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Solving Singapore's water problem by distributing drinking water derived from sewage

Last updated: Feb 28, 2023

Summary

Water security has long been a national priority in Singapore as the city-state is unable to store its rainfall and thus imports half of its current water supplies from neighbouring Malaysia. One of the strategies to overcome this problem lies in the membrane technology to treat wastewater known as 'NEWater', created by the country's public utilities board, granting economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Problem

The South-east Asian Island country has a population of 5.7 million residing on less than 750 square kilometers of land. Whilst known for its strong economy, Singapore is lacking one essential asset -- water.

Solution

Major investments have been made since the 1970s in research and development, including for non-conventional sources of water such as wastewater. The "NEWater" technology directly provides, since 2003, high quality wastewater treatment from municipal sources and for non-domestic purposes (wafer fabrication plants, industrial states, and commercial buildings). Through a four-step series of barriers and membranes, wastewater is made free of solids, microorganisms, and contaminants resulting in potable water supplies for use by humans and industry. Overall, the water resources management system has been supported from the highest political level, within institutional and legal frameworks.

Outcome

The city-state wastewater treatment system has achieved industrial large-scale implementation and wide public acceptance for indirect potable use thanks to comprehensive education and communication strategies. Water reuse covers up to 40 percent of the water needs at present and this percentage is expected to increase to 55 percent by 2060. Reusing treated wastewater also responds to the incentive to close the water loop and extend the lifetime of water resources through longer use. NEWater allows to supply a growing industrial sector, while providing water for domestic use during dry periods, creating jobs and properly treating wastewater before discharging it to the sea.