Water Management System Of Singapore
Updated: 4 days ago
Singapore is internationally recognised as a model city for integrated water management and an emerging Global Hydrohub – a leading centre for business opportunities and expertise in water technologies.
Singapore’s holistic approach to water management can be distilled into three key strategies
Collect every drop of water
Reuse water endlessly
Desalinate seawater
Over the last 50 years, Singapore has built a robust and diversified supply of water known as the “Four National Taps", as listed below. Singapore tap water is well within the World Health Organisation (WHO) drinking water guidelines and is suitable for drinking without any further filtration.
Water from local catchment is a pillar of sustainable water supply. Since 2011, the water catchment area has increased from half to two-thirds of Singapore’s land surface with the completion of the Marina, Punggol and Serangoon Reservoir. PUB continues to explore ways to maximise our rainwater collection yield and strives to collect every drop of water that falls on Singapore.
Reservoir in the City
An iconic structure at the mouth of Marina Channel and the vision of the first Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s 15th reservoir Marina Reservoir was built.
The 1961 Water Agreement between the Johor State Government and Singapore expired on 31 August 2011. Singapore continues to import water from Johor under the 1962 Water Agreement which allows us to draw up to 250 mgd from Johor River until 2061.
NEWater - Used Water Superhighway
Singapore’s success story and a pillar of water sustainability, is a high-grade reclaimed water, produced from used treated water that is further purified using advanced membrane technologies and ultra-violet disinfection, hence making it ultra-clean and safe to drink.
Presently, Singapore's five NEWater plants can meet up to 40% of the nation’s current water needs. By 2060, NEWater is expected to meet up to 55% of Singapore’s future water demand.
The Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS), a 48 km long used water superhighway, conveys used water to water reclamation plants to be treated and purified into reclaimed water, or discharged into the sea.
(1) Phase 1 construction of the DTSS is completed.
(2) Phase 2 which will cover the western part of Singapore is targeted for completion in 2022.
Singapore has three desalination plants with a combined capacity of 130 mgd that can meet up to 30% of Singapore’s current water demand. Two more desalination plants will be ready by 2020. Desalinated water is expected to meet up to 30% of Singapore’s future water needs by 2060.
Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Programme
Under the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, we have optimised reservoirs, rivers and canals beyond their traditional functions of channelling water and water storage. Pockets of community spaces now offer a host of recreational options for people to enjoy, transforming Singapore into a vibrant City of Gardens and Water. More than 100 potential locations are identified for the implementation of this programme by 2030.
Launched in April 2006, this programme is part of PUB's larger strategic objective to bring people closer to water so that they can better appreciate and cherish this precious resource.
Recognition and Volunteerism
Watermark Awards recognises individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions towards the water cause.
Organisations and members of the public who are keen in raising awareness on water conservation and organising water related activities are welcome as Friends of Water.
Becoming a Global HydroHub
As Singapore continues to innovate and harness cutting-edge water and environment technologies, we play a key role in sharing water sustainability solutions. With Singapore’s water management experience and a vibrant local water industry, we welcome local and international collaborations to develop and commercialise new products and solutions. Read more about Global HydroHub.
Research & Development
The environment and water industry is a key growth industry for Singapore. Since 2006, the government has committed S$670 million to foster leading edge technologies and spearhead the growth of the industry. Today, Singapore is a leading global hydrohub and home to a vibrant and thriving ecosystem of 180 water companies with more than 20 water research centres spanning the entire water value chain.
Source : PUB Singapore