Teh Jen Lee, The New Paper 20 Mar 08;
NO matter what fancy technology scientists come up with, you and I still hold the key to solving water problems.
So said Dr Andrew Benedek, the man who will be receiving $300,000 for being the first winner of the Lee Kuan Yew Water prize.
Dr Benedek, 64, pioneered the use of low-pressure membranes to make drinking water from highly-polluted water.
Singapore's NEWater is produced from sewage water using his membranes, which are made from petrochemicals.
The Canadian researcher and water techno-entrepreneur, who is based in San Diego, California, beat 39 other nominations from 15 countries after a rigorous selection process.
But in accepting the coveted prize, his advice about the best way to tackle the world's water woes was: 'Saving water is always the most cost-effective way.'
In particular, he encouraged people to install toilets and showers that are designed for low-water use.
In a video press conference yesterday announcing him as the winner, Dr Benedek said the Lee Kuan Yew Water prize is 'the most important honour that anyone in the water field can get'.
Mr Tan Gee Paw, chairman of the nominating committee, said: 'Through Dr Benedek's significant research and development contribution and commercialisation efforts, a superior low-cost technology for water treatment is now available for large-scale use.'
Low-pressure membranes require less energy, cost less and are easier to use compared to other conventional water purification technologies.
Such membranes can be used during the pre-treatment stage of desalination, making it cheaper and more viable for countries to make drinking water out of sea water.
The nominees were evaluated on how good the technology, policy or programme is, how widely used it is and how it benefits people.
The award is the highlight of the first Singapore International Water Week, which will be held at Suntec City Convention Centre from 23 to 27 June.
