Research Topic, Rationale and Methodology

WATER SUSTAINABILITY

By: 12sh03

Our research topic/ question:

NEWater in Singapore and the technology behind NEWater

Rationale for our choice of research question:

NEWater is one of Singapore’s four main national taps, which was initially explored in 1998 to reduce reliance on water imported from Malaysia. The government has been placing a lot of focus on further development of NEWater in hopes of achieving Singapore’s aim of self-sustainability. Therefore, it is rationale to analyse the process in which wastewater is treated (NEWater).

Methodology behind our research work:

Information about NEWater will be provided by PUB’s (Public Utilities Board) government website: http://www.pub.gov.sg/water/newater/Pages/default.aspx

Mode of presentation of our research findings:

To be chosen at a later date. (We are unsure which mode of presentation that we will be using)

The presentation conducted by two members of WWF last Thursday has significantly widened my perspective and understanding about the environmental problems we are facing. What concerns me the most was the shortage of natural resources in the near future if people continue using them unwisely. From my knowledge, I understand that water sustainability has already been a problem in Singapore that leads to several other economic problems as well. There has been a great effort made by the government to invest on research and projects in order to conserve water for future usage (e.g. encouraging the use of water-saved taps, constructing the NEWATER plants). However, in my opinion, every one of us should play a role in conserving water. Apart from the simple ways that everybody knows such as to switch off the tap after use or to check for any leakages, there are others more creative and effective ways to conserve water as well. For examples, we should only wash full loads of clothes in a washing machine; take a 5 minute shower… Here are more suggestions of ways to conserve water.

http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/reseau/watertips_e.html

For me, making water conservation a habit is vital for to ensure water sustainability and also, stable economic growth in Singapore. Therefore, we should all make an effort to save water anytime, anywhere, hoping that one day, Singapore will not have to depend on other nations for clean water. 

Done by Do Phuong Anh - 12SH03

After listening to the WWF talk, I’ve gained much insight about the topic of sustainability as well as the various sustainable practices that we can adopt. As a Singaporean, this talk also helped to reinforce certain issues close to heart. For as Singapore is a small island with very limited resources, sustainable practices that can be applied nationwide would prove to be very helpful in ensuring our continued prosperity.

In particular, water sustainability has been of utmost importance to Singapore, especially as our water needs have been expected to double by 2060. The problem of running out of water is compounded by the expiry of the water agreement in 2061.  To tackle this, the government has implemented the four national taps strategy to decrease our dependence on Malaysia for our water supply. The four national taps are made up of rainwater collection, desalination, imported potable water and Newater.

Under this plan, Singapore has constructed five Newater plants, desalination plant and a new water barrage. Encouraging and educating citizens on the importance on conserving water through education campaigns have also been invoked.

The following outlines the process of one of the 4 national taps undergo in order to provide clean water. This is the collection, treatment and distribution of rainwater.

Learning about how much effort and capital has been spent on ensuring water sustainability in Singapore has made me appreciate the clean water that flows out of our taps much more. I hope that one day, with all the effort being channelled into this cause, there is hope that one day Singapore will become completely independent in meeting its citizen’s water needs. 

References:

http://www.pub.gov.sg/events/School/Pages/TeacherKit2.aspx

http://www.ifaq.gov.sg/mewr/apps/fcd_faqmain.aspx

http://tenlitres.sec.org.sg/4taps/

http://www.cbd.int/doc/meetings/nbsap/nbsapcbw-seasi-01/other/nbsapcbw-seasi-01-sg-water-en.pdf 

Done by: 

Carol Tay 

12SH03