Water

Question 0

Desalinated Water

Answer 0

• the process of removing salts and other minerals from seawater to purify it through reverse osmosis
• The SingSpring Desalination Plant in Tuas provides SG with 10% of its current daily needs. In 2013, a second desalination plant in Tuas was completed
• SG aims to use desalinated water to meet 30% of its water demand by 2060

ADVANTAGES: independent on rainfall and can be used duting dry spells. Attractive as SG is surrounded by a limitless supply of seawater.
DISADVANTAGES: Expensive. May result in pollution if produced chemicals and salt solutions are improperly disposed

Question 1

Protection Of Water Resources

Answer 1

• Keeping water bodies clean and playing our part to keep it clean
• in 2006, PUB launched ABC Waters Programme to promote enjoyment of SG’s Waters. PUB built parks near water bodies for all to enjoy and get closer to water. PUB also opened selected reservoirs and rivers for recreational purposes and water sports.

ADVANTAGES: Is a cost-effective method to ensure clean water. When everyone plays their part, everyone in turn enjoys a clean and healthy environment
DISSADVANTAGES: Dependent on effective public education. Dependent on cooperation of everybody.

Question 2

NEWater

Answer 2

• used water becomes a new source of water
• used in water fabrication and power plants as it is purer than normal water
• mixed with raw water in reservoirs
• public is educated through the NEWater Visitor Centre
• meets 30% of water demands

ADVANTAGES: independent on rainfall. Ultra pure and of high quality
DISADVANTAGES: Expensive. Public may find it difficult to accept due to lack of knowledge about the treatment process

Question 3

Imported Water

Answer 3

• SG signed its first agreement with Johor to import water in 1927
• pipelines were built to transport water from Johor to SG

ADVANTAGES: does not require land and thus frees up land for other uses. A cheaper source of water.
DISADVANTAGES: may not be enough to meet water demands. Eventually expire and there is no guarantees of future agreements.

Question 4

Local Catchment Water

Answer 4

• surface catchment is the area over which rain falls and is collected
• drains, canals, stormwater collection ponds
• water is then channelled to reservoirs where it is stored

ADVANTAGES: Takes advantage of SG’s high rainfall. Local catchment areas can also be recreational places
DISADVANTAGES: Less land js available for other uses. Dependent on rainfall.

Question 5

Public Education

Answer 5

• PUB started the WELS in 2009 to educate the public on water conservation through using water-efficient appliances. WELS is a grading system which uses ticks to indicate the water efficiency

ADVANTAGES: Can teach many about importance of water. Has the potential to make lasting changes in people’s use of water.

DISADVANTAGES: It takes time. Success of it depends on whether people want to change their behaviour

Question 6

Pricing of Water

Answer 6

• water in SG is priced to reflect the scarcity of water and to cover the high costs of producing potable water
• The Water Conservation Tax is a pricing system where an additional amount of money is charged based on total water consumption.
• For water consumption between 0 and 40 cubic metres, 30% tax is charged. For every 40 cubic metres and above, the tax rises up to 40%