Let's go canoeing - in our drains

Recreation use will help us appreciate water sources
Letter from Johnnie Chia Today Online 12 May 10;

IN THE report "PUB drains out message" (May 11), the Public Utilities Board says it intends to create more awareness about not littering the waterways by providing information on which reservoirs the drains are headed to.

Although the objective is laudable, I fear that the move may result in security problems. Since water is a national security issue; why make it easier for terrorists to harm us and our families by feeding them with information on our waterways?

Conversely, the public may not appreciate the link between where the water catchment areas are, and where they get their water from.

From the PUB's example, the Marina Barrage collects water from as far away as Ang Mo Kio. Unless an Ang Mo Kio resident thinks that water from the Marina Barrage will be used by him and his family, he will not really feel the consequences of his negative actions.

Perhaps, we could get a more responsible reaction from the public if the drains and waterways were used for recreation.

Selected drains that are unsuitable to be channelled to water catchment areas can be adapted for water sports, such as canoeing.

The surrounding areas could be turned into picnic spots with barbecue facilities. Flowering plants could also be grown along such waterways.

Such usage would allow us to share responsibility and recognise the importance of keeping our drains litter-free.

Our reservoirs start from drains: PUB
Letter from Yap Kheng Guan Vice-President, Divisional Services Director, 3P Network, PUB
Today Online 14 May 10;

PUB, the national water agency, thanks Mr Johnnie Chia for his feedback "Let's go canoeing - in our drains" (May 12).

Rainwater which falls in our drains and canals are channelled into the reservoirs, the source of our water supply. This means our reservoirs start from the drains.

Through the colourful drain cover stickers, PUB hopes to drive home the importance of keeping our drains clean. Even though technology enables us to treat the water to drinking water standards, we want to keep the waters clean so all of us can enjoy active and beautiful waters. This is especially important as two-thirds of Singapore will become water catchment areas next year.

We would like to assure Mr Chia that PUB has put in place a stringent water quality monitoring system to assess and ensure that our water meets the World Health Organisation's Drinking Water Guidelines.

More than 80,000 tests are conducted monthly, based on more than 290 parameters. In addition, representative water samples are taken daily from the distribution network and customers' taps at different locations throughout the island and tests are done to ensure that our water supply is of good quality and meets WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water Quality.

Like Mr Chia, we want more Singaporeans to develop a relationship with water, bond with it and take greater ownership of the reservoirs. Since 2004, PUB has worked with sports organisations to introduce watersports such as canoeing, kayaking and sailing at selected reservoirs. Under PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters programme, PUB is also transforming our utilitarian drains, canals and reservoirs into beautiful, vibrant and sparkling streams, rivers and lakes.

Three projects have been completed at Kolam Ayer, Bedok Reservoir and MacRitchie Reservoir, creating new postcard-pretty community spaces offering a host of recreational options for everyone to enjoy.

More information on the various ABC Waters projects being carried out across Singapore can be found at www.pub.gov.sg/abcwaters. The public is also welcome to provide feedback by contacting our 24-hour call centre at 1800-284 6600.