All washing machines sold in Singapore will have to be labelled according to how much water they use starting from Saturday, according to a scheme launched by national water agency Public Utilities Board (PUB).

The best machines using up to 80 liters of water per wash than the less efficient ones, will be labeled with three ticks, local daily Straits Times reported on Wednesday.

Retailers said the scheme would help buyers identify more efficient washing machines, though they can cost up 50 percent more than the less efficient ones.

Washing machines make up 19 percent of the water consumption for an average household, and Singapore has set a goal to reduce water use from current 154 liters per person per day to 147 liters by 2020.

Taps, toilets and urinals have already been labeled in Singapore and new developments or those being renovated must use at least one-tick products.

Some retailers have been displaying the labels on a voluntary basis since 2009. PUB said it has registered 310 washing machine models so far, with about half getting the maximum three ticks. It has no plan to ban zero-tick products, though it did not rule out doing so in the future.