
They are also encouraged to display contact numbers of the building maintenance in the public toilets. This will help the public to report any faulty fittings for immediate rectification.
PUB also conducts spot checks on water fittings installed at public toilets and will advise building owners if fittings are not maintained properly. If they fail to comply, enforcement action will be taken.
The public can report any faulty flush valves, taps or other water fittings to the building management or PUB's 24-hour call centre on 1800-284-6600.
Michael Toh
Director
Water Supply Network Department
PUB
Public toilets are required to be fitted with sensor-operated flush valves for hygiene reasons. This requirement for public toilets is stated in the National Environment Agency's Code of Practice for Environmental Health.
All taps and flush valves must meet the requirements specified by PUB to ensure water conservation and proper operation before they can be sold or installed.
For sensor flush valves, flushing shall be activated only after the user moves out of the sensing distance. For manual self-closing delayed action taps, the pre-set timing shall not exceed three seconds.
Building managements are required to carry out regular maintenance to ensure that the taps and flush valves installed in their buildings continue to perform properly, so that hands can be washed efficiently, and unwanted and multiple flushing does not occur.
They are also encouraged to display contact numbers of the building maintenance in the public toilets. This will help the public to report any faulty fittings for immediate rectification.
PUB also conducts spot checks on water fittings installed at public toilets and will advise building owners if fittings are not maintained properly. If they fail to comply, enforcement action will be taken.
The public can report any faulty flush valves, taps or other water fittings to the building management or PUB's 24-hour call centre on 1800-284-6600.
Michael Toh
Director
Water Supply Network Department
PUB
