A new chapter
Introduced in 2003, NEWater marked a new era in Singapore’s water history. Produced using state-of-the-art membrane technologies involving microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet disinfection, the result is an ultra-clean product that has been vetted by more than 30,000 scientific tests, surpassing even the World Health Organisation standards for drinking water.
NEWater is supplied primarily for non-domestic use in wafer fabrication parks, industrial estates and commercial buildings, where it is used for industrial and air-cooling purposes. A small percentage is mixed with raw reservoir water before being treated as drinking water.
There are at present four NEWater plants, which can meet 15% of Singapore’s water needs, with plans for a fifth plant underway that will boost the total capacity to 30%.
Managing demand
Putting the infrastructure in place alone is not sufficient to secure Singapore’s water supplies. Demand management is also imperative for sustainability.
The 2006 Stockholm Water Prize laureate, Professor Asit Biswas, highlighted this as a key ingredient in Singapore’s effective water management, in a study he carried out for the United Nations Human Development Report 2006.
“Singapore is one of the very few countries that looks at its water supply in totality,” he said. “One of the main reasons why they are successful in managing its water supply is the concurrent emphasis on supply and demand management.”
The country’s holistic approach to water resource management has integrated a water demand management programme that incorporates the proper handling of the transmission and distribution network to minimise losses, as well as the implementation of water conservation measures.
This has brought about a considerable reduction in unaccounted-for water, from 11 per cent in the 1980s to 5 per cent today, one of the lowest levels in the world.
Educating the public
Singapore considers its people as joint stakeholders of their water resources and also actively seeks to engage the community in its water management efforts.
Since 2004, a series of public education programmes has been launched to encourage water conservation through daily habits. It has worked: the per capita consumption of water in households has inched downwards, from 165 litres a day in 2003 to 157 litres a day now.
Individuals and organisations are also encouraged to adopt the island’s waterways, take care of it so that they learn the value of keeping it clean. PUB (Singapore’s national water agency) also actively promotes recreational activities at its reservoirs such that they are now a haven for water sports such as kayaking and wakeboarding.
To better integrate water with the urban environment, PUB has revealed a new long-term initiative called Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Programme, which will transform the country’s drains, canals and reservoirs into vibrant streams, rivers and lakes, creating beautiful new spaces for the community’s enjoyment.
In addition, PUB recently launched a new lifestyle magazine called PURE to interest and educate the public on water issues. A mascot named Water Wally helps to spread the water messages to the young in a lively and interactive way.
The goal of these initiatives is to bond Singaporeans more closely with water, so that they will cherish and better appreciate this precious resource.
Becoming a global hydrohub
Over the years, Singapore has managed to turn its water woes from a vulnerability to a strategic advantage, and more recently, a growth industry for the country.
With the water industry projected to be worth about US$400 billion by 2015, the Singapore government has identified it as a new growth sector for the country’s economy. As such, about S$330 million will be invested in water R&D over the next five years to develop Singapore into a hub for water technologies.
The country is now a hotbed for water technologies, home to a thriving cluster of more than 50 Singaporean and international water companies like CH2MHill and Black & Veatch, both of whom chose Singapore as the location for their regional headquarters. In addition, industry bigwigs like Siemens Water Technologies, GE Water, Delft Hydraulics, Keppel Corporation and Hyflux have set up R&D facilities in Singapore.
In line with this strategy, Singapore has also hosted several international water conferences, which include the International Desalination Association’s World Congress on Desalination and Water Reuse, and the International Water Association – Asia-Pacific Regional Group Conference and Exhibition.
To complement other major shows around the world, the city state is set to hold a water conference of its own this June. The inaugural Singapore International Water Week (www.siww.com.sg) is a global conference and trade show aimed at providing a platform for industry leaders and decision makers to showcase new water technologies and share best practices.
The highlight of the Singapore International Water Week is the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, which will be presented annually to an individual or organisation for outstanding contributions towards solving global water problems through innovative technologies or policies and programmes. The inaugural winner was revealed on 18 March 2008 as Dr Andrew Benedek, a Canadian researcher and successful technopreneur, who pioneered the development of low-pressure membranes that enables drinking water to be produced from even highly polluted water. Dr Benedek received a cash prize of SGD300,000, a gold medallion and award certificate, and he will deliver the inaugural Singapore Water Lecture on 24 June 2008.
The Singapore International Water Week, which will be held from 23 to 27 June, is part of PUB’s overall strategy for raising the profile of Singapore’s water sector even further. “It is a major step for us in our efforts to develop Singapore into a vibrant and thriving global hydrohub.” said Mr Khoo. “It signals our strong commitment to developing the water industry in Singapore and building overseas linkages and partnerships.”
For its outstanding efforts in this area, PUB was given the 2007 Stockholm Industry Water Award – one of the highest accolades in the industry. The agency was also recognised by Global Water Intelligence with the 2006 Water Agency of the Year prize at its annual awards.
The Stockholm Water Award Committee praised PUB for putting in place a complex yet effective water management framework that is widely accepted by both the public and the industry. Mr Khoo Teng Chye, the Chief Executive of PUB, attributed Singapore’s success to several factors. He said, “We believe that innovation is important and have always placed emphasis on R&D and investing in technology. PUB has worked hard over the last 40 years to overcome our water challenges and it is through strong political will, good governance, effective implementation and a motivated workforce that we have been able to put in place a robust and sustainable supply of water in Singapore.” •
