"The effectiveness of the tariff adjustment was reflected in a decline in domestic water consumption in Singapore," the government agency said in in its annual report for 1999.

From 1997 to 1999, households' consumption of water also fell by 0.2 percent on average a year, compared with an annual growth of 3.2 percent from 1994 to 1996, said the board.

Singapore purchases the bulk of its water from Malaysia under a contract which expires in 2061, and the government constantly reminds citizens on the need to conserve water.

The city-state is keen to reduce its reliance on Malaysia, particularly as bilateral ties suffered over differences on a number of issues in the last two years.

On June 28, Minister of State for Trade and Industry Lim Swee Say again reminded Singaporeans to use save water.