Singapore: Regional dry spell raises haze threat

As the dry spell here continues, Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan has reassured that Singapore will be 'all right' no matter how long the dry weather lasts, be it weeks or months.
Woo Sian Boon Today Online 1 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE — The regionwide dry spell will not affect Singapore’s water supply yet, but a threat may be looming in the form of the haze.

Yesterday, Indonesia’s meteorological agency warned that Singapore may soon be choking on the same haze that has cloaked Riau province for nearly a month as wind directions change.

However, the prediction was at odds with the forecast of the Republic’s National Environment Agency (NEA). In an advisory, NEA said the prevailing north-easterly winds will keep the haze from Sumatra away from Singapore over the next few days.

It added that Singapore may experience occasional slight haze due to the accumulation of particulate matter under stable atmospheric conditions, particularly in the morning.

The NEA said the total number of hot spots detected in Sumatra yesterday increased to 138 from 62 on Thursday, with more than half of the new hot spots detected in Riau province.

Earlier this month, forest fires began to burn in Riau, growing to cover nearly 6,000ha at their peak, prompting Riau Governor Annas Maamun to declare a State of Emergency on Wednesday. The situation worsened yesterday, with visibility dropping to about 500m, local reports said.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered the National Disaster Management Agency to tackle the haze in Riau province.

Mr Sugarin, Head of the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) in Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau, told the Indonesian news portal Republika Online: “The wind, which was previously blowing from the north and the east to the south, is starting to turn to the opposite direction, so there’s a possibility that the haze will blow to Singapore.”

Despite prolonged dry spell, S’pore will be all right: Balakrishnan

Meanwhile, as the dry spell here continues, Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan has reassured that Singapore will be “all right” no matter how long the dry weather lasts, be it weeks or months. Yet, everyone must do his or her part to conserve water, he said.

He stressed that while the Republic can count its blessings, with its technological investments in water sustainability paying off, water is not a limitless resource.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of National Junior College’s annual road run, Dr Balakrishnan said he has received some feedback to conduct a water rationing exercise. But he said: “I told them I would consider it. But at this point in time, fortunately, we don’t need to do it. Our backs are not against the wall and we are not going to rush into a thing like that.”

He added: “Let’s focus on education, on passing the message (on conservation) and all of us doing our own part. That would be sufficient for now.”

Dr Balakrishnan, who noted that the dry weather is expected to continue for at least two or three weeks or possibly even longer, said there are no plans to raise water tariffs at the moment, as Singapore has an additional buffer in the form of desalination and NEWater — sources that are not dependent on the weather.

Still, with no end to the dry spell in sight, national water agency PUB has sent out advisories on reducing water usage to 25,000 non-domestic users, including town councils, schools and commercial building owners. With Singapore registering a record dry spell of 27 days over the past two months, PUB has embarked on a water conservation campaign even as it regularly spreads the message on the importance of saving water.

PUB has visited and issued circulars to 385 households as of the middle of last month to help residents adopt good water-saving habits and prevent water wastage during the dry weather under its Water Efficient Home programme.

Average water consumption has increased slightly by about 15 million gallons per day (mgd) for the past two months, an amount equivalent to 27 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Since the start of the dry spell in January, the PUB has been running the desalination and NEWater plants at maximum capacity, producing 100mgd and 117mgd, respectively. Combined, these two sources make up 55 per cent of the Republic’s water needs.

To keep the reservoirs’ water levels healthy, the agency has increased the amount of NEWater it is pumping into them to 35mgd from 30mgd since last week.

On the impact of the dry spell on the greenery, Dr Balakrishnan noted that the National Parks Board is focusing its attention only on heritage trees. He added: “As far as the grass is concerned, we’ll have to let it go brown, we can’t afford to pour potable water just to keep our lawns looking green.”

Meanwhile, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) said it has contacted vegetable farmers who had earlier voiced worries over the effect of the dry weather on their crops. AVA said it understands that the farmers are coping with the weather conditions.

PUB to send advisories on water conservation methods
Steven Chia Channel NewsAsia 28 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE: National water agency PUB will send advisories on water conservation methods to 25,000 non-domestic users including town councils.

But Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, who was asked to comment on the prolonged dry spell, said Singapore will not have to start water rationing at this point of time.

He also said he wanted to assure Singaporeans that no matter how long the dry spell goes on, Singapore "will be alright".

At the flag-off for an annual road run by National Junior College, Dr Balakrishnan reminded students that Singapore is very fortunate to be where it is today.

This is because there were plans put in place to cater to the water needs of the country.

He said the reason why Singapore still has water in its reservoirs today is because of forward planning by previous generations for a desalination plant and to recycle water.

Dr Balakrishnan said that each day, 100 million gallons of water is desalinated and over 110 million gallons of water is recycled.

This is about 55 percent of Singapore’s water needs and is being used to help buffer water levels.

But conservation is still essential and in further efforts to reduce water usage, the minister highlighted that water usage will be cut in many areas.

For instance, in parks, only heritage trees will be watered using non-potable water.

Town councils may also reduce the frequency of their cleaning using water.

Companies are being encouraged to consider switching off their water features.

These efforts are more essential now as water usage over the last two months has gone up significantly.

Dr Balakrishnan said: "We are using an additional 15 million gallons per day. My short-term target is to bring that down. Let's try to reduce the water consumption back to a more normal level and then see if we can bring it further.”

When asked about the possibility of water rationing, Dr Balakrishnan said: "Some people have approached me to say, ‘maybe you should just do an exercise to remind people about the importance of water’. I've told them I will consider it.

“But at this point in time, fortunately, we don't need to do it. Our backs are not against the wall and we are not going to rush into things like that. Let's focus on education, let's focus on passing the message and all of us doing our own part.

“Let's all do our part in saving this precious resource so that we can all continue to enjoy it.”

Dr Balakrishnan also said that water tariffs will not be increased at this point in time.

- CNA/nd

No water rationing for now: Vivian Balakrishnan
Woo Sian Boon Today Online 28 Feb 14;

SINGAPORE — Singapore will not have to start water rationing “at this point of time”, said Minister for Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan today (Feb 28).

Nevertheless, he highlighted the importance of conserving water, with Singapore still in the midst of its longest-ever dry spell, where rain has not fallen for 27 days between Jan 13 and Feb 8.

The dry weather will probably persist into the first half of next month, according to the National Environment Agency.

To maintain healthy water levels in the reservoirs, national water agency PUB last week increased the amount of NEWater it injects into the reservoirs to 30 million gallons per day. The desalination and NEWater plants are also running at close to full capacity. NEWater and desalination can meet up to 30 per cent and 25 per cent of Singapore’s water needs, respectively.

On average, water consumption last week increased slightly by about 15 mgd, said the PUB, an amount equivalent to about 27 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Speaking on the sidelines of the National Junior College’s annual road run, Dr Balakrishnan said that PUB will be starting a campaign today to urge all domestic and non-domestic consumers to cut down on water usage. For example, town councils will be asked to cut down on the frequencies of cleaning using water jets, while companies should consider switching off their water features to conserve water.

Dr Balakrishnan also said that water tariffs will not be increased “at this moment”.

Making the reassurance, he added that he received some feedback to conduct a water rationing exercise as a “dry run”.

He said: “I told them that I would consider it, but at this point of time, fortunately, we don’t need to do it. Our backs are not against the wall and we are not going to rush into a thing like that. Let’s focus on education, on passing the message (on conservation) and all of us doing our own part. That would be sufficient for now. I can give an assurance to Singaporeans that no matter how long this goes on, whether in the next few weeks or next few months, we’ll be all right.”

Dry weather may continue but 'we will be all right for water'
The New Paper AsiaOne 3 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE - Despite the prolonged spell of dry weather, Singapore has no plans to introduce water rationing, thanks to Newater and desalination.

The dry weather may continue for two or three more weeks, or even longer, but "no matter how long this goes on..., we will be all right", Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said on Friday.

Singapore's investments in desalination and Newater plants are paying off. Together, the two water sources can meet 55 per cent of the demand regardless of the amount of rainfall.

This gives Singapore "a safety margin which we are tapping," the minister said, adding that we did not have such a margin just 10 years ago.

And because of this, he does not see a need for water rationing now. He also ruled out cloud-seeding for now as it is ineffective.

Intake from Singapore's reservoirs and imported water from Malaysia make up the remaining 45 per cent of water demand.

Singapore has had very little rain in the past month and a half.

And the need to conserve water remains important, the minister said, with consumption having gone up by 15 million gallons a day.

The immediate plan is to reduce this. Town councils, residents and landscaping companies are being told to save water.

PUB, the national water agency, is issuing water saving advisories to 25,000 businesses and heavy water users, The Straits Times reported.

"We do need to conserve water and to understand that the good fortune that we have now has not come cheaply, has not come easily," Dr Balakrishnan said.

"You only need to look at the region to understand that people (there) are suffering and are having to confront this brutal reality (of water shortage). It is a good reminder for us that we need to prepare well in advance."

He added: "If we all do our part, there will be no disruption to our lives."

Dry spell: Singapore has 'margin' of water safety
David Ee The Straits Times 3 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE - The prolonged dry weather is expected to continue for "at least another two or three weeks", Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan said yesterday.

But while "we cannot be sure how prolonged this dry spell will be", he reassured Singaporeans that the country's water technology means it will be fine "no matter how long this goes on, whether the next few weeks or the next few months".

Singapore's investments in desalination and Newater - high- grade reclaimed water - are paying off, he said at a school event at Marina Barrage, "giving us a safety margin which today we are tapping".

These two sources together are able to meet 55 per cent of the Republic's water demand - about 400 million gallons a day (mgd) on average - regardless of how much rain falls.

Because of this, he does not currently foresee a need for water rationing, which was last seen here during a drought in the 1960s. He also ruled out cloud-seeding, saying it would have little effect on an island as small as Singapore.

Reservoirs and water imported from Malaysia are Singapore's two other sources of water.

The Republic has seen barely any rain over the past 11/2 months, in one of its longest-ever dry spells. National water agency PUB is now pumping 35 million gallons of Newater a day into reservoirs to maintain water levels.

Even so, Singapore's water technology "is not limitless", said Dr Balakrishnan. He stressed the importance of conserving water, noting that daily consumption has gone up by about 4 per cent during this period.

The immediate plan is to reduce consumption.

PUB is issuing 25,000 advisories to heavy water users, while households will be given water-saving tips. Town councils will also be told to use less water for cleaning.

"We do need to conserve water and to understand that the good fortune that we have now has not come cheaply, has not come easily," said Dr Balakrishnan.

Singapore's demand for water is expected to double to nearly 800 mgd by around 2060. The second agreement to import water from Malaysia expires in 2061.

The minister added: "You only need to look at the region to understand that people are suffering and are having to confront this brutal reality (of water shortage). It is a good reminder for us that we need to prepare well in advance."

Across the border, Kuala Lumpur and Selangor have already begun rationing water, and Johor could soon follow as Malaysia endures one of its longest dry spells in years. A draft United Nations report yesterday also warned that the droughts hitting the region could reduce crop harvests and cause food prices to spike.

Already, the price of palm oil, the world's most-used edible oil and one of the most important crops in South-east Asia, is surging as the weather hampers production.

PUB calls for water to be conserved amid dry spell
David Ee The Straits Times AsiaOne 3 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE - National water agency PUB has been urging businesses and home owners to use less water, as Singapore goes through one of its longest periods of dry weather.

In the past two weeks, PUB has begun to issue 25,000 advisories to heavy water users such as shopping malls, hotels, wafer fabrication plants and landscaping firms.

The advisories urge them, for example, to clean areas using water only when necessary, reuse water for non-drinking uses whenever possible, and to switch off water features like fountains.

It has also sent advice to nearly 400 home owners with high water consumption, offering tips such as taking showers within five minutes, putting thimbles on taps, and washing vegetables in a filled sink rather than under a running tap.

In the coming weeks, it will organise a series of roadshows in schools and malls to press home the message of water conservation.

PUB 3P Network director George Madhavan noted that Singapore now has 17 reservoirs compared to just three in the 1960s, and "a more diversified" water supply with Newater and desalinated water.

But, he said, "We do not know how long this dry spell will last. All of us have to play our part to conserve water and make every drop count."

Singapore has seen barely any rainfall since the middle of January, apart from isolated and brief showers earlier last month.

Town councils are also being asked not to use water unnecessarily for cleaning, by cutting down on the use of water jets.

Cut back on water use right away, says SEC
Jalelah Abu Baker MyPaper AsiaOne 3 Mar 14;

SINGAPORE - The dry spell has not blown up into a crisis yet, but we should behave as if we are already in one, Singapore Environment Council (SEC) executive director Jose Raymond said yesterday.

He said that reacting only after crisis hits might be "too late", and we may not have enough water left to drink by then.

"Water is a strategic resource, and we need to realise that we cannot take it for granted and we must do our part," he told MyPaper.

The current dry spell, the longest in recent history, has stretched from mid-January, save for brief and isolated showers last month.

He named town councils, hotels and eating establishments as three big-ticket water users, but noted that steps are already being taken.

Mr Raymond lauded the Pasir Ris-Punggol town council for taking the lead in suspending its monthly block washing, and took heart that other town councils are also taking steps to minimise water usage.

Mr Zainal Sapari, MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, who was responsible for the move, wrote on his Facebook page on Friday: "(A) dirty block is an irritation but using precious water for this purpose is not wise, given the dry spell we are experiencing."

Other town councils, including Holland-Bukit Panjang and Marine Parade, have also taken steps, by being flexible about the washing of carparks.

Mr Raymond also noted that the National Parks Board will be using non-potable water to help young saplings and significant trees cope with the dry spell.

"In this respect, golf clubs must ask themselves if there are alternatives instead of using potable water to keep their fairways green," he said.

Hotels should also step up the education of their guests by reminding them about the need to save water, he added.