Water Policies in Singapore

Finding Solutions Through Technology

Constraints
• What is the problem being faced?

• What are the reasons for this problem?

o Lack of sufficient freshwater resources
o The Singapore- Malaysia water issue
Agreements between Singapore and Malaysia

1. The 1927 Agreement

2. The 1961 & 1962 Agreement

These agreements expire in 2011 and 2061.

Singapore has decided to let the 1961 Agreement

lapse and replace the imported water with
domestic supply.
Need for Self-Sufficiency?
• Fosters interdependence and cooperation
But:
• Water issue used as a political tool
• Security threat
• Singapore as a world-class economy
Strategies
Ensure
• reliable and safe water supplies
• efficient and strong flood control
• Efficient drainage systems and treatment procedures
Enhance
• robustness and resilience of water supply sources 
• effective water demand management strategies 
• vibrant water industry.
Four National Taps Strategy
 Tap 1- Supply Local Catchment areas

 Tap 2-Imported Water

 Tap 3- NEWater

 Tap 4- Desalinated Water

Other Strategic Initiatives
• The Singapore Green Plan 2012

• The Singapore International Water Week

• The Public Utilities Board (PUB)

Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) Programme

• Protecting water resources   

• Process safe drinking water in a cost effective
manner
• Minimize wastage in water supply system
•  Water conservation
• Close the water loop
Adopting a dual approach

• Supply Management

• Demand Management
NEWater
• Water Reclamation by using treated wastewater

• Used successfully in Orange County and Virginia

for groundwater and reservoir replenishment

• Joint initiative between PUB and MEWR

Technology & Testing
• Multiple barrier water reclamation process
• Barriers: Conventional water reclamation
process, Microfiltration, Reverse Osmosis, UV
Disinfection
• Factories tested and proven to better design
specification requirements
• Blending with reservoir water provides
essential trace minerals
• Safe for potable use
Implementation
• Third Tap in the National Taps Strategy
• Three NEWater factories established in Singapore
• Primary source of water for industrial and
commercial sectors
• Purer than normal water for industry use
• Cost effective: 50-60% less than treating
seawater
Achievements
• Won “Environmental Contribution of the Year” at
the Global Water Awards 2008
• NEWater visitor center part of the Uniquely
Singapore Tourist Spots
• Promoted heavily: NDP, Universities, Camps
• Negative social impact of “Sewage Water” stigma
attached by many
The Future
• Singapore plans to supply 10mgd NEWater for
indirect potable use
• Can meet 20% of Singapore’s water requirements
• Potential to help achieve self sufficiency for
Singapore by reducing dependency on Malaysia
for water
• NEWater, desalination and reservoir water can
together manage pressures due to increasing
population and industry
Other Technologies

• Distillation
• Ultra-Filtration
• Reverse Osmosis
• Desalination
Impact
• Privatization
• Export of technologies
• World leaders
• Cluster
• Expenditure of $300 million
• Setting up of water institute (NTU) water
institute
o Scholarships being offered
Future Strategies
• Cluster development

• Internationalization – invite international

companies, overseas project

• Capability Development
Recommendations
• Decrease dependency on Malaysia as fast as
possible (Political)

• Encourage funding in R&D (Economic)

• NEWater – potable use (Social)

• Adopt better and newer technologies

Q&A