Singapore, a country without natural freshwater sources, has succeeded in water management by developing four key pillars of water supply and advanced desalination technology.
According to Deutsche Welle (Germany) on October 1, freshwater is a vital resource that affects the economy and health of its citizens. Singapore, a small nation with a population of about 6 million, is not only a global financial hub but also stands out for its innovative solutions in water management. Despite lacking natural freshwater, Singapore has turned this challenge into an opportunity, becoming a global model for managing scarce resources.
Singapore is a “master” in rainwater harvesting and wastewater treatment. (Photo: AFP/TTXVN).
Singapore has no natural freshwater sources and has previously been ranked among the world’s most water-scarce countries. From the British colonial period to major wars, water has always been a decisive factor in the development of this nation. After gaining independence in 1965, Singapore recognized that it needed to take charge of its water destiny and built a comprehensive water management plan.
Singapore has developed four pillars of water supply known as the “National Taps”: imported water, desalinated water, local water storage, and recycled water (NEWater). To ensure a stable water supply, the country has signed agreements with Malaysia, which provides half of Singapore’s total water needs. However, tensions between the two countries over water supply have increased, with Singapore expected to cease water imports by 2061. This has prompted Singapore to focus on the remaining three “taps” to improve efficiency.
Jon Marco Church, a water management expert at the United Nations, emphasizes that overall water planning is crucial: “The goal of this planning is to maximize every drop of water.” To achieve this, Singapore has invested billions of USD in water collection and treatment infrastructure, ensuring that its canals and drains remain clean.
Today, Singapore has five desalination plants that supply up to 25% of the total water for the island nation. These plants not only function as water filtration facilities but are also designed to integrate with the urban landscape. Singapore aims to increase desalination capacity to meet 30% of its water demand by 2060. However, as many other factors influence self-sufficiency, importing water from other countries remains essential.
Additionally, Singapore has utilized two-thirds of its land area for rainwater storage. Water from rooftops is channeled through pipes/drains into a network of rivers, canals, and reservoirs. The Marina Barrage, covering 10,000 hectares, not only concentrates freshwater but also serves as a flood control structure. The Singapore government plans to use 90% of the country’s land area for rainwater collection by 2060.
Alongside infrastructure measures, Singapore has focused on raising community awareness about water issues. Subsidizing water-saving devices and developing technology applications to help citizens conserve water have become essential steps in this strategy.
Singapore is not only a “master” in rainwater storage but also excels in wastewater treatment. With costs reaching up to 10 billion USD, this island nation has built a modern centralized wastewater treatment system that effectively recycles wastewater. Jon Church from UN Water stated, “All wastewater is collected, treated, and reused as much as possible.” Singapore currently recycles 30% of its water demand, with plans to increase this rate to 55% by 2060.
Singapore’s water recycling technology has reached advanced levels, with water obtained through microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and UV radiation processes. This recycled water not only meets domestic needs but is also used in industries requiring clean water, such as chip manufacturing.
In summary, Singapore is a prime example of how a country can turn challenges into opportunities through effective water management policies. With a long-term vision and significant investments in infrastructure and technology, Singapore not only meets the water needs of its citizens but also contributes to sustainable development for the future. The story of Singapore is not just about water; it is about how a nation can adapt, innovate, and thrive even under the toughest conditions.
