Case study - Water Conservation - Sustainable water schemes in Singapore

Question 1

Why does Singapore have water scarcity?

Answer 1

• There is limited land available for the collection and storage of rainwater
• The evaporation rate is high due to the tropical climate
• There is a lack of groundwater resources

Question 2

How has Singapore’s national water agency tried to solve its water issues?

Answer 2

• It has invested in research and technology to create a diversified water supply, comprising of local catchment water, imported water, recycled water known as NEWater and desalinated water.

Question 3

Two new desalination plants in Singapore now meet what percentage of the demand for water?

Answer 3

25%

Question 4

Together, Singapore’s four NEWater plants can meet up to what percentage of the nation’s current water needs?

Answer 4

Up to 30%

Question 5

By 2060, what percentage of Singapore’s demand for water does the national water agency aim to meet through NEWater?

Answer 5

55%

Question 6

Singapore has an agreement to import water from Malaysia until what year?

Answer 6

2061

Question 7

Give some advantages of the national water agency’s response to Singapore’s water issues?

Answer 7

• Investment in research and development will enable them to find a long term solution
• The combination of NEWater and desalination plants will mean that the demand for water will probably be met by 2060
• Desalination costs are decreasing by 4% annually, new plants have a 50% efficiency rate

Question 8

Give some disadvantages of the national water agency’s response to Singapore’s water issues?

Answer 8

• Singapore is over-reliant on importing water
• Desalination is highly expensive
• Research and development is expensive and its not a short term solution