Reader Response - Draft 1
In the article "Singapore Water Story" from The Public Utilities Board's (PUB) website (2020), PUB reports how the water demand in Singapore is estimated to double from the current amount of 430 million gallons per day by 2060. Three main strategies implemented by PUB to meet the demands are “Collect every drop of water”, “reuse water endlessly”, and “desalinated water”. Preparing for Singapore’s water agreement with Malaysia to expire in 2061, Singapore focuses on maximizing spaces for local catchments, and improving the output of NEWater, as well as desalination plants. PUB has stated that these measures are estimated to meet up to 85% of the demands in 2060. Besides ensuring demands are met, water conservation is as vital. Therefore, appreciation of these precious resources is educated to the public by various programs set up by PUB. According to reports, PUB successfully saw a 15% reduction in household water consumption of a person per day. With the increasing amount of population and economic growth, it is important for Singapore to plan a suitable water infrastructure ahead of time to ensure an affordable and adequate amount of water supply for future generations.
The article has stated effective points on how Singapore is working on using more independent sources of water. Even though Singapore receives high rainfall and is surrounded by water. Its small area, urban density, and lack of freshwater lakes makes it difficult to capture potable water supply. Therefore, I believe that it would be difficult but possible for Singapore to meet the water demands in 2060 with ongoing research and testing.
First off, imported water has proved to be one of Singapore’s main source of water since 1961. In an article published by Channel News Asia (CNA), “Singapore must be psychologically prepared to face water shortages if reservoirs dry up and when the second water agreement with Malaysia ends in 2061.” (2018). With one of our main national tap supply ending in the coming years, it is essential for Singapore to pass its focus on the remaining three national taps such as desalination plants, NEWater, and water from the local catchments. Although potentially more expensive than imports, this has variegated the water supply and built up a strapping water system allowing Singapore to tap into more sources of water to avoid any water shortages in the future which might counteract the water supply cut-off with Malaysia.
With the focus heading towards the other three national taps, desalination plants will become one of Singapore’s main sources of water supply. It is mentioned in a Straits Times news release that the opening of Singapore’s fourth desalination plant can meet future water needs. Keppel marina east desalination plant will “account for about 7 percent of Singapore’s daily water demand of 430 million gallons.” (2020). With the ability to treat not only saltwater, but it can also treat freshwater during rain pour. This ability will save the energy used during desalination and thus boost Singapore’s water supply adaptability.
Lastly, Singapore has been actively progressing in ways to reclaim water from the sewage systems. Public Utilities Board (PUB) has stated in a research and development publication that Phase 2 of the Deep Tunnel Sewage System (DTSS) will be able to “meet Singapore’s used water collection, treatment and disposal needs. It will include an integrated NEWater factory and will feature advance technologies to increase energy efficiency” (2016). DTSS will be a cost-efficient water expressway in the future, using gravity to transport water from the deep tunnel sewers to the central water reclamation plants producing clean reclaimed water known as NEWater. This national tap is expected to meet up to 55% of the demands.
In conclusion, with the continuous actions and research PUB has put in, I am confident that Singapore is able to meet 85% of its future needs by 2061.
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