Singapore Water Story

Singapore is among the most water-stressed countries globally. Given the existential threat of water security, PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, has innovated to build a robust and diversified water supply through our Four National Taps:

1. Water from local catchments
2. Imported water
3. High-grade reclaimed water known as NEWater
4. Desalinated water

NEWater and desalinated water are weather-resilient sources – critical in light of climate change. NEWater is produced from treated used water that is further purified using advanced membrane technologies and ultraviolet disinfection, making it safe to drink. It is supplied mainly to industry users like wafer fabrication plants, which prize its ultra-clean properties.

Though weather-resilient, NEWater and desalinated water are energy-intensive. PUB invests in R&D and is trialing technologies to achieve the research target of reducing the energy consumption of the desalination process from 3.5kWh/m3 to 2kWh/m3 by 2025.

PUB builds sustainability into its water treatment process design. For example, Marina East Desalination Plant can treat both seawater and freshwater flexibly, strengthening water resilience and reducing energy needs.