Waterway clean-up: Flush with success

Volunteer figures have doubled to 1,800; six get Watermark Award
Tania Tan, Straits Times 29 Aug 08;

THE flow of volunteers devoted to water conservation is gathering strength, as the country opens up its rivers and reservoirs for leisure activities.

The number of people actively involved in cleaning up waterways has more than doubled over the past year, hitting some 1,800 and still counting.

Comprising groups and individuals, their combined efforts are invaluable in preserving Singapore's water bodies, said Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim at an event to pay tribute to them yesterday on the picturesque Marina Barrage.

The movement, known collectively as Friends of Water, was first started in 2006 by national water agency PUB, to promote a 'greater sense of ownership' of local waterways.

It brings together organisations or individuals who are actively involved in some form of waterway clean-up, maintenance or education.

Some of its members as well as other organisations and individuals received the second annual Watermark Award yesterday for going 'the extra mile' for conservation.

One winner, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, recently installed a high-tech monitoring system, which tracks water usage on campus. If excessive use is detected, for example, when a hose is left running, the school estate manager immediately sends an alert to the wasteful party.

A total of six individuals and organisations were honoured, including a company and three schools.

Over 40 nominations were received, down from 50 nominations last year, when the award was first established. Nine awards were given out last year.

But though the number of entries has dropped, the quality of the nominations was 'exceptional', said a PUB spokesman.

The growing fraternity of volunteers is not the only sign that Singaporeans are showing more concern for the environment.

To gather feedback from the public on how to promote environmental sustainability, www.sustainablesingapore.gov.sg was launched last month.

Over 800 suggestions have already been received in Singapore's first green public consultation.

The responses will be tabled in a report for next year's Budget.

Among the ideas floated are rooftop rainwater collection tanks, which can be used for flushing toilets; building reservoirs beneath expansive golf courses and parks; and rewarding households whose monthly water consumption falls below the national average.

'No idea is too small,' said Dr Yaacob.

And the winners are...
Straits Times 29 Aug 08;

THESE are the winners of the second Watermark Award.

# Ngee Ann Polytechnic

For using technology and teaching students how to conserve water. The campus has reduced consumption by 25 per cent over the past two years.

# Senoko Power

For building its own desalination plant in 2004, which it uses together with Newater in electricity generation. This has saved about 750,000 cu m (300 Olympic-size pools) of fresh drinking water annually.

# People's Association

For marshalling grassroots leaders to educate Singaporeans on water-saving tips.

# Singapore Polytechnic

For adopting the Singapore River, which it cleans periodically, in 2006. And for reducing its water consumption by 50 per cent, after installing water saving devices on all campus taps last year.

# Commonwealth Secondary

For rolling out its environmental education curriculum to all Secondary 1 students to get them started early on going green. And for recycling waste water from toilet sinks, for watering plants.

# Mr Chiang Heng Liang

For ensuring enthusiastic involvement from residents in the Kolam Ayer Waterfront, as the chairman of one of Singapore's first community maintained waterfronts.