SINGAPORE : Singapore's demand for water has grown nine times
since the 1950s to 300 million gallons a day.
This is enough water to fill 500 Olympic-sized pools.
And it is estimated that in 10 years, water consumption will be a
fifth more than today's.
Ahead of a ceremony to mark the construction of Singapore's
reservoir in the city, Channel NewsAsia finds out how the marina
barrage will help the island cope with an increasing demand for
water.
Rain has been the traditional source of water in Singapore for many
years, but with limited land and an ever growing demand for more
water, new sources need to be found.
One way is the construction of the Marina Barrage.
In January this year the PUB awarded the contract to build the $226
million barrage - which will become Singapore's 15th
reservoir.
When completed, the Marina Barrage will enlarge the country's water
catchment from half to two-thirds of the island, adding 10,000
hectares of catchment area.
It will turn the Kallang Basin, Marina Bay and the Marina Channel
into a fresh water reservoir.
Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Minister Mentor, said: "At that time in 87, PUB
told me we cannot use the water because it is highly, the catchment
is the city itself and water will be too highly polluted with all
kinds of microns.
"I was fairly optimistic that given time because of the growing
demand for water worldwide especially in cities, there would be
research to find a way to filter highly-polluted urbanised waste.
This comes sooner then I expected."
Mr Tan Gee Paw, Chairman of PUB, said: "Today we can handle
anything that concerns water. From rain water to used water to
salted water to NEWater and we take care of all of them because we
are integrated this way.
"We can use technologies that cut across the various part of the
water cycle, optimise it and produce water that is in the most cost
effective manner."
Mr Lee added: "It is important that our people understand that this
is a precious resource for us as we are going to need and we want
it at the lowest cost. And not only that, we can then enjoy the
aesthetic environment. We'll have a reservoir within the city
..it
is right within the city, the crowds are there. So it is a
tremendous asset."
The 350-metre barrage will also act as a tidal barrier to control
flooding in the city.
It will also be a playground for those with an affinity for
water.
For more on Singapore's water resource management and the Marina
Barrage, catch the first of a two-part documentary series
"Reservoir in the City" on Sunday on Channel NewsAsia at 8.30pm. -
CNA