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