Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme Water Savings Calculator

A1: The 'Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme' (WELS) is a voluntary scheme promoted by the Hong Kong Water Supplies Department, aiming to help you select water-saving products. Products are graded (Grade 1-4), with Grade 1 being the most water-efficient. Choosing Grade 1 'Water Supplies Department flow restrictors' and similar products is an effective 'water saving method' that can reduce water bills and support environmental protection.

A2: The data in this calculator references the standards of the Hong Kong Water Supplies Department's WELS scheme. For example, Grade 1 shower flow rate ≤ 9 liters/minute, Grade 1 faucet flow rate ≤ 4 liters/minute, and Grade 1 toilet flush volume ≤ 4.0 liters/flush. These standards ensure accurate calculations.

A3: The calculator compares the flow/water consumption of your existing and new devices, and considers household size and usage frequency (e.g., shower/flush time) to estimate annual, monthly, weekly, and daily water savings. This helps you understand the actual benefits of 'saving water'.

A4: Most seawater for flushing in Hong Kong is provided free by the Water Supplies Department and does not incur water charges. Therefore, if you select seawater flushing, the calculator will show zero water bill savings. This is an important consideration for 'saving water'.

A5: Turn on the shower/faucet to your usual intensity, collect water in a measuring cup for 10 seconds, and multiply the volume by 6 to get the flow rate per minute (liters/minute). This value is important for calculating savings from 'Water Supplies Department flow restrictors' or new devices.

A6: There are various other 'water saving methods':

• Shorten shower time (e.g., the '4-minute shower challenge').
• Turn off water while brushing teeth/washing hands.
• Reuse water (e.g., use vegetable washing water for plants).
• Regularly check for leaks.
• Use water-saving modes for washing machines/dishwashers and only run them when full.