With a decrease in rainfall and the El Nino effect exacerbating the dry weather, Singapore has to watch its water stock very closely, says Mr Masagos Zulkifli in his first public address as Environment and Water Resources Minister.
Liyana Othman Channel NewsAsia 2 Oct 15;
SINGAPORE: As the region faces drier weather, Singaporeans and companies need to better manage their water usage, said Mr Masagos Zulkifli on Friday (Oct 2), in his first public address as Environment and Water Resources Minister.
"This year to date, we have experienced lower than average rainfall in Singapore. Over in Johor, the dry weather has also seen water levels in Linggiu Reservoir dip to unprecedented low levels,” he said.
“Linggiu Reservoir regulates the flow in Johor River, from which we extract water for treatment and supply to Singapore. The prevailing El Nino is expected to exacerbate the drier weather in this region, which means that we have to watch our water stock very closely."
Mr Masagos acknowledged that Singapore has built a sustainable water supply from the Four National Taps - water from local catchment areas, imported water, NEWater and desalinated water. But he stressed that the country's water demand needs to be carefully managed.
The total water demand in Singapore is expected to double by 2060, with the non-domestic sector accounting for 70 per cent of the demand, Mr Masagos said.
To cope with this, PUB has put in place programmes to educate and support water efficiency. One such initiative to promote water efficiency is the Water Efficient Building (Basic) Certification. Introduced in 2004, it encourages businesses and industries to put in place water efficient measures.
PUB handed out the WEB certification to 16 organisations on Friday, out of which six recipients were awarded the Gold standard. They include Marina Bay Financial Centre Towers 1, 2 and 3, Ocean Financial Centre, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay, One Raffles Link and Tanah Merah Prison and Changi Women's Prison.
- CNA/xk
