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Our Water:
The Flow of Progress
ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
CONTENTS
The Flow of Progress 1
Board of Directors 2
Chairman’s Message 3
Chief Executive’s Message 4
Milestones 6
Our Beginnings:
- Remembering Lee Kuan Yew 10
- PUB and Urban Water Management:
A Retrospective Assessment 14
Our Four National Taps:
A Story of Innovation 16
Our Future:
A Thriving Global Hydrohub 26
Our Life:
Managing and Conserving Water 38
Our People:
Another Crucial Resource 50
Financial Highlights 58
ii
PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
The Flow of Progress
In the 1960s, Singapore was so lacking in water that this precious resource had to be rationed island-wide.
Today, we are worry-free when we turn on our taps. Good water management in Singapore has made this
possible – we have come a long way in a short five decades.
It all began from the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who was a visionary in water sustainability. Singapore’s water
security was his lifelong obsession. Today, his vision continues to guide PUB, Singapore’s national water
agency. By focusing on an integrated approach to water management and investing in R&D, PUB has created
a robust, diversified and sustainable water supply system for Singapore.
The mission never ends. It is in the heart of every PUB leader, innovator, engineer and technical officer
to provide adequate and affordable water. Yet, we are not alone in this journey. PUB works closely with
local and international partners to innovate, and we rally the public to care for water, which is now more
precious than ever.
In short, the Singapore water story is one of progress: water, once a vulnerability, has become the nation’s
strength. We have a compelling water story. And we are excited to share it with the world.
1
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
MR TAN GEE PAW MR NG JOO HEE MR ZAINAL BIN SAPARI MR LIM HOW TECK MS JANET ANG
Chairman Chief Executive Director Chairman Vice President
PUB PUB National Trades Redwood International Pte Ltd IBM Asia Pacific
Union Congress
MR QUEK TONG BOON MR CHAN BENG SENG PROF CHAN ENG SOON MS RACHEL ENG MR TAN WAH YEOW
Chief Defence Scientist Director, Sector Development Vice Provost (Special Duties) Joint Managing Partner Deputy Managing Partner
Ministry of Defence and Commissioning/ National University WongPartnership LLP KPMG Singapore
Healthcare Finance, of Singapore
Resourcing
Ministry of Health
2
PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
CHAIRMAN’S
MESSAGE
MR TAN GEE PAW
As our nation celebrates our golden 1970s, but it was not till the 1990s that Chairman
jubilee, I cannot help but think about technological breakthroughs made these PUB
how Singapore’s water story has feasible in terms of cost. We eventually
unfolded. In 1963, shortly after we were reached a milestone with NEWater in
granted self-governance, the country 2003 and desalinated water in 2005 – “Our quest may have
experienced a drought so severe that our third and fourth national taps. changed from survival
even as a teenager I realised this would
be a matter of survival in the long run. Meanwhile, there were some major to sustainability, but the
challenges to tackle. We built more importance of long-term
Fortunately for us, Singapore had a reservoirs and a proper stormwater
visionary at the helm. When Singapore drainage network to harvest our tropical
planning and innovation
achieved independence, Mr Lee Kuan rainfall. We built a sewerage network to has not changed.”
Yew was Prime Minister and he was replace the night soil collection system.
determined to drive Singapore towards We also cleaned up the Singapore River generation at PUB have ensured that
water sustainability. As he would later and resettled pig and duck farmers in the Singapore has a sustainable water
recount, he immediately recognised that process. This paved the way for Marina supply for generations to come.
“every other policy had to bend at the Reservoir, created when the Marina
knees for water survival”. Mr Lee tasked Barrage was built. As an urban reservoir, While their foresight, innovativeness
a team of engineers to systematically an instrument of flood control and a and sheer hard work have made us
collect and turn every drop of water in venue for recreation and celebration, the reasonably secure for now, we should
Singapore into potable water. This was Marina Reservoir is an icon of Singapore’s not be complacent. Our quest may
a seemingly impossible task, but as in success in water resource management. have changed from survival to
so many other areas, the architect of sustainability, but the importance of
Singapore’s water story saw possibilities As a result of all these efforts, two- long-term planning and innovation
rather than impossibilities. With his thirds of Singapore’s land is now water has not changed.
usual perceptiveness, he foresaw that catchment, and up to 30% of our water
technology would one day make his supply comes from reclaimed water. This As we enter the next chapter of
vision a reality. makes us one of the very few urbanised Singapore’s history, the best way for
cities in the world to harvest stormwater us to repay the debt to Mr Lee and
PUB took its cue from Mr Lee. We as well as practise water reuse on a large Singapore’s water pioneers is to carry on
began researching desalination and scale. More importantly, the efforts of their good work with the same “can-do”
water reclamation as far back as the our founding fathers and the pioneer attitude. I wish us all a happy SG50.
3
CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S
MESSAGE
MR NG JOO HEE
Chief Executive
OUR MISSION the responsibility of the dedicated men
PUB
Singapore’s continued ability to ensure and women of the PUB. This is a heavy
water security and sustainability and difficult responsibility, but also a
guarantees our national survival and noble and awe-inspiring one. “By supplying good water,
economic prosperity. This was the case
at independence as it is now when It is one that our 3,400 hardworking reclaiming used water
Singapore turns 50. staff execute every day with pride and and taming stormwater,
dedication. By supplying good water,
As the national water agency and the sole reclaiming used water and taming
they make everyday life
water utility in Singapore, PUB is tasked stormwater, they make everyday life possible.”
with this hallowed mission, and we hold it possible. And because our officers take
to be paramount. their work seriously and work hard demand for water to more than double
at it, they also make a successful and by 2061 to 800mgd a day. This is also
In Singapore, we like to say that we prosperous Singapore possible. around the time our water agreement
have closed the water loop. So PUB is with Malaysia will end. By 2030, 15 years
responsible for not just supplying good SUPPLY GOOD WATER from now, total demand would have
potable water, but also for reclaiming Singapore’s demand for water is 400 reached 560mgd, or a third more than
all used water and taming stormwater. million imperial gallons a day (mgd), today’s. This is water that we do not
As such, we operate waterworks and a roughly 760 Olympic-size pools full of have now. Water that we will need to find
reticulation network that bring drinking the life-giving stuff. and to treat.
water to every customer. We also operate
the sewerage system that collects liquid There is just not enough space on Consequently, we spend a lot of time
waste and brings it to water reclamation Singapore to collect and store all and devote a lot of resources in PUB to
plants for treatment. And PUB builds, the water that we need. As such, planning for the future. In PUB, we always
operates and maintains drains and canals, although right on the equator and in build ahead of demand. Singapore’s
which channel stormwater for storage in the tropics, Singapore is actually a third desalination plant has just been
our system of freshwater reservoirs. water-challenged country. announced. When commissioned in
2017, it will add another 30mgd to our
Operating, maintaining, sustaining and Even so, industry and commerce grow, capacity for water supply, and bring total
improving this expensive and critical our population increases, and the demand desalination capacity to 130mgd, about a
infrastructure is, of course, for water can only rise. We expect total third of present demand.
4
PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
RECLAIM USED WATER TAME STORMWATER waterways for public access and Today’s Singapore is not short of water,
The H2O molecule is never lost. Water Although too much water is always use. Our targets for the Sustainable and if we do our work well, it should
can always be reclaimed and retreated preferred to too little, because we live in Singapore Blueprint 2015 are to have always be so. This is only possible
so that it can be drunk again. PUB is a the tropics, we are sometimes subjected 1,039ha of reservoirs and 100km of because we have used our imagination,
world leader in this. to overwhelming precipitation. Climate waterways open for recreational use researching and testing continuously,
change and global warming mean that by 2030. These targets should be and have exploited technology to
We reclaim every drop of sewage the weather will become more variable. easily surpassed. overcome our water challenges. In
and turn most of it into drinking Rain storms can be more intense and this way, we have managed to turn a
water again, in the form of NEWater. the ensuing rainfall go on to defeat our PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters disadvantage into a strength, and a
Everything our customers flush down drainage system. (ABC Waters) Programme is our main vulnerability into an opportunity.
the sewers is collected in a tunnel, leverage for Singaporeans to get close
the deepest thing in the ground, Since the 2010 Orchard Road floods, to water, to love and cherish our waters, OUR VISION
and brought by gravity to a water PUB has invested great effort and therefore to protect our catchment In this special year of our nation’s
reclamation plant at the end of the into reviewing and upgrading our and waterways. Since its inception in Golden Jubilee, PUB can look back
tunnel to be treated. A deep sewerage stormwater management regime. 2006, 28 ABC Waters projects have been half a century with justifiable
tunnel now runs from Kranji to Changi. The resulting Source-Pathway-Receptor completed. The best known of this is satisfaction. At the same time, as we
We are in advanced preparations to approach is a far smarter way to tame of course the re-naturalisation of the mourn the passing of the architect of
extend this Deep Tunnel Sewerage System stormwater. Over the next few years, Kallang River that runs through Bishan- Singapore’s remarkable water story,
in the coming years, building another many Source-Pathway-Receptor projects Ang Mo Kio Park. we also look forward.
line from the city to Tuas, and then to will come to fruition. These include
connect the two tunnels. the Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal, Our plan is to implement 100 projects Mr Lee Kuan Yew may no longer be
Stamford Detention Tank and Stamford by 2030, and we are working hard to with us. But his legacy lives on. His
The water reclamation plant to be built Diversion Canal, all very expensive make this a reality. legacy drives us to accomplish our
at the end of the new tunnel in Tuas projects. daily mission of supplying good water,
will be a special one. The Tuas Water TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION, reclaiming used water and taming
Reclamation Plant will, of course, have In addition, drainage improvement INGENUITY stormwater to the best of our abilities.
a NEWater factory integrated into it. works at 190 locations across Singapore If we just do more of the same, the This is a sacred mission that he has
This new NEWater plant will debut the were completed from 2012 to 2014. next drop of water will always be more bequeathed to us.
latest membrane-based technology that Another 119 are ongoing, and 35 will expensive to collect, treat and deliver.
we have been working on the last few begin this year. Our aim is to ultimately So, PUB is perpetually looking for His vision for a Singapore that will
years. More excitingly, the Tuas Water reduce flood prone areas to 23ha, which new ways of doing things, for new always have enough water, and for
Reclamation Plant will be developed would be just 0.3% of Singapore’s total innovations that will let us produce every Singaporean to cherish every last
jointly with NEA’s planned Integrated land area. life-giving water cheaper and in an drop of water, endures and continues.
Waste Management Facility. This keenly easier way.
anticipated combined facility will be ACTIVE, BEAUTIFUL, CLEAN Every one of us in PUB owes it to Mr Lee
a world first and bring unprecedented Almost everyone loves to be near clean Because the heavens do not give us to ensure that Singapore will never ever
synergies in terms of land take, energy water, to see water and to interact with enough water or the space to keep it, we go thirsty.
savings and operational efficiency. water. Because of this, PUB has over the have to look to clever science and high
years been opening up waterbodies and technology, and to human ingenuity.
5
MILESTONES
A brief history of our water journey. A reflection on
where we came from and where we are today.
1963 1965 1972 1987 1995 2000
Forming PUB Small Beginnings Strategising for A Cleaner City Streamlining Water Collecting Every
PUB formed to At independence, the Future Last nightsoil Management Drop of Used Water
replace the City Singapore had three Singapore’s first Water bucket phased Electricity and gas Construction work
Council as a reservoirs and a Master Plan drawn out; replaced by entities corporatised for the Deep Tunnel
statutory board catchment area up. The plan outlined alternative on-site as Singapore Power. Sewerage System
in charge of covering a mere strategies for water sanitation system. PUB continues (DTSS) Phase 1 began.
electricity, piped 11% of the land. resources to ensure to manage water. Completed in 2008.
gas and potable a diversified and A Cleaner River
water. Water consumption adequate supply that The Singapore Scaling New Heights
1991
was 70mgd. could meet future River clean-up NEWater
1961 and 1962 requirements. was successfully demonstration
Precious at
1964 completed. plant at Bedok
Every Drop
Water Agreements commissioned.
1971 Introduction of Water
Two bilateral End of Water Rationing 1977 Conservation Tax
agreements signed Water rationing carried 1997
Educating the Public as a pricing tool to
with Johor to import out in Singapore for 10 The Big Clean-up
“Water is Precious” encourage water
water. The 1961 months starting in 1963 Launch of Modernising
public education conservation.
agreement expired and ending in February Singapore River Sanitation
campaign launched.
in 2011 and the 1962 1964. clean-up. 100% of Singapore’s
agreement will expire population served by
in 2061. modern sanitation.
6
PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
2003 2006 2008 2010 2013
Breaking Through Developing the Industry Making Way Bigger and Better Better with Two
with NEWater The Environment and Water The first conventional water Singapore’s largest Singapore’s
NEWater launched Industry Programme Office set up to reclamation plant at Kim Chuan NEWater plant second
with the official opening spearhead the development of the phased out, in line with the officially opened in desalination
of NEWater plants at environment and water industry. completion of DTSS Phase 1. Changi. plant opened.
Bedok and Kranji.
Creating a City of Gardens and Co-creating Solutions with 2009 2011 2015
Engaging the Public Water the World
The NEWater Visitor The Active, Beautiful, Clean The inaugural Singapore The Heart Beats Catching Every Nurturing
Centre officially opened. Waters (ABC Waters) Programme International Water Week The Changi Water Rain Drop NEWater
launched to transform Singapore’s launched. Reclamation Plant – Punggol and Construction
waterbodies beyond their utilitarian the heart of DTSS Serangoon work for
2001
purpose into beautiful and clean Creating Singapore’s 15th Phase 1 – officially reservoirs the second
streams, rivers and lakes. Reservoir opened. Water officially opened. NEWater
Managing the Water Cycle
Marina Barrage officially reclamation plants Together with plant in
PUB reconstituted to become
On the World Stage opened. The Barrage creates at Bedok and Seletar, Marina Reservoir, Changi began.
Singapore’s national water
PUB named Water Agency of the Singapore’s 15th reservoir – the in the eastern Singapore’s
agency, taking over sewerage
Year at the Global Water Awards. Marina Reservoir – the first of part of Singapore, water catchment
and drainage functions
such in the heart of the city. decommissioned. increased from
from the Ministry of the
2005 half to two-thirds
Environment.
2007 of Singapore’s
The Sea, Our Future land area.
Singapore’s first desalination Winning Ways
plant opened. PUB wins the prestigious
Stockholm Industry Water
Building a Dam Award, widely regarded as one
Construction of the Marina of the highest accolades in the
Barrage began. water sector. 7
Our Beginnings
Singapore’s 50-year journey towards water sustainability started
with one visionary who made the precious resource a national
priority. Then, the hard work of water education, conservation
and innovation began.
8PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
9REMEMBERING
Lee Kuan Yew
AND HIS ROLE IN THE
SINGAPORE WATER STORY
From day one of taking office as the first Prime Minister of
Singapore, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew was determined to see
the small island-state achieve water sustainability.
“I never believed it would be impossible forever; I thought
sometime, some place, technology will be found that would
make it nearly possible,” said Mr Lee in a 2008 dialogue at the
inaugural Singapore International Water Week.
Today, thanks to his vision for self-reliance, Singapore is
making significant strides towards water sustainability.
10PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
Prime Minister’s Office in 1971. The Unit drew up the With the Singapore River flowing free, Mr Lee issued a second
nation’s first Water Master Plan in 1972, which studied new challenge: to create a reservoir in the heart of the city. This
conventional sources (such as unprotected catchments) vision was finally realised in 20 years when the Marina
and unconventional sources (such as water reuse and Barrage was completed in 2008.
desalination). This pioneered PUB’s holistic approach to water
management, which evolved into today’s Four National Taps. Marina Barrage not only creates a reservoir – the Marina
Reservoir – for water supply, but also helps in alleviating
During the opening ceremony of the Upper Peirce Reservoir floods in the city centre. In the process, Marina Barrage has
in 1977, Mr Lee challenged the then Ministry of Environment become a new lifestyle attraction as well.
to work with various ministries and agencies on one of the
1963: Mr Lee chairing a meeting with PUB staff. nation’s largest water projects back then: to clean up the Five decades after independence, Mr Lee’s unflinching vision
Singapore River in ten years. A clean river would allow a dam for a water-sustainable Singapore is now seen in the island’s
WATER AS NATIONAL PRIORITY to be built across the Marina Channel to increase Singapore’s 17 reservoirs, four NEWater plants and two desalination
Water struggles were aplenty when water supply. plants. Evidently, Singapore did not just stop at survival – its
Singapore gained independence in 1965. continuous investments in technology and innovation would
To begin with, Singapore was lacking in It was no mean feat, but it was successfully accomplished. later turn its water vulnerability into a strength.
water resources. Thus, since the early By 1987, the Singapore River was completely transformed.
days, Mr Lee had always made water a The waters flowed freely, the fishes returned and people could
top priority in government policies. engage in recreational activities there.
“Every other policy has to bend at the
knees for our water survival,” Mr Lee
once declared. “Water is a precious
resource; without it you die. You can
live without energy ... But without water
you dehydrate and die,” he explained.
So began Mr Lee’s challenge to civil
servants and engineers: find ways
to make Singapore’s water supply
sustainable and to “capture every
drop of rain” that fell on the island.
The urgency for water solutions
compelled Mr Lee to set up the
Water Planning Unit under the
Then: The Singapore River in the 1930s — home to street hawkers, farms Now: After the 1977 to 1987 clean-up, the Singapore River flows with clear
and illegal gambling dens — was a hotbed of garbage, industrial waste waters, breathing new life into the city. Today, people enjoy recreational
products and oil spills. activities alongside the healthy river.
11WATER AS WAY OF LIFE WATER AS INNOVATION
MARINA BARRAGE: FIRST RESERVOIR IN THE HEART OF THE CITY Throughout his years of leadership, The first experiment in recycled water
In the eighties Mr Lee had envisaged the damming of Singapore’s Marina Channel Mr Lee constantly made the clarion had taken place in 1974 with a pilot
to create a freshwater reservoir. call to citizens that water is everyone’s plant. While the idea was strong, the
responsibility: water conservation is to water membrane technology remained
The Marina Barrage is an engineering feat. It comprises nine steel crest gates – be a part of everyday life. expensive and undependable.
each 30m long and 5m tall – that are built across the 350m-wide Marina Channel
to separate seawater from freshwater.
He understood that managing water Mr Lee told PUB not to give up.
The Barrage was opened in 2008 along with Marina Reservoir, the first reservoir demand – especially in the context of
in the heart of the city. It added 10,000ha to Singapore’s catchment area – one- increasing population and urbanisation The defining moment came some
sixth the size of the country. – is equally, if not more important, than three decades on, when membrane
managing water supply. technology matured and became
Together with two newer reservoirs – the Serangoon and Punggol Reservoirs – the more reliable, and its costs had come
Marina Reservoir increased Singapore’s water catchment from half to two-thirds
Water campaigns became the norm down. Finally, PUB engineers could
of its land area.
from the seventies, and the public string together the various tested
was encouraged to reduce its daily technologies. They put in research and
consumption by 25%. development (R&D) efforts to make
sure the entire NEWater process, which
The outreach efforts worked when involves microfiltration, reverse osmosis
Singapore experienced a drought in and ultraviolet disinfection, could work.
1971. Public consumption of water
reduced significantly and Singapore And it did. In 2003 NEWater was
managed to stave off water rationing. introduced as the Third National Tap.
United Nations Secretary-General
In 1973 PUB introduced a tiered tariff Ban Ki-moon called NEWater the “elixir
system to manage wasteful water users: of life”. Today, Singapore has four
careful users would benefit while those NEWater plants that can meet up to
that consumed more had to pay more. 30% of the island’s current water needs.
“Saving water must become a way of Riding on the success of NEWater, PUB
life,” Mr Lee again urged in his speech continued investing heavily in water
at the opening of the new Upper Peirce R&D, supporting local water industries
Reservoir in 1977. and establishing global platforms for
the co-creation of water solutions.
2005: Mr Lee at a ceremony to mark the construction of the $226 million Marina Barrage.
12PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
Who would have thought? Singapore,
once desperate for water, had turned a “I never believed it would be impossible forever; THE LEE KUAN YEW WATER PRIZE:
INSPIRING WATER INNOVATORS
need into a thriving industry. I thought sometime, some place, technology will be
PUB launched the Lee Kuan Yew
In an interview for his book Hard Truths
found that would make it nearly possible.” Water Prize in 2008 to honour the
to Keep Singapore Going, Mr Lee reminded global community’s achievements
Mr Lee in a 2008 dialogue at the inaugural Singapore International Water Week, on the seemingly
in confronting the world’s water
young Singaporeans on the reality of impossible task to systematically turn every drop of water in Singapore into potable water
challenges.
the city-state and the water journey
it took. The prize was named after Mr Lee
to embody his spirit of ingenuity, as
WATER AS PASSION well as his foresight and leadership
What transformed Mr Lee’s vision in sustainability.
for water sustainability into a reality
“It has taken on special significance
were the decades of hard work of many
and meaning after Mr Lee’s recent
PUB employees. passing, and will be a testament to
his enduring legacy as the architect
Mr Lee ultimately left behind a legacy of Singapore’s water story,” says
of passionate commitment. Mr Tan Gee Paw, Chairman of PUB.
Singapore is now at a turning point. The Prize has since been awarded to
six innovators.
While the past decades have been about
attaining water security for Singapore, It will continue to grow and become
the next 50 years will be about synonymous with water excellence,
becoming a model sustainable city. shine the spotlight on positive
groundbreaking work and promote a
Through good planning, hard work passion for a sustainable tomorrow.
and strong will, Singapore can do it.
This would be our greatest tribute to
Mr Lee.
1977: Mr Lee at the opening of the Upper Peirce Reservoir, where he urged all Singaporeans to join the
nation’s journey towards water security.
2008: Mr Lee shared historical episodes of
Singapore’s water journey during the Lee
Kuan Yew Water Prize Award Ceremony.
13PUB and Urban Water Management:
A Retrospective Assessment By Asit K. Biswas and Cecilia Tortajada
This year is the 50th anniversary of In 1942, the British blew a 70ft gap in office which assessed all government
Singapore’s independence. One major the causeway to slow Japanese advance. policies through the lens of water. As he
issue that has received inadequate This meant the pipe that brought water told us: “Every other policy has to bend
attention is how Singapore improved from Johor was ruptured. Singapore at the knees for our water survival.”
its water management from a below then had only three reservoirs, with two
average Asian developing city in 1965, weeks’ water supply. The Japanese Mr Lee’s personal and continuous
to one of the best in the world within crossed Johor Straits in collapsible boats lifelong interest in water ensured
about two decades. to take over Singapore. The island’s Singapore’s urban water management
water vulnerability made a profound became the envy of the world. National
Singapore’s history of urban water impression on young Lee. leaders everywhere are interested in
management is not long. In 1857, water only when there is a drought,
philanthropist Tan Kim Seng donated The second event was in 1965. The flood or natural hazard. The moment
S$13,000 for constructing an initial then British High Commissioner, the crisis disappears, water vanishes
waterworks and piped water system. Anthony Head, informed Mr Lee that from political agenda. Mr Lee is the only
The first reservoir was constructed the Malaysian Prime Minister had told leader who was consistently interested
in 1868 and was later expanded in him: “If Singapore’s foreign policy was in water throughout his entire political
1891. The expansion was overseen by prejudicial to Malaysia’s interests, career. This has not been replicated
the city’s municipal engineer, James they (Malaysia) could always bring in history.
MacRitchie. It now bears his name. pressure to bear on them (Singapore)
by threatening to turn off the water Singapore’s progress has been
In 1965, architect of modern Singapore in Johor.” remarkable. Consider floods. In
Lee Kuan Yew took a special interest December 1969, floods resulted in
in water. Mr Lee realised water was These two events shaped Mr Lee’s view five deaths and damages of S$4.3
a strategic and existential issue for of the strategic importance of water. million (1969 prices). Nearly 6,900ha,
Singapore and thus must receive high Following the Malaysian threat, he or 12.8% of the country, was flood-
national priority. This decision was asked for an estimate of how much rain prone. Singapore has not had a single
based on two facts. fell in Singapore and how much could fatality due to floods over the past
be used. He established a unit in his three decades. Flood-prone areas have
been reduced to 34ha. An average flood
14PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
“National leaders everywhere are interested in water only
when there is a drought, flood or natural hazard. The moment
the crisis disappears, water vanishes from political agenda.
Mr Lee is the only leader who was consistently interested in
water throughout his entire political career.”
currently lasts less than 30 minutes. performance was made possible by
The last night soil removal service consistent strong political support from
was phased out on 24 January 1987. the highest levels of government and
It now has an outstanding wastewater long-term visionary planning.
collection, treatment, recycling and reuse
system to produce ultra-clean reclaimed This remarkable success story was
water (NEWater) that has become one of possible because of excellent future-
four sources of water supply. oriented plans and their timely
execution by PUB, Singapore’s national
Another example is the cleaning of water agency. It was consistently
the Singapore River and Kallang Basin. underpinned by responsible and
In 1977, as part of the re-development proactive political and administrative
efforts of the city, Mr Lee set a target leaderships, a relentless pursuit of
of 10 years for their cleaning. True to economic growth that has contributed
Singapore style, following the political to steady improvements in living
decision, this was completed within standards, and a perpetual quest for
time, requiring a resettlement of excellence. The net result has been a
more than 45,000 squatters who were true success story of self-resilience,
discharging liquid and solid wastes, creation of consistent growth
and phasing out 610 pig farms and 500 opportunities and good governance.
duck farms. People were resettled in This is in spite of scarcity of natural
new housing estates with tap water and resources, including water, which could
sanitation and a superior quality of life. have easily torpedoed such a fairy story.
Cecilia Tortajada is Senior Research Fellow
An analysis of the benefits of the clean-
at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
up shows significant economic, health,
social and environmental benefits, Asit K. Biswas is Distinguished Visiting Professor at
the same school. Both are co-founders of the Third
confirming the wisdom and foresight World Centre for Water Management, Mexico.
of political leaders. This extraordinary
15OUR FOUR NATIONAL TAPS:
A Story of Innovation
Driven by a passion to be sustainable in water,
we are excited about new ideas, technology and
holistic approaches to challenges.
16PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
17IMAGINING AN UNDERGROUND
RESERVOIR SYSTEM
PUB is studying the technical and
economic feasibility of developing
an integrated Underground Drainage
and Reservoir System (UDRS), which
could help Singapore mitigate
the impact of climate change and
enhance drought resilience.
The study will look into design
options that integrate three key
components: stormwater conveyance
tunnels, underground reservoir
caverns and a pumped storage
hydropower system.
The tunnels can convey excess
stormwater to underground caverns
for storage. The caverns add to
Singapore’s reservoir water storage
and enhance drought resilience. The
hydropower system aims to recover
energy from water that flows off
the surface of waterbodies into the
underground caverns.
CAPTURING EVERY DROP OF RAIN The 24-month study is expected to
be completed by end 2017, and the
findings will allow PUB to decide if
Singapore would be an ever-thirsty nation if not for its LOCAL CATCHMENT WATER UDRS can be pursued further.
Four National Taps: local catchment water, imported water, In the 1960s we had only three reservoirs. Today, we have
NEW WATER PIPELINE
NEWater and desalinated water. 17 reservoirs with a catchment covering two-thirds of
Singapore’s land area. This makes us one of the few countries To meet future water demand in the
These diversified water sources form a robust water supply that harvests urban stormwater on a large scale for water city area, a new trunk water pipeline
system managed by PUB, the national water agency. Our Four supply. We aim to increase the catchment area to up to 90% will be laid from Murnane Service
National Taps are not a story of overnight success. Instead, of Singapore’s land area in the long run by tapping into the Reservoir, which is located in central
they have been developed through decades of innovation. remaining rivulets. Singapore. Construction work on this
22km-long pipeline begins in 2016
and the underground pipeline will be
ready by 2019.
18PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
INNOVATING TO
MEET WATER DEMAND
NEWATER
The pillar of our water sustainability strategy and the key innovation
in Singapore’s water story is our high-grade reclaimed water, also known
as NEWater.
NEWater is produced by further purifying treated used water with
advanced membrane technologies – namely, microfiltration, reverse
osmosis and ultraviolet disinfection.
NEWater allows every drop of water to be used and re-used, creating a
multiplier effect. NEWater is mainly used for industrial and air-cooling
purposes at wafer fabrication parks, industrial estates and commercial
buildings. During dry months, NEWater is also used to top up our
reservoirs, and is blended with raw water before undergoing treatment at
the waterworks, after which it is supplied to customers for potable use.
Currently, there are four NEWater plants which can meet 30% of
Singapore’s total water demand. The plan is to expand NEWater capacity
so that it meets up to 55% of our future water demand by 2060.
SECOND NEWATER PLANT IN CHANGI TO BEGIN OPERATIONS
IN 2016
In 2014 BESIN-UEN Consortium, led by BEWG International Pte Ltd
and UE NEWater Pte Ltd, was selected to build a NEWater plant, the
second such plant in Changi.
The plant is expected to commence operations in 2016 and will
add another 50 million gallons of NEWater per day to the nation’s
water supply.
19DESALINATED WATER
THIRD DESALINATION PLANT TO
The opening of Singapore’s first desalination plant in 2005 was another OPEN IN 2017
milestone in our water journey. Like NEWater, desalination is a weather-
resilient source that strengthens our water security, particularly during To meet our growing needs and
dry spells. prepare for periods of drought and dry
spells, a third desalination plant will
Today, we have two desalination plants. The SingSpring and Tuaspring be constructed in Tuas.
desalination plants can produce 100 million gallons of desalinated water
With this plant, Singapore can produce
a day to meet up to 25% of Singapore’s current water demand. The plan is up to 130 million gallons of drinking
to grow Singapore’s desalination capacity so that the Fourth National Tap water a day from seawater, up from
can meet up to 25% of future water demand by 2060. the current 100 million gallons a day.
20PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
COLLECTING EVERY DROP OF USED WATER
DEEP TUNNEL SEWERAGE SYSTEM
Used water from both the domestic and non-domestic sectors TUAS WATER RECLAMATION PLANT TO LEAD SINGAPORE’S WATER-ENERGY-
WASTE NEXUS
is collected by a network of underground sewers. It is then
sent to the water reclamation plants for treatment before A highlight of DTSS Phase 2 – now in its planning stages – will be the new energy-
going to the NEWater plants for further purification, or efficient Tuas Water Reclamation Plant and an integrated NEWater factory.
discharged into the sea.
As a strategic move to ensure water and environmental sustainability, the National
Environment Agency’s Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) will be located
Since 2009, the eastern half of Singapore’s used water system
at Tuas Water Reclamation Plant. The aim is to reap the potential synergies of the
has been connected to the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System water-energy-waste nexus.
(DTSS) – a super highway for used water and the first of its
kind in the region. The co-location marks Singapore’s first initiative to integrate used water and solid
waste treatment processes to maximise both energy and resource recovery, while
This first phase of DTSS, which was completed in 2008, minimising land footprint. It will allow IWMF to supply electricity to Tuas Water
conveys used water by gravity and centralises the used water Reclamation Plant, while Tuas Water Reclamation Plant will supply treated used
water to IWMF for cooling and washing purposes.
treatment at the Changi Water Reclamation Plant. Work for
Phase 2 began in 2014 and will be completed in 2024. It will
extend the tunnels to collect used water from the western
part of Singapore and centralise its treatment at the Tuas
Water Reclamation Plant.
A major benefit of DTSS is that it frees up land in Singapore
for other uses. Previously, Singapore collected and transported
water via pumping stations that dotted the island. DTSS
runs entirely underground and eradicates the need for the
pumping stations.
More important, by collecting every drop of used water, DTSS
allows for efficient, large-scale water recycling, thus ensuring
the sustainability of NEWater.
21WATER As Chief Technology Officer of PUB, Harry Seah’s role is to source for good ideas and technologies that
help PUB achieve its mission of providing clean, adequate and affordable water. He also facilitates
VOICES research with as many stakeholders as possible, including universities, companies and individuals.
He began as an engineer in the then Ministry of Environment, and worked on sewerage systems.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to end up in my current role,” he says. “I’ve had little
guidance for it, but I have a good understanding of engineering, and more important, a good team
behind me.”
On innovation: Harry Seah remembers NEWater as one NEWATER: HISTORY IN THE our morale up,” says Harry. The team
of the most satisfying projects he has MAKING itemised every problem, and within
“PUB nurtures good ever worked on. NEWater was set to be Harry was one of two engineers who a month and a half, they resolved all
a game-changer in the water industry, had made a significiant trip to the of them. “In August 2000, we saw a
ideas like a loving and everyone on board the project United States in 1998 to explore water straight, calm line on the SCADA chart,
parent” was excited about it. This motivated reuse. During that trip, they witnessed and we knew we had it: a stable plant
the team to work as one and devote technologies that later formed part of that worked. The rest is history.”
themselves entirely to it. the NEWater process. They submitted
a report that quickly garnered the A MEETING OF MANY MINDS
“The engineers, equipment suppliers ministry’s approval, and soon, a “The NEWater process is about
and those who built the plant, we all NEWater demonstration plant costing producing clean water by the hundreds
went the extra mile, day and night, and $14 million was in the works. of thousands of cubic metres a day,
the commitment was, in a word, wow,” where every drop is safe,” says Harry.
says Harry. “Even the private sector NEWater’s key idea, that is, membrane “We’re talking about how technology
contractors who had to worry about technology, has been around for many can benefit on a municipal level.”
their bottom line drew no boundaries years. The turning point was when
and sped up their work.” Harry, then an engineer, and his team Harry learnt from the NEWater
made sense of it. “We thought about the experience that innovation is a meeting
Harry sees NEWater as a very unifying ways to exploit the technology so it can of many different minds towards a
project because it allowed the team be efficient and reliable,” he says. common goal. “We had people with
to play a part in Singapore’s history – different expertise coming together,”
and future. “It was a ground-breaking It did not come without challenges. he says. “NEWater called for a multi-
project that continues to contribute to The team lacked experience and were disciplinary team, and I learnt about
our country’s development,” he says. “It learning on the go. Numerous problems water quality data, auditing, mechanical
has been very purposeful work.” plagued the demonstration plant when engineering, instrumentation, computer
it began running in 2000. “There were programming and even people
naysayers, so one challenge was to keep management. All this while, I was
just a structural engineer!”
22PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
In fact, Harry became a well-trained Harry says. “It’s no use having cheap
extrovert because NEWater invited water that compromises on quality and
more questions than answers. “I causes the industry to worry.”
had to systematically address these
questions and convince people Third, PUB’s role is to nurture
through presentations,” he recalls. technology and ideas “like a loving
“Who knew that such a highly parent,” Harry describes. “For example,
technical project could actually help reverse osmosis has been around
in my personal development?” for 30 years, but it took time for the
technology to be applicable and
HOW NEWATER CHANGED cost-efficient. We will nurture such
R&D IN PUB technologies, where the engineering and
PUB had invested in R&D all along. But science make sense. It’s only a matter of
NEWater expanded and reshaped PUB’s time before they get adopted.”
R&D work in the past decade. “Through
NEWater, we learnt how to manage, PEOPLE BEFORE TECHNOLOGY
mitigate and address risks. This gave us “The right technology must be
the framework to move into R&D in a coupled with the right people,” Harry
big way,” Harry explains. “We are now emphasises. “In the end, it’s people who
more focused. After NEWater, we have drive our innovations.”
become clearer about what we want,
and we can tell the world what we were Harry returns to the example of the
and are looking for.” NEWater team: “We began with two
people, then grew to six, and now
Today, three attitudes guide PUB’s R&D we have more than 30 working with
work, and thus, its innovation approach. NEWater,” he says. “Many of them were
Harry Seah First, PUB does not claim to know part of the original team. We still meet
Chief Technology Officer everything. “We have the whole world to regularly to share our experiences.
PUB
learn from,” says Harry. “We’re excited It’s important that we grow and learn
about creating opportunities where we together – this has been key in making
can exchange and source for new ideas.” NEWater memorable for all of us.”
Second, although PUB is very open to
ideas, it will remain conservative in
applying them. “As a utility provider,
we cannot afford to make mistakes,”
23Then: Bedok Reservoir was all but a sand quarry in the 1970s, but that did not stop PUB from imagining its
possibilities. In 1983 construction works to turn it into a reservoir began.
Now (right): Bedok Reservoir was completed in 1986 and in 2004 it was opened for water activities.
24PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
25OUR FUTURE:
A Thriving Global Hydrohub
A water industry is flourishing here, positioning
Singapore well to take global leadership as a provider
of water solutions.
26PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
27PUB cannot walk alone in the journey of ensuring water
sustainability, increasing water resources and keeping
costs competitive. To arrive at the best water solutions
for Singapore’s needs, we work closely with the local and
international water industry — which includes various
governments, international organisations, research
institutions and industry players — to foster strong and
mutually beneficial networks.
These efforts in turn aid the successful organisation of the
Singapore International Water Week, the world’s flagship
water event focused on business, technology and solutions,
and where the global water community comes together to
share and co-create innovative water solutions.
For innovators, agencies, institutions and companies to meet,
collaborate and innovate, a vibrant R&D community must
come hand in hand with a thriving industry – this is the
vision for Singapore as a global hydrohub.
Set up in 2006, the Environment and Water Industry
Programme Office (EWI), a multi-agency effort headed by
PUB, spearheads the development of the water industry. EWI
adopts a three-pronged strategy: technology development,
cluster development and internationalisation of Singapore-
based companies.
The Singapore water industry has since grown significantly.
The number of water companies here has increased from
50 in 2006 to 180 today, and there are 26 research institutes.
These have created around 14,000 water-related jobs. With a
vibrant water ecosystem, Singapore’s water industry is poised
to continue its growth momentum.
28PUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
SINGAPORE’S FIRST CO-DIGESTION PLANT FOR PUB AND K-WATER INK MOU ON WATER SOLUTIONS PUB AND SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT
ENHANCED ENERGY GENERATION TO COLLABORATE ON SMART
PUB and Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), WATER AND ENERGY-EFFICIENT
In June 2015 PUB and Anaergia Pte Ltd announced Korea’s national water utility, signed a Memorandum of WATER TECHNOLOGIES
Singapore’s first project aimed at producing more biogas Understanding (MOU) in April 2015 to collaborate in four R&D
for electricity generation. areas: smart water grids, water quality monitoring, green PUB and SUEZ environnement,
energy and water treatment processes. a world leader in resources
This will be done via a co-digestion demonstration management, signed an MOU in June
facility, where used water sludge from Ulu Pandan Water Within the four topics, identified common focus areas include 2015 to share expertise and further
Reclamation Plant is mixed with food waste collected from automatic meter reading (smart water grids); rapid detection explore potential collaborations
the Clementi district, and then treated. of contaminants (water quality monitoring); photovoltaic towards water resilience and
systems (green energy); and membrane technology (water sustainability. The MOU reinforced
The co-digestion plant can treat up to 40 tonnes of treatment processes). three project agreements signed
combined food waste and used water sludge. It has the in May 2015 to collaborate on R&D
potential to produce more biogas due to food waste’s LINKING WITH THE WORLD FOR BETTER WATER IDEAS projects in used water treatment,
higher calorific value. stormwater management and
PUB signed two MOUs in June 2015 to deepen Singapore’s R&D automated meter reading.
Construction for the plant will be completed by September collaborations with global partners.
2015. If successful, the process could be implemented In this partnership, information and
at the future Tuas Water Reclamation Plant and the An MOU with the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Water communication technologies and
National Environment Agency’s Integrated Waste Resources Research and Development Centre will allow the analytical software solutions will be
Management Facility. Centre to tap into Singapore’s experience in water quality used to develop a smart water grid.
management and energy recovery from the used water This includes the development of a
PUB EMBARKS ON SOLAR PROJECTS reclamation process, while enabling PUB to access ASEM decision support tool for stormwater
networks for a better understanding of leading-edge solutions management; and an automated
Choa Chu Kang Waterworks (CCKWW) is now partially in Asia and Europe. meter reading to track water
powered by solar energy, following the installation of a consumption and induce proactive
1MWp solar photovoltaic system in its compound in May PUB’s MOU with VCS Denmark will accelerate the sharing consumer behaviour towards water
2015. The solar panels can harness solar energy to meet and creation of solutions. Both parties will tap into each conservation.
about 7% of the plant’s average daily energy needs for other’s strengths in areas such as wastewater technology and
lighting, air-conditioning and water treatment operations. operations, energy reduction and climate adaptation. A pilot project to develop an energy-
This allows the plant to reduce its carbon footprint by efficient used water treatment process
replacing some of the energy drawn from the national grid by integrating smart monitoring and
with a more sustainable and renewable source. advanced control strategies will also
be carried out. SUEZ environnement
Tengeh Reservoir will also house a testbed for floating solar also announced the opening of its
panels with a total capacity of 3MWp. With this system, new Innovation Centre, composed of
Tengeh Reservoir has the potential to double up as an 15 research scientists and engineers,
energy catchment to channel generated solar power into the to support, through innovation,
national grid. Environmental studies have commenced, and projects development in Singapore.
construction for the testbed will begin by the end of 2015.
29WATER Maurice Neo leads industry development in PUB. He and his team are responsible for the formulation
and implementation of strategies to establish Singapore as a global hydrohub and to grow a vibrant
VOICES water industry here. Closer to home, the Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI)
looks into adding value to the Singapore economy, creating jobs in the water industry and nurturing
the next generation of talents. Maurice joined the then Ministry of Environment in 1994 as an
engineer in the drainage department. Having worked on the Kallang River project, he recalls: “A lot
of engineering work went into it. The learning curve was definitely very steep.”
On industry development: WHY IS INDUSTRY water management. We went around Singapore’s GDP, increasing job
DEVELOPMENT A PRIORITY the world speaking at conferences, opportunities and allocating funding
“PUB cannot innovate IN PUB? joined international panels as members where the best solutions are. It also
Industry development is important for and even won prestigious awards such makes the water industry development
alone – we need the our journey towards water sustainability. as the 2007 Stockholm Industry Water work here even more coherent. We do
industry” PUB cannot innovate alone – we need Award. To attract more companies, that by collaborating with agencies such
the industry to work together. organisations and experts to partner as the Economic Development Board,
us, we first have to let others know International Enterprise Singapore and
Take NEWater as an example. who we are. SPRING to grow our water cluster and
We have NEWater because of our its capabilities.
partnership with experts around the In 2004 WaterHub was set up as a
world and various companies. It was strategic platform for PUB and the TELL US MORE ABOUT HOW EWI
an international expert panel that industry. It works as an incubator for DRIVES THE WATER INDUSTRY
endorsed NEWater. And the World companies and start-ups to develop — BOTH IN SINGAPORE AND
Health Organisation tested it to make their water innovations. There is also an GLOBALLY.
sure NEWater meets drinking water academy at the hub to build capabilities, EWI’s work focuses on a few key
standards. It is PUB’s role to lead the so water professionals can join our strategies – cluster development,
development of the entire industry training courses to advance their technology development,
if we want to ensure the next generation learning or stay abreast of the latest internationalisation and capability
of solutions for water sustainability. developments. WaterHub is meant to be development. First, our work in
a place for networking as well. It offers cluster development aims to attract
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME shared facilities and hosts conferences, companies to set up base in Singapore
OF PUB’S MILESTONES IN talks and seminars. with a long-term view to growing their
DEVELOPING THE INDUSTRY? regional presence. Companies around
I will share three key milestones. When Then, in 2006, EWI was set up. It the world ask: “Why should I be based
we first started, our NEWater and connects our water solutions to the in Singapore?” We share about the
desalination projects helped propel market, and looks into how the water opportunities and convince them that
Singapore to the world stage. PUB began industry can benefit the country – for they have a business case here.
30 profiling Singapore’s experiences in example, in ways such as growingPUB ANNUAL REPORT 2014/2015
Second, our work in technology development accelerates
the commercialisation of new technologies to market,
priming Singapore as a global test-bed while strengthening
international R&D ties. Third, our work in internationalisation
is a relentless effort to profile Singapore’s water successes and
innovations by the companies we support. This will attract
innovators around the world to work with us.
Last but not least, we also emphasise on capability development.
There is a need to continue grooming our talent base here
to support the industry’s growth. This is one of our biggest
challenges as many young people are not going into engineering
these days.
WHAT IS EXCITING ABOUT THE WATER INDUSTRY?
WHAT WOULD ATTRACT THE YOUNG TO BE A PART
OF IT?
Water is one industry where many cutting-edge solutions
take place. The need for such solutions will not end because
water is scarce, and urbanisation will create a greater – if not
necessary – need for water sustainability.
In Singapore, young engineers get to work on mega, city-wide
projects. They will be involved in projects that are large in
scale, and thus, large in impact. Also, there is a deep sense of
purpose in the work because water is an everyday resource
Maurice Neo that affects the lives of everyone. In PUB, it is our commitment
Director of Industry Development Department, PUB; and Director of Planning & Operations, to ensure a steady supply of water at an affordable cost for
Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI)
citizens – and providing this is very meaningful work for many
of our engineers.
31CO-CREATING WITH THE WORLD
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK (SIWW)
Singapore plays a key role in forging dialogue amongst
policymakers, water experts and industry leaders on water
issues, challenges and solutions. We host SIWW, a meeting
place for the who’s who in the water industry on a biennial
basis. While EWI’s key initiative is to showcase the capabilities
of the Singapore water industry, SIWW is the global platform
for the sharing and co-creation of water solutions.
The conversations just did not stop flowing after SIWW
2014. Held in between the main SIWW editions, the SIWW
Spotlight Series are exclusive by-invitation events that
continue the dialogue from SIWW. They focus on critical
issues and challenges faced by the water industry worldwide,
and the outcomes will shape the programme and content
for SIWW.
The SIWW Technology and Innovation Summit (STIS) 2015
was held on 16 and 17 June 2015. It brought together leading
experts from water and wastewater utilities, industrial water
users, solution providers, research institutes, international
organisations, investors and technology multipliers to identify
the key technology focus areas for the global water industry.
These included low-energy seawater desalination, network
asset management and energy efficiency in wastewater
treatment, amongst others.
The outcomes from the two-day summit will be compiled
into a global blueprint for water solutions, and will help
shape the content and discussions for SIWW 2016.
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