Interviewing the PUB (NEWater) officer

Interviewing the PUB (NEWater) officer:

 

Do you think NEWater is safe to consume?

Of course

 

How did PUB encourage the public to drink Newater as an alternative to fresh water?

 By pumping some, a small percentage, of the NEWater into the resevior. So, gradually we are allowing the public to try NEWater, so that they will not be so adversed with the idea. So, this is one of the ways.

 

Are there any campaigns held to raise awareness of NEWater or change the mindset of the people towars NEWater?

So far, no.

 

What is your personal view of NEWater?

More than safe to drink.

 

Why do you think some people have negative perception of NEWater?

When they hear sewage water, which is not true, they are afraid. Actually, NEWater is perfectly safe to drink. As long the public know that they are not drinking just used water. Technically, they are, but the water has been treated, so they should not worry. That is why all the more, they should come here (NEWater visitor centre), so that they can be educated, then they will know, this is nothing.

More about the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System

About it...

The S$3.4 billion Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) is an efficient and cost-efficient solution to meet Singapore’s long-term needs for used water collection, treatment, reclamation and disposal. Conceptualised and managed by PUB, it was conceived as a cost-effective and sustainable solution to meet Singapore’s long-term used water needs.

The mammoth DTSS (Phase 1 & 2) project consists of two large, deep tunnels crisscrossing the island, two centralised water reclamation plants, deep sea outfall pipes and a link sewer network.

Click here to see how DTSS works.

Completed in 2008, Phase I of the DTSS comprises a 48km long deep sewer tunnel running from Kranji to Changi, a centralised water reclamation plant at Changi, two 5km long deep sea outfall pipes and 60km of link sewer.

The heart of the DTSS, the Changi Water Reclamation Plant (Changi WRP) is a state-of-the-art used water plant capable of treating 800,000 cubic metres (176 million gallons) or 320 Olympic size swimming pools of used water a day to international standards. The treated used water is then discharged into the sea through deep sea outfall pipes or channelled to the Changi NEWater factory on the rooftop of the reclamation plant where it is further purified through advanced membrane technologies into NEWater, Singapore’s own brand of reclaimed water.

Crowned ‘Water Project of the Year’ at the Global Water Awards 2009 in Zurich, Switzerland on 28 April 2009, the DTSS was selected as the water project with the most significant contribution to water technology and environmental protection. The annual Global Water Awards is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious symbols of achievement in the global water industry.

What are the benefits?

Ensuring sustainability of NEWater

The Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) is an important component of Singapores water management strategy as it allows every drop of used water to be collected, treated and further purified into NEWater, Singapores own brand of reclaimed water.
NEWater is the pillar of Singapores water sustainability. Together with three other sources water from local catchments, imported water and desalinated water they form the Four National Taps, PUBs long-term water supply strategy to ensure a robust and sustainable supply of water for Singapore.
Singapore’s largest NEWater plant to date is built on the rooftop of the Changi Water Reclamation Plant, the first of its kind in the world. Integrating the NEWater plant with the DTSS allows for efficient, large-scale water recycling, thus ensuring the sustainability of NEWater.
Opened in May 2010, this NEWater plant at Changi has a capacity of 50mgd. With this addition, coupled with the expansion of the existing three NEWater plants, NEWater now meets 30% of Singapore’s total water demand.

Compact design and efficient land use

The compact design of the Changi Water Reclamation Plant (Changi WRP) requires only one-third the land area of a conventional plant. There is also no need for a buffer zone, as the plant modules are fully covered.
Phase 1 of the DTSS replaces three of the existing water reclamation plants and accompanying pumping stations, freeing up to 135ha of land for other developments.

Growing Singapores industry capabilities

Over 300 local and international contractors, subcontractors and suppliers have worked on the construction of the DTSS. The experience enabled them to build their track record and pitch for bigger projects in Singapore and overseas.


Major components of DTSS

Link Sewer Network The link sewers connect the existing sewerage pipes from homes and industries to the deep tunnel sewers. Constructed with depths ranging from 10m to 30m underground, a trenchless method was used to minimise disruption of activities above ground. Ranging from 0.3m to 3m in diameter, the link sewers total about 60km in length. Deep Tunnel Sewer Eight tunnel boring machines were used simultaneously to excavate these deep tunnels. With tunnels as wide as 3.3m to 6m in diameter and depths reaching tunnel sewers received used water from the existing sewerage system. Changi Water Reclamation Plant The Changi Water Reclamation Plant is the cornerstone of the first phase of the Singapore Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS). Sited on 32 hectares of reclaimed land, CWRP features a state-of-the-art, compact and covered used water treatment facility designed to treat 800,000 cubic metres per day of used water. It can be expanded to handle an ultimate 2,400,000 cubic metres per day of used water. Click here for an inside look of the Changi WRP. Outfall pipes Two 5km long deep sea outfall pipes channel the excess treated used water from the Changi Water Reclamation Plant for dispersion into the sea. Adapted from http://www.pub.gov.sg/dtss/Pages/default.aspx Learning Points: Singapore has constantly been improving its water system and its sustainability. It is innovative in coming up with ideas to meet the water needs of the increasing population

History of NEWater

History

NEWater may sound like an overnight success for Singapore. But its evolution is a journey that spanned 3 decades. Singapore's first water masterplan was drawn up in 1972. In 1974, PUB built a pilot plant to turn used water into potable water. This was the precursor of today's NEWater factories. But it was ahead of its time. The costs were astronomical and the membranes were unreliable, so the idea was shelved to await further technological advancement. In 1998, the necessary technology had matured and driven production costs down. In May 2000, the first NEWater plant was completed.

Now

Currently, there are 4 NEWater plants in Singapore. The latest and the largest NEWater plant at Changi with a capacity of 50mgd was opened in May 2010. With this addition, coupled with the expansion of the existing plants, NEWater now meets 30% of Singapore’s total water demand. By 2060, NEWater is projected to meet 50% of Singapore’s future water demand. Read more on NEWater - the 3rd National Tap Read more on NEWater Visitor Centre The NEWater Visitor Centre, which was opened in February 2003, is the focal point of PUB’s public education on NEWater. The centre highlights the importance of water and how Singapore leverages on advances in technology to reclaim water. Visitors are able to view firsthand the operation of the advanced dual membrane and ultraviolet technologies used to produce NEWater. Sources: http://www.pub.gov.sg/about/historyfuture/Pages/NEWater.aspx

ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

ADDRESSING GLOBAL NEEDS

A lack of clean water and the destruction of the environment are acute problems in Asia – a region home to almost three billion people, many of whom live in crowded urban spaces. This presents vast opportunities for the environment and water industries to address and serve these needs in Asia.
Singapore has come a long way since its water rationing days in the 1960s. Faced with the challenge of water scarcity, Singapore has been motivated to constantly innovate and develop new water management and treatment technologies such as water reclamation and desalination. Over the last four decades, Singapore has built a sizeable and innovative environmental industry and has also established a diversified and sustainable water supply from four different sources known as the Four National Taps - water from local catchment areas, imported water, reclaimed water (NEWater) and desalinated water.
With a growing global emphasis on water and the environment, Singapore is well positioned to take the lead in this industry as an R&D base and provider of water solutions.

COMMITMENT TO GROW THE INDUSTRY

The environment and water industry was identified as a key growth area in the country, with the Environment and Water Industry Programme Office (EWI) set up in 2006 to spearhead the growth. In July 2006, the government committed S$330 million to fund R&D and manpower development in the water industry. In 2011, an additional S$140 million was allocated for water R&D, bringing the total amount committed to S$470 million. The water sector alone should see its value-added contribution to the GDP rise from S$0.5 billion in 2003 to S$1.7 billion in 2015. Jobs for this sector are expected to double to about 11,000, and will largely comprise of professional and skilled positions.
EWI, led by the PUB (Singapore’s national water agency) and the EDB, aims to attract more companies to locate their operations in Singapore. It will also help grow local water companies and research institutes and encourage them to develop cutting-edge technology and export capabilities to growing markets especially in the Middle East and China.
Today, Singapore is recognised as a ‘Global Hydrohub’ with more than 70 companies in a vibrant water industry ecosystem.
Beyond water, Singapore is also nurturing the environmental industry which includes waste management and pollution control. With a growing global emphasis on the environment and water industry, Singapore is well positioned to take the lead in this industry as an R&D base and provider of environment and water solutions.

CRITICAL MASS OF GLOBAL AND HOMEGROWN PLAYERS

Singapore is an ideal springboard for environmental and water companies looking to tap into the region. We have attracted big names such as

• General Electric, Black & Veatch, Marmon Water, Pall Corporation from the US
• Nitto Denko, Toray Industries from Japan
• Siemens from Germany and
• Veolia and Suez from France.

We have also seen local companies become regional leaders. Homegrown companies include

• Hyflux, a leading global water and environmental solutions provider,
• SembCorp Industries, a world leading water utility company and the largest waste management company in Southeast Asia, and

• Keppel Integrated Engineering, the environmental engineering and technology arm of Keppel Corporation.

Singapore has been at the forefront of environmental innovation and was an early adopter of solutions such as NEWater (wastewater reclamation) and the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System. Today, water and waste treatment technology developed in Singapore is increasingly being applied in markets overseas. Leading global players such as Black & Veatch and CH2M Hill of the US are employing expertise gained in Singapore to their other projects around the world, including the US. Meanwhile, Hyflux is now building the world's largest seawater desalination plant in Algeria.

GROWING RESEARCH PIPELINE

In its bid to develop future-oriented solutions in meeting urban environmental and water needs, Singapore has set up the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI) at the Nanyang Technology University. NEWRI is gaining traction as the most comprehensive and integrated environment and water research institute in the world. The NEWRI ecosystem includes:

• Singapore Membrane Technology Centre (SMTC) – headed by renowned membrane expert Professor Anthony Fane,
• DHI-NTU Water & Environment Research Centre & Education Hub - a collaboration between NTU and DHI Water & Environment, a Denmark-based international consultancy and research organisation,
• Institute of Environmental Science and Engineering (IESE) – the commercialisation and translation arm of NEWRI,
• Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre (R3C) – specialising in environmental management and which aims to be a world-class urban waste management research hub for the Asia Pacific region, and
• Advanced Environmental Biotechnology Centre – a collaboration between University of New South Wales and NTU in environmental biotechnology.

The National University of Singapore has also set up the NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI), integrating environment and water technology expertise from across the university. Newly set up within NERI is:

• Singapore, Peking, Oxford Research Enterprise (SPORE) - a landmark tripartite collaboration between NUS, Peking University and Oxford University that will focus on new generation eco-efficient water treatment technologies;
• Singapore-Delft Water Alliance (SDWA) - set up by NUS, PUB and Deltares Institute, a Netherlands-based international research and specialist consultancy firm, to carry out research on aquatic systems, smart sensing, and engineering and technologies relating to the urban water cycle. It will also offer Masters and PhD programmes in areas such as Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK

Leveraging Singapore’s position as a global hub and marketplace for greener solutions, the annual Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) brings together international policymakers, industry leaders, experts and practitioners to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities, and celebrate achievements. Themed “Sustainable Water Solutions for a Changing Urban Environment”, the fourth SIWW took place from 4 to 8 July 2011 and attracted over 13,000 delegates and trade visitors. In addition, total deals exceeding S$2.9 billion were sealed during the week.
The 2012 event will be held from 1 - 5 July 2012 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands. For more details, please visit www.siww.com.sg.

FACTS AND FIGURES

• Within four decades, Singapore has transformed its vulnerability in water into its strength with the development of major national water projects such as NEWater, the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System and the Marina Barrage.

• The city-state has also over the years established a diversified and sustainable water supply from four different sources known as the Four National Taps (water from local catchment areas, imported water, reclaimed water known as NEWater and desalinated water).

• PUB Singapore, the country’s national water agency, won the prestigious Stockholm Industry Water Award at the World Water Week in 2007. The Award recognises innovative corporate development of water and wastewater process technologies, contributions to environmental improvement through improved performance in production processes, new products and other significant contributions by businesses and industries that help to improve the world water situation.

• Recognising that the Environment and Water sector represents an opportunity that could be nurtured into an economic growth engine, the Government had, in 2006, set up the Environment & Water Industry Programme Office (EWI) to spearhead the development of the environment and water industry, with technology as a key pillar. A total of S$470 million (S$330 million in 2006, and an additional S$140 million in 2011) has been committed to develop Singapore as a R&D base for environment and water solutions. Our vision is to grow value-added (VA) contribution from the water sector from $0.5 billion in 2003 to $1.7 billion by 2015. Jobs for this sector are also expected to double to about 11,000 in 2015, which will largely comprise professional and skilled positions.

RELATED LINKS

• EWI Scholarships
• Global Hydrohub Brochure
• Singapore Environmental Industry Directory
• Singapore Green Building Council

Sources: http://www.edb.gov.sg/content/edb/en/industries/industries/environment-and-water.html

Singapore NEWater: From Sewage to Safe

Singapore has taken recycling to a whole new level, in the process, securing safe, drinking water for its citizens for centuries to come.

The world can learn a thing or two on water recycling from Singapore. Faced with diminishing freshwater sources, its national water agency, the Public Utilities Board (PUB), has tapped an unlikely resource-used, dirty, down-the-toilet-bowl, sewage water.

Using a combination of microfiltration, reverse osmosis technology and ultraviolet disinfection, Singapore’s scientists have perfected the process of transforming sewage water into new, clean, safe drinking water. And since every corner of this bustling city is connected to a single sewerage system, Singapore will never run out of sewage water as long as its residents keep flushing.

Aptly branded NEWater, this reclaimed or recycled water is one of Singapore’s “four national taps” or freshwater sources providing 7% of the country’s water demands.

http://sanitationupdates.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/singapore-newater-from-sewage-to-safe/

The Singapore Water Story

Water: From Vulnerability to Strength With no natural aquifers or an abundance of land, Singapore has recognised providing sustainable supply of water for its people as a vital issue in the 1960s. In the early days, we faced and overcame drought, floods and water pollution as the city grew. These challenges have inspired us to innovate and develop capabilities in this area, turning our weakness into strength. Looking back through Singapore’s water journey over half a century, we have, through investment in research and technology, found an integrated, effective and cost-efficient way to solve our water challenges. Our experience in effectively addressing our water challenges has earned us international recognition as a model city for water management and an emerging global hydrohub. Quest for a Diversified and Sustainable Supply of Water Engaging the Community Global Hydrohub

Quest for a Diversified and Sustainable Supply of Water Over the last 50 years, through strategic planning and investment in research and technology, Singapore’s national water agency PUB has built a robust and diversified supply of water known as the ‘Four National Taps’. The water supply comprises (1) local catchment water, (2) imported water, (3) highly-purified reclaimed water known as NEWater, and (4) desalinated water. Local Catchment Water Singapore has two separate systems to collect rainwater and used water. Rainwater is collected through a comprehensive network of drains, canals, rivers, storm-water collection ponds and reservoirs before it is treated for drinking water supply. This makes Singapore one of the few countries in the world to harvest urban storm-water on a large-scale for its water supply. Local catchment water is a pillar of our sustainable water supply. Since 2011, the water catchment area has been increased from half to two-thirds of Singapore’s land surface with the completion of the Marina, Punggol and Serangoon Reservoir. With all the major estuaries already dammed to create reservoirs, PUB aims to harness water from the remaining streams and rivulets near the shoreline using technology that can treat water of varying salinity. This will boost Singapore’s water catchment area to 90% in the long term. Imported Water Singapore has been importing water from Johor, Malaysia, under two bilateral agreements. The first agreement expired in August 2011 and second agreement will expire in 2061. NEWater A Singapore success story and the pillar of Singapore’s water sustainability, NEWater is high-grade reclaimed water produced from treated used water that is further purified using advanced membrane technologies and ultra-violet disinfection, making it ultra-clean and safe to drink. In 2010, Singapore’s latest and largest NEWater plant was completed. Together, Singapore's four NEWater plants can meet 30% of the nation’s water needs. By 2060, we plan to expand the current NEWater capacity so that NEWater can meet up to 55% of our future water demand. Desalinated Water Another technology-based water source is desalinated water. Singapore has one of Asia’s largest seawater reverse-osmosis plant, which produces 30 million gallons of water a day (136,000 cubic metres) to meet about 10% of Singapore’s water needs. The second 70mgd desalination plant will be completed in 2013. By 2060, we intend to ramp up desalination capacity so that desalinated water can meet up to 25% of our water demand in the long term. Multiple water projects were also initiated to ensure a sustainable water supply for Singapore. These include clean-up of the Singapore River, building the Marina Barrage and creating the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System. Reservoir In the City An iconic structure at the mouth of the Marina Channel and the vision of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew more than twenty years ago, Marina Barrage creates Singapore’s fifteenth reservoir, the Marina Reservoir. The barrage serves three benefits: it creates a freshwater lake to boost Singapore’s water supply, acts as a tidal barrier to prevent flooding in low-lying city areas, and keeps the water level consistent, offering a venue for water-based activities in the heart of the city. In addition, there are opportunities abound for people to connect with water at the barrage. This helps to nurture of ownership of Singapore’s precious water resources, so people will do their part to keep our waters clean. At the same time, it is also a celebration of the beauty and preciousness of Singapore’s waters. The variety of recreational activities available at the barrage has made it the new hotspot in the city centre, with more than 3.5 mllion visitors since its opening. In 2011, Marina Reservoir with Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs, which are our 16th and 17th reservoirs, increased Singapore’s water catchment from half to two-thirds of Singapore’s land surface. Used Water Superhighway The Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS), a 48-kilometer-long used water superhighway, conveys used water from the northern and eastern parts of Singapore to the centralised Changi Water Reclamation Plant for treatment before the treated used water is further purified into NEWater. We are now planning for Phase 2 of the DTSS. Similar to DTSS Phase 1, DTSS Phase 2 will consist of four components: a deep tunnel (South Tunnel), associated link sewers, a centralized WRP integrated with NEWater facilities and deep sea outfall. It will cover the western part of Singapore, including the downtown city area and major upcoming developments such as Tengah New Town, and is targeted for completion in 2022.

Engaging the Community Achieving an adequate and affordable water supply is not enough. Equally important is to get public buy-in, to have greater ownership of and to value our water resources. PUB has embarked on a new shift in Singapore water management. The water agencies encourage everyone in the 3P (People, Public and Private) sectors to take joint ownership of Singapore’s water resource management. Known as the 3P approach, this is embodied in PUB’s tagline – Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy. Central to this new approach is the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters(ABC Waters) Programme which will transform Singapore’s reservoirs and water bodies into beautiful and clean streams, rivers and lakes, creating a vibrant City of Gardens and Water. At the same time, these new community spaces bring people closer to water, so they better appreciate and cherish this precious resource. Over 100 potential locations have been identified for the implementation of the programme by 2030. Over 20 projects have been completed island-wide, and more will be rolled out between now and 2017 to various parts of Singapore. In addition, PUB has a host of programmes to reach out to the community: The Water Network panel is a high-level panel representing different stakeholders in the water industry and people from the community. They provide feedback and alternate perspectives on PUB’s projects and programmes. Water conservation programmes like 10% Challenge and 10-Litre Challenge encourage industries and households to use water wisely, and save 10% of their water consumption, and 10 litres of water a day respectively. The aim is to lower per capita domestic consumption from the current 152 litres to 147 litres by 2020. The Watermark Award is an annual award to recognise individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions towards the water cause. Friends of Water is a programme that recognises individuals and organisations who contribute towards raising awareness about water and sustaining Singapore’s water supply.  Schools and organisations are encouraged to join “Our Waters programme” which allows them to adopt waterbodies and look after them.

Singapore – Global Hydrohub Singapore has identified water and environment technologies as a key growth sector since 2006, and we are now well-placed to take the lead as an R&D base and as a wellspring of water solutions. Through the Environment and Water Programme Office (EWI), which spearheads the growth of Singapore’s water industry, the National Research Foundation (NRF) has committed $470 million to promote R&D in the water sector. EWI, an inter-agency outfit led by PUB, is spearheading efforts to transform Singapore into a global hydrohub. Through funding promising research projects, the EWI aims to foster leading-edge technologies and create a thriving and vibrant research community in Singapore. Today, Singapore’s vibrant water ecosystem has a thriving cluster of 100 international and local water companies and 25 research centers. PUB is actively working with the industry to come up with new, innovative ideas that may make a difference to the water world. In line with our aspirations to grow the global hydrohub, Singapore has also successfully hosted the Singapore International Water Week, a meeting place for the who’s who in the water industry, in the last five years. Singapore International Water Week 2012 As the global platform to share and co-create innovative water solutions, Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2012 saw more than 19,000 policymakers, corporate CEOs, water professionals, and researchers from 104 countries/regions in attendance. In its sixth year in 2014, SIWW reinforces a commitment to the global integration of sustainable water management strategies with urban planning processes. Addressing contemporary challenges, SIWW gathers global water leaders and practitioners from both public and private sectors to engage in discussion and debate, network with key industry players, showcase leading-edge technologies and best practices, and identify practical methodologies to address the world’s most pressing water issues. The 6th Singapore International Water Week will be held in conjunction with the 4th World Cities Summit and the 2nd CleanEnviro Summit Singapore, from 1 to 5 June 2014 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore. http://www.pub.gov.sg/water/Pages/singaporewaterstory.aspx

Learning points from the journey to NEWater

Learning Points

We get to brush up on:

1. Leadership and teamwork skills as we have to solve the questions together
2. English language skills as we have to read the information on the panels carefully
3. Mathematical skills as we have to practise mental arithmetic

What we learnt:

1. How NEWater is generated
2. How NEWater is purified
3. The steps the water go through to become clean
4. The importance of NEWater

Subject Relevance

We will get to boost our general knowledge in:

1. Science and various water topics
2. National Education covering the Singapore Water Story, its history and water sustainability
3. Social studies and how people can do their part to protect the environment