HANDBOOK ON

APPLICATION FOR
WATER SUPPLY

Published By : Water Department

Public Utilities Board
111 Somerset Road #14-01
Singapore 238164
First Published : 1979
First Revision : 1981
Second Revision : 1993
Third Revision : 1997
(This Handbook or any part thereof may not be reproduced in any manner without t
he permission of the Water Department)

Table of Contents

Section 1 - General
1.1 Introduction And Scope Of Handbook
1.2 The Public Utilities Act, Chapter 261 (1996 Edition) and the Public Util
ities (Water Supply) Regulations
1.3 Singapore Standard Code of Practice for Water Services

Section 2 - Water Quality, Pressure, Tariffs, Water Conservation

2.1 Water Quality and Drinking Water Standards
2.2 Water Pressure and availability of water supply
2.3 Water Tariffs
2.4 Water Conservation

Section 3 - Procedures for obtaining water supply

3.1 Preliminary Consultation before Planning Approval
3.2 Notification of Planning Approval
3.3 Submission of Plans
3.4 Capital contribution from Developer
3.5 Application for water connection and approval to carry out water service
 work
3.6 Processing of Application for Water Connection
3.7 Turn-on of water supply
3.8 Application for water supply
3.9 Application for temporary water supply

Section 4 - Metering Requirements

4.1 Water supplies to be metered
4.2 Meters
4.3 Recommended size of meters based on monthly consumption
4.4 Guidelines on meter positions

Section 5 - Water Fittings

5.1 Approved water fittings

Section 6 - Water Service Workers

6.1 Class of Water Service Workers
6.2 List of Licensed Water Service Plumbers

Section 7 - Procedures for application to carry out plumbing system

7.1 New water service installation
7.2 Relaying of an existing water service installation
7.3 Extension of an existing water service installation
7.4 Urgent repair work
7.5 Cleansing and repairing of water service installation
7.6 Machinery, etc.
7.7 Identification of pipe and pipe fitting

Section 8 - Water Requirements for Fire Services

8.1 Permission to be obtained for fire service in premises
 8.2 Storage cisterns for fire-fighting equipment
8.3 Fire sprinkler system

Section 9 - Non-potable Water

9.1 Industrial Water
9.2 Ground Water or Well Water

Annexure 1 Quality of Water

Figure 1 Standard Water Meter Compartment at Gate Pillar (For Landed Properties)

SECTION 1 - GENERAL
1.1 Introduction And Scope Of Handbook
The Water Department of the Public Utilities Board is charged with the respo
nsibility of maintaining the water mains and connecting pipes up to the water me
ter. Water service installations downstream of a water meter shall be maintained
by the customer.
This Handbook is specially prepared to assist Developers, Architects and Pro
fessional Engineers acting as Consultants, Government Departments and Statutory
Boards in their application for water supply and to provide general information
on water supply matters.

1.2 The Public Utilities Act, Chapter 261 (1996 Edition) and the Public Utilitie
s (Water Supply) Regulations
The Act and the Regulations set out the requirements of the Water Department
. This Handbook should be read in conjunction with them.

1.3 Singapore Standard Code of Practice for Water Services

The Singapore Standard CP48 - Code of Practice for Water Services sets out t
he accepted standard of good practice in plumbing work. All plumbing work should
comply with this Code of Practice which is available for sale at the Singapore
Productivity and Standards Board (PSB), 1 Science Park Drive, Singapore 118221.

SECTION 2 - WATER QUALITY, PRESSURE, TARIFFS, WATER CONSERVATION

2.1 Water Quality and Drinking Water Standards
2.1.1 Water supplied by the Board is within the guidelines for Drinking Water
Quality set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
2.1.2 Water supplied to the western and eastern parts of the Island has sligh
tly higher content of chloride and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) than the rest of
the Island.
2.1.3 Water is fluoridated.
2.1.4 The typical chemical and bacteriological quality of the water is shown
in Annexure 1. Should there be any query on the water quality, the Developer/Con
sultant/Customer is advised to consult the Senior Chemist, Water Department.

2.2 Water Pressure and availability of water supply

The water pressure available at different parts of the Island varies dependi
ng on the elevation of the land and on the time of the day. Generally the Depart
ment maintains a water pressure capable of supplying directly to fittings not ex
ceeding 25 metres above mean sea level. This means that water supply to premises
above this level has to be indirect via storage cisterns. The daily water press
ure in the distribution system varies with the consumption pattern, being at the
highest when the consumption is minimum and lowest when consumption is at the p
eak. The following mode of supply is to be adopted:
Height of Highest Fittings
Above Mean Sea Level Mode of Supply
a Not exceeding 25 metres Direct supply to fitt
ings from PUB mains.
b Above 25 metres but not Indirect supply throu
gh high level storage cistern.
exceeding 37 metres
c Above 37 metres Indirect supply th
rough low level storage cistern with pumping to high level storage cistern.
The high level storage cisterns should have a minimum capacity equivalent to
24 hours consumption.
For mode (c), the low level cistern shall be located such that the inlet to
the low level cistern is below 37 metres above mean sea level. As a guide, the l
ow level storage cistern shall have a minimum capacity equivalent to 8 hours con
sumption. Clearance must be obtained from the Department during planning stage a
s the Department may impose additional requirements as it may determine.
Notwithstanding the mode of supply, storage cisterns of not less than a day'
s water supply requirements shall be provided for hospitals, factories and impor
tant installations for purposes of maintaining a continuous and steady supply of
water in the event of interruptions of supply.

2.3 Water Tariffs

2.3.1 The tariffs presently applicable to the various categories of customers ar
e as follows:
a Domestic Tariff
b Non-domestic Tariff
c Tariff for shipping
2.3.2 The schedule of tariffs is subject to change by Notification in the Gazett
e made by the Board from time to time.
2.3.3 Should there be a change in use of premises from domestic to non-domestic
or vice versa, the customer is advised to write in to the Water Department for a
change in the tariff within 7 days from the date of such change in use.

2.4 Water Conservation

2.4.1 It is important that potable water is at all times used efficiently and ef
fectively. Water conservation measures as required by PUB must therefore be adop
ted in domestic and non-domestic premises, including construction sites in order
to conserve water.
2.4.2 The water conservation measures to be adopted at various areas include the
following:
(a) Toilets/Washrooms in all domestic and non-domestic premises
It is mandatory with effect from 3.5.1996 for all building plan submissions made
for all new premises and for premises undergoing renovations which involve the
replacement of water closets to incorporate only approved low capacity flushing
cisterns. This is applicable to all water closets in residential premises and
those within commercial/industrial premises. With effect from 1.4.1997, all new
and ongoing building projects are required to use only low capacity flushing cis
terns. Public toilets shall as required by the Ministry of the Environment (ENV)
be fitted with flush valves.
(b) Toilets/Washrooms in all non-domestic premises (including the common ame
nities of condominium)
i) Install self-closing delayed-action taps at all wash ba
sins.
ii) Install self-closing delayed-action shower taps at all
shower points.
iii) Install constant flow regulators at all wash basin mixe
rs, shower mixers and bib taps.
(c) Kitchens/Stalls/Cooking areas in all non-domestic premises
Install constant flow regulators at all sink taps.
(d) Canteens (excluding cooking areas)
Install self-closing delayed-action taps at all wash basins and
wash troughs.
(e) Laboratories
 Install constant flow regulators at all wash basin and sink taps
except for safety reasons.
(f) Vehicle washing areas
i)Construct earth removal platforms and water recovery systems f
or washing of vehicles at construction sites.
ii)Construct water recovery systems at vehicle washing point for
other premises where washing of vehicles are required.
(g) Condominium/Residential apartment units/Hotel rooms/Massage rooms/Hospit
al wards
Install constant flow regulators at all wash basin taps, wash ba
sin mixers, showers, shower mixers, bib taps and sink taps.
(h) Other areas in domestic (where applicable) and non-domestic premises.
i) Set up collection and/or treatment systems, wherever possible, to use non
-potable water (such as industrial water, sea water, pond water, rain water, etc
) for non-potable uses such as production process, cooling, irrigation, general
washing, fire-fighting, etc.
ii) Set up water pre-treatment plant for boiler usage to reduce boiler blowdo
wn.
iii) Set up water recovery system for boilers, wherever possible, to recover c
ondensate as make-up water.
iv) Set up water recycling system, wherever possible, to reclaim process water
for reuse in the production process and other non-potable purposes such as cool
ing, irrigation, etc.
v) Use non-water cooled (such as air-cooled, refrigerant-cooled, etc) systems
for cooling purposes wherever possible.
Water conservation measures as stipulated in the Public Utilities (Water Sup
ply) Regulations and Singapore Standard CP48 - Code of Practice for Water Servic
es must also be adopted.

Note: Constant flow regulators are not required where water pressure at the f
ittings is less than 1 bar. As a guide, these regulators need to be installed on
ly where the static water pressure at the fittings exceeds 1.5 bars.

SECTION 3 - PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING WATER SUPPLY

3.1 Preliminary Consultation before Planning Approval
All enquiries by Developer/Consultant on water supply availability to propos
ed developments should be directed to the Senior Engineer, Customer Supply Branc
h, Water Department. Enquiries can be made on water supply availability, size of
water mains and their proximity to the site of the proposed development and the
 need for storage cisterns. Details of the procedures for obtaining water supply
are described in section 3.8.

3.2 Notification of Planning Approval

3.2.1 The Developer/Consultant should notify the Water Department as soon as
their projects are approved by the Development Control Division of the Urban Red
evelopment Authority as required in section 3.8(i).
3.2.2 The Developer/Consultant should provide location and layout plans toget
her with details such as water requirements, type of development, phasing of dev
elopment, temporary water supply requirement during construction stage and appro
ximate date of completion of project including date when water supply is expecte
d to be turned-on.
3.2.3 All water service work must be carried out by the appropriate class of
water service worker. Section 6.1 shall apply to such water service workers.

3.3 Submission of Plans

3.3.1 The Developer/Consultant shall engage a water service worker of the app
ropriate class to submit schematic plans, location/site plans and working drawin
gs showing the water service installation including the fire-fighting installati
on, if any, as required in section 3.8(iv).
3.3.2 For buildings requiring pumping equipment and/or storage cistern, a reg
istered Professional Engineer must be engaged to submit the schematic plans and
working drawings of the water service installations designed by him for approval
.

3.4 Capital contribution from Developer

3.4.1 The Developer will be advised whether a capital contribution is require
d from him for the laying of new water mains. Any capital contribution must be p
aid outright to PUB before mainlaying commences. In addition, the Developer has
to pay such costs estimated by PUB for laying connecting pipes from PUB main to
his development.
3.4.2 Developers applying for water supply to their private property developm
ents need only pay a standard connection charge depending on the size of connect
ion to the development.
3.4.3 Developers of multi-unit private property developments which do not fal
l under the ambit of the Land Titles (Strata) Act shall design and install mains
, connections, pumping stations and elevated reservoirs within the development i
n accordance with the PUB's requirements and for purposes of operation and maint
enance, hand them over, together with the land (if required), to PUB free of cha
rge. Vesting of the land, upon which such pumping stations and elevated reservoi
rs are located, to the Board shall be free of charge and free from encumbrances.
In addition, the Developer will be charged the standard connection charge for t
he cost of connecting the mains laid by them to PUB main based on the standard c
onnection charges mentioned in section 3.4.2.
Note : Sections 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 do not apply to developments on offshore isla
nds and temporary water supply.

3.5 Application for water connection and approval to carry out water service wor
k
3.5.1 The Developer/Consultant should engage a water service worker to submit
an application for a water connection and to carry out the water service work a
s required in section 3.8(iv). When schematic plans and working drawings of wate
r service installations submitted by a water service worker have been approved,
plumbing works can then proceed.
3.5.2 The formal application for a water connection using the Application For
Water Service Form (Green Form No.33A) must be submitted by a water service wor
ker prior to the commencement of the water service installation work and at leas
t 3 months before water supply turn-on is needed.

3.6 Processing of Application for Water Connection

On submission of the application by a water service worker, the application
will be processed and the cost of connection work from the PUB main to the meter
position or the standard connection charge will be furnished. The Developer/Con
sultant must make payment to PUB before the connecting pipe is laid. The water s
ervice work downstream of the water meter will be carried out by the water servi
ce worker at the Developer's expense.

3.7 Turn-on of water supply

When all works are completed by the water service worker and inspected, the
owner will need to sign an agreement for turn-on of supply to start an account a
t the Customer Services Centre of Power Supply Ltd (The Board's agent) located a
t the Upper First Storey, 111 Somerset Road. A deposit will be charged before wa
ter supply can be turned on. A minimum of 4 working days' notice must be given b
efore the supply turn-on date.

3.8 Application for water supply

i) Developer/Consultant must notify the Water Department in writing the water
requirements upon planning approval of development project together with locati
on/site plans.
ii) A reply will be given within 2 weeks confirming the availability of water
mains to serve the development project. Where PUB water mains are available, De
veloper/Consultant shall proceed to section 3.8(iv) below.
iii) Where PUB water mains are not available,
a) Developer/Consultant shall submit 2 copies of location/site plans to the
Water Department.
b) On receipt of the plans, a feasibility study on the provision of a water s
upply scheme in the area will be made. The Developer/Consultant will be advised
in writing within 5 weeks on the required capital contribution, if any, or the
requirements to provide the necessary water supply infrastructure within his dev
elopment as described in section 3.4.3.
c) If a capital contribution is required, the Developer/Consultant will be so
advised and such contribution has to be paid before mainlaying commences. This
contribution is in addition to the water connection charges or costs to be paid
for laying the connecting pipe from the PUB main to the meter position. Time tak
en for mainlaying and installation of water connecting pipe depends on nature an
d magnitude of the work.
iv) Developer/Consultant must engage a water service worker of the appropriate
class to submit an application for a water connection and to carry out water se
rvice work. If the work involves design of a pumping equipment and/or storage ci
stern, a Professional Engineer must be engaged to make the submission for approv
al prior to commencement of physical work to be carried out by the licensed wate
r service plumber. The water service worker shall adopt the procedures for appli
cation to carry out water service works as given in section 7.1.
v) A reply will be given to Developer/Owner with a copy to the water service
worker. Developer/Owner is to check with water service worker if reply is not fo
rthcoming after 3 weeks.
vi) Developer/Owner must pay the connection charges or costs (refer to sectio
n 3.4) at PUB Service Centre located at the Upper First Storey, 111 Somerset Roa
d, #01-09 for PUB to install water connecting pipe from the PUB main to the mete
r position.
vii) The connecting pipe will be laid from the PUB main to the meter position
after payment is made. This will be done about 3 weeks from date of payment pro
vided the site is clear of obstruction and clearance is given by Land Transport
Authority (LTA) and/or other relevant Authorities for road-opening.
viii) Developer/Owner can request for turn-on of water supply (refer to secti
on 3.7) after water service worker completes water service work and after the wa
ter service installations have been inspected and found to conform to the Public
Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations and Singapore Standard CP48 - Code of Prac
tice for Water Services.
ix) If the work involves the installation of a pumping equipment and/or stora
ge cistern under the supervision of a Professional Engineer, the Professional En
gineer shall upon completion of the water service work, submit a Certificate of
Supervision certifying that he has supervised the construction of the water serv
ice installations by the licensed water service plumber and that it was carried
out in accordance with the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations, Singapor
e Standard CP48 and all other relevant statutory requirements. The Developer/Own
er can then request for turn-on of water supply after the water service install
ations have been inspected and found to conform to the Public Utilities (Water S
upply) Regulations and Singapore Standard CP48.

3.9 Application for temporary water supply

i) Developer/Consultant must apply to the Sewerage Department of the Ministry
of the Environment for sanitary and drainage facilities for the construction si
te.
ii) Simultaneously, Developer/Consultant must engage a water service worker t
o submit application form to the Water Department for temporary water supply.
The application form must be accompanied with the estimated water requirement an
d a copy of the sanitary and drainage application made earlier to the
Ministry of the Environment.
iii) A reply will be given to Developer/Owner with a copy to the water servic
e worker. Developer/Owner is to check with water service worker if reply is not
forthcoming after 3 weeks.
iv) Developer/Owner must pay for the water connection charges for PUB to inst
all water connecting pipe from the PUB main to the meter position.
v) The connecting pipe will be laid from the PUB main to the meter position a
fter payment is made by the Developer/Owner and after production of written clea
rance from the Ministry of the Environment. This will be done about 3 weeks from
date of payment provided that clearance is given by LTA and/or other relevant A
uthorities for road-opening.
vi) Developer/Owner can request for turn-on of water supply (refer to section
3.7) when water service worker completes temporary water service work and after
the water service installations have been inspected and found to conform to the
Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations and Singapore Standard CP48.

SECTION 4 - METERING REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Water supplies to be metered
Metering of water supply is practised in Singapore and except with the conse
nt of the Water Department, no supply of water will be given unless through a me
ter.

4.2 Meters
i) The following are the terms used to describe different functions of meters:
a meter - includes any appliance or device supplied by the Water Depar
tment to measure, ascertain or regulate the amount of water taken or used from t
he Water Department's supply.
b master-meter - meter which registers water all or part of which is s
ubsequently registered by one or more sub-meters.
c sub-meter - meter which registers all or part of any water which has
already been metered by a master-meter.
ii) Every meter will be fixed and maintained by the Water Department and will
remain the property of the Water Department.
iii) All residential units must be metered individually for the water consump
tion.
iv) A master and sub-meter scheme is applicable for multi-unit residential, c
ommercial and industrial premises. Under this scheme, water is supplied to multi
-unit premises through master meters which register the total volume of water us
ed in the premises. The master meter account holder shall pay for the water char
ges based on the difference between the registration of the master meter and all
 the submeters, including leakages.
v) Any property with one assessment number will be granted one and only one m
eter. However, the following exceptions may be made:
a If there are separate tenants occupying houses or apartments which have sep
arate entrances, one meter per house or apartment is permitted.
b If a building is divided into entirely and absolutely separate apartments w
ith separate entrances and if the same tariff is not applicable to all the apart
ments, then one meter per apartment is permitted.

4.3 Recommended size of meters based on

monthly consumption
The following table gives the recommended size of meters based on monthly consum
ption of water:-
Size of Meter (mm) 15 25 50 100 150
Recommended
Max. Consumption
(m3)per Month

130

700

5,000

20,000

45,000

4.4 Guidelines on meter positions

The position of the meter to be installed at any premises shall be determine
d by the Water Department. Water meters shall be installed above ground. As a gu
ide, the meter shall be installed in such a position that it can be easily acces
sible for meter installation, reading and maintenance work and at the same time
its position should be unobtrusive. For new private landed housing developments,
standard meter compartment as shown in Figure 1, shall be provided at the gate
pillars. For renovation projects involving construction or reconstruction of gat
e pillars, customers are strongly encouraged to include this standard meter comp
artment at the gate pillars. Big meters of sizes 25 mm and above, fitted above g
round and outside the building should be housed in suitable brick or concrete ch
ambers with drainage outlets. The chamber is to be constructed by and at the exp
ense of the Developer/Owner. The design of the meter chamber (see details in Sin
gapore Standard CP 48) shall comply with the requirements of the Urban Redevelop
ment Authority and/or other relevant Authorities and be subject to the approval
of the Water Department.

SECTION 5 - WATER FITTINGS

5.1 Approved water fittings
Developer/Owner shall ensure that all water fittings to be used shall confor
m to the requirements of the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations. The fo
llowing water fittings shall be approved by the Board or such other person as th
e Board may appoint before being put in use:-
a taps;
b stop-valves;
c float operated valves;
d flushing cisterns;
e drinking fountains;
f bidets;
g storage cisterns;
h pipes;
i pipe fittings;
j check valves;
k pressure reducing valves;
l flush valves;
m anti-vacuum valves;
n strainers; and
o such other fittings as the Board may, by notification in the Gazette, f
rom time to time require to be approved before being put in use.
A list of approved water fittings, etc for use in water service installation
s is available for sale at the PUB Service Centre located at the Upper First Sto
rey, 111 Somerset Road, #01-09. These water fittings shall comply with the curre
nt edition of any applicable Singapore Standard and/or other equivalent Standard
.

SECTION 6 - WATER SERVICE WORKERS

6.1 Class of Water Service Workers
i) Any customer may arrange to design, construct, alter or repair at his own
cost his water service installation for the supply of water from the Water Depar
tment to any premises and such work shall only be carried out by a water service
worker of an appropriate class as prescribed by the Public Utilities Act, Chapt
er 261 (1996 Edition) and the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations.
ii) There are two classes of water service workers, namely:
a a Licensed Water Service Plumber; and
b a Professional Engineer registered under the Professional Engineers
Act.
iii) A Licensed Water Service Plumber (subject to any conditions endorsed in the
 licence) is entitled to carry out any water service work provided that:
a he may only design any water service installation which is to be in
stalled downstream of the meter position; and
b he shall not design any water service installation which requires p
umping equipment and/or storage cistern.
iv) A registered Professional Engineer shall be entitled to design and submit
any plan of any water service installation and shall be responsible for the sup
ervision of any water service work undertaken on his behalf by a Licensed Water
Service Plumber.

6.2 List of Licensed Water Service Plumbers

6.2.1 The Water Department keeps a register of all Licensed Water Service Plu
mbers and their particulars including names, addresses, dates of issue of licenc
e, number of licences, qualifications and any misdemeanours or offences committe
d.
6.2.2 A list of Licensed Water Service Plumbers is available at the PUB Servi
ce Centre located at the Upper First Storey, 111 Somerset Road, #01-09. Any veri
fication can also be made by calling Telephone No. 1800-7362055 (Toll-free).

SECTION 7 - PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION TO CARRY OUT PLUMBING SYSTEM

7.1 New water service installation
i) When a water service worker proposes to lay a new water service installati
on to any premises or on any developments, he will have to submit his proposals
to the Water Department together with the Application For Water Service Form (Gr
een Form No.33A).
ii) A detailed plan, specification and description of the proposed work shall
be attached to the Application Form.
iii) In the case of a building requiring pumping equipment and/or storage cis
tern the water service worker (a registered Professional Engineer) shall submit
upon planning approval of development project and before tenders are called for
the supply and installation of water service in the building, 2 sets of location
/site and schematic plans and working drawings showing the water service install
ation, including the fire fighting service, if any, to the Water Department for
approval. The Professional Engineer shall state the branch of engineering he is
registered in and certify on the plans using his professional engineer's stamp.
The following information shall be shown in the plans:
a Estimated daily water requirement of the building.
b The number, sizes and locations of the low level and high level storage
cisterns.
c The number and capacities of the pumps.
d The types, materials and sizes of pipes proposed to be used.
 The total number of fittings to be supplied with water shall be stated in th
e plans as follows:
Item No. Item
No.
Flushing cisterns Water heaters
Flush valves - water closets Storage cisterns
- urinals Pumps
Baths Fire sprinklers
Wash basins Fire hose reels
Sinks Fire hydrants
Taps Others
----------------
Total
----------------

Upon approval, 1 set of the location/site and schematic plans and working drawin
gs will be returned to the registered Professional Engineer. A licensed water se
rvice plumber shall carry out the work in accordance with the approved plans und
er the supervision of the registered Professional Engineer.
At a later date and preferably 3 months before water supply turn-on is required,
an application for a water service connection shall be made by the Licensed Wat
er Service Plumber using Application for Water Service Form (Green Form No. 33A)
.
iv) On receipt of the application form and after due investigation by the Wat
er Department, a reply stating the necessary information and requirements will b
e sent to the Developer/Owner (as stated in the application form) with a copy se
nt to the Licensed Water Service Plumber.
v) The Developer/Owner will make payment to the PUB for the connection charge
s or costs of the new connection. As soon as the Licensed Water Service Plumber
is ready to commence work he will notify the Water Department using Notification
for Commencement of Works Form (Pink Form No. 32A) at least seven days before t
he date he proposes to commence work.
vi) The Licensed Water Service Plumber shall notify the Water Department that
the work is completed using a Completion Notice Form (White Form No. 31A) and a
pply for an inspection. The completion notice is to be accompanied with declarat
ion by Licensed Water Service Plumber on type, brand and quantity of pipes and f
ittings used. This information shall be submitted not later than seven days afte
r the completion of the work. In addition, for those work carried out by a licen
sed water service plumber in accordance with the approved plans under the superv
ision of the registered Professional Engineer, upon completion of the work, the
registered Professional Engineer shall also submit to the Water Department a Cer
tificate of Supervision certifying that he has supervised the construction of th
e water service installation by the Licensed Water Service Plumber and it was ca
rried out in accordance with the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations, Si
ngapore Standard CP48 - Code of Practice for Water Services, drawings and specif
ications and conditions under which such drawings and amendments, thereto, if an
y, were approved by the Water Department, and any other relevant statutory requi
rements.
vii) The first inspection by the Board shall be free of charge. However, if d
uring the first inspection the water service installation is found to have faile
d to comply with the Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations, Singapore Stan
dard CP48 -Code of Practice for Water Services and the Board's requirements, or
is not ready for inspection, a fee of $51.50 (inclusive of 3% GST) shall be paya
ble by the Licensed Water Service Plumber for every subsequent inspection.
viii) The Licensed Water Service Plumber shall check and certify that the wat
er cistern/s are cleared and cleaned prior to the supply turn-on by PUB or its a
gents.

7.2 Relaying of an existing water service installation

Where a water service worker proposes to relay an existing water service ins
tallation the same procedure shall be adopted as provided in section 7.1.

7.3 Extension of an existing water service installation

7.3.1 When a water service worker proposes to carry out an extension involvin
g fixing of not more than one extra fitting, he may proceed with the work at his
convenience, and upon completion, he shall notify the Water Department using a
Completion Notice Form (White Form No. 31A), that such extension is completed an
d apply for an inspection.

7.3.2 This information shall be submitted not later than seven days after com
pletion of the work.

7.3.3 For extension of an existing water service installation and fixing of m

ore than one extra fitting, the same procedure as provided in section 7.1 shall
be adopted by the water service worker.

7.4 Urgent repair work

i) Urgent repair work on defective pipes and fittings inside premises may be
carried out by a water service worker without submitting the usual application f
orms prior to proceeding with the urgent repair work.
ii) He shall however, inform the Water Department using a Completion Notice F
orm (White Form No. 31A), of the nature of the repairs carried out not later tha
n seven days after completion of the work and apply for an inspection. "Urgent r
epair work" shall not mean extension or addition of extra fittings to existing w
ater service installation.
7.5 Cleansing and repairing of water service installation
i) Where a water service worker proposes to clean or repair a water service i
nstallation in any premises, the same procedure shall be adopted as provided in
section 7.1.
ii) The water service worker shall note that where such work is carried out,
only the water service installation downstream of the meter can be cleaned and r
epaired by him.

7.6 Machinery, etc

7.6.1 Notwithstanding section 7.1 (ii), a water service worker shall explain
and give full details on the appropriate Application Form (or submit a separate
application giving full details) for the following types of installations:-
a water cooled refrigerating apparatus;
b fountain or other ornamental device;
c surgery, dental surgery or laboratory;
d soda fountain, ice-making machinery or similar device;
e machine;
f any apparatus depending while in use upon a supply of continuously runn
ing water not being an apparatus solely for heating the water;
g swimming pool/spa pool/whirl pool; and
h irrigation system
7.6.2 The above list is not exhaustive and the authorised officer may requir
e a water service worker to explain and give full details on the other types of
water service installation.

7.7 Identification of pipe and pipe fitting

Every pipe and pipe fitting for any fire service, industrial or research pur
pose, or for the conveyance of non-potable water for flushing or for any other p
urpose shall be painted in accordance with BS 1710: "Identification of pipelines
and services" or as specified by any relevant authorities.

SECTION 8 - WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SERVICES

8.1 Permission to be obtained for fire service in premises
i) The Water Department may grant permission to construct a fire service in p
remises where such a service is necessary or expedient to enable water to be dra
wn from the PUB supply for the purpose of abating fire in such premises and wher
e all necessary approvals have been obtained (from the Building Control Division
 and the Fire Safety Bureau). Such fire service will have to include the provisi
on of adequate storage cistern or cisterns, together with the necessary ancillar
y equipment, pipes and fittings to meet the flow and other requirements as speci
fied by the relevant authorities.
ii) The cost of the fire service including all connections to the PUB main an
d the provision of any meter will have to be borne by the Developer/Owner.
The design of fire service system including private hydrants shall also comp
ly with the mode of supply as stipulated in Singapore Standard CP48 - Code of Pr
actice for Water Services.
In view of the fluctuation in pressure in PUB watermains, storage cisterns w
ith pumping equipment should therefore be provided to maintain a satisfactory fi
re-fighting service to meet the requirements of the Fire Safety Bureau and to co
mply with the relevant code of practice for fire service. The Water Department h
owever, shall not be responsible for damage or loss caused by disconnection, dim
inution or failure of the supply due to water restriction or any other causes.

8.2 Storage cisterns for fire-fighting equipment

A storage cistern for fire-fighting is not a potable service and it is essential
to ensure that:
i) a potable service (for domestic purpose) shall not derive its water supply
from a non-potable fire service where separate cisterns are provided.
ii) a non-potable fire service may derive its water supply from a potable ser
vice if the former is provided with an approved anti-back flow (anti-siphonic) d
evice or fitting(s) installed in an approved manner to avoid any possibility of
contamination by the reverse flow of water.
iii) Cisterns supplying water for domestic purposes should not be used as suc
tion cisterns for wet rising mains. However, arrangements can be made for the do
mestic supply to be drawn off in such a manner that the requisite reserve of wat
er for the wet rising main is always preserved. Such arrangements must have the
prior approval of the Water Department.

8.3 Fire Sprinkler System

i) A separate main of adequate size shall be laid from the meter position to
supply the sprinkler system only. This main shall be provided with a double chec
k valve assembly. The connection and installation of sprinkler shall be carried
out in accordance with the requirements of the Fire Safety Bureau.
ii) All tubing used for a fire sprinkler shall be given a distinct separate c
olour paint to avoid any possibility of cross-connection made through wrong iden
tification of different pipe system in the building.
iii) Water in the sprinkler system shall be drained off periodically by the o
peration of a 'drain-cock'.
iv) Owners wishing to install a fire sprinkler system are advised to provide
a storage cistern of sufficient capacity, if necessary with pumping facilities,
in order to maintain continuous supply at all times.
v) The whole meter system (potable as well as fire-fighting) shall be housed
in a suitable chamber.

SECTION 9 - NON-POTABLE WATER

9.1 Industrial Water
Industrial water (treated sewage effluent water) comes under the jurisdictio
n of the Sewerage Department of the Ministry of the Environment and any enquirie
s on this should be made to:
Head
Sewerage Department
Ministry of the Environment
40 Scotts Road #14-00
ENV Building
Singapore 228231

9.2 Ground Water or Well Water>

Application to abstract ground water should be made to:
Chief Engineer
Central Building Plan Unit
Pollution Control Department
Ministry of the Environment
40 Scotts Road #12-00
ENV Building
Singapore 228231

ANNEXURE 1
QUALITY OF POTABLE WATER (TYPICAL VALUES)
A) Chemical and Physical Characteristics
(In mg/l where applicable)
*Water from
Choa Chu Kang
and Bedok
Waterworks
**Water
from Other
Waterworks
WHO
Guideline
Values (1993)

Colour (Hazen Unit)

<5
<5
15
Turbidity (NTU)
<5
<5
5
pH Value
7.0-9.0
7.0-9.0
@
Conductivity (µmhos/cm)
250-550
80-300
@
Taste
Unobjectionable
Unobjectionable
Unobjectionable
Odour
Unobjectionable
Unobjectionable
Unobjectionable
Nitrate (as NO3)
0.5-7.0
0.5-15.0
50
Fluoride (as F)
0.5-0.7
0.5-0.7
1.5
Total Dissolved Solid
200-350
60-250
1000
Total Alkalinity (as CaCO3)
20-50
10-50
@
Total Hardness (as CaCO3)
50-100
20-100
@
Chloride (as Cl)
35-100
5-50
250
Sulphate (as SO4)
30-60
5-40
250
Phosphate (as PO4)
<0.10
<0.10
@
Silica (as SiO2)
1-10
3-12
@
Iron (as Fe)
<0.04
<0.04
0.3
Manganese (as Mn)
<0.05
<0.05
0.5
Copper (as Cu)
<0.05
<0.05
2
Aluminium (as A1)
<0.10
<0.10
0.2

B) Bacteriological
Characteristics

Total Coliform Bacteria

<1
<1
<1
(Counts/100 ml, 35°C,
24 hours)

@ No guideline value. Feb 2000

* Raw water is drawn from estuarine reservoirs. The treated water is normally su
pplied to western and eastern parts of Singapore.
** Raw water is drawn from upland reservoirs and rivers. The treated water is no
rmally supplied to the rest of Singapore.
Typical values are only guides and may vary with varying quality of raw water or
change of source of water supply due to PUB's operational requirements.