Organization: PUB (Singapore’s National Water Agency)

In 1965 Singapore’s riverways and canals resembled open sewers. The city-state was almost entirely reliant on outside water sources. Apart from a downtown core, most of the population lacked a clean water source and sanitation.

To ensure a sustainable water supply to support Singapore’s economic growth, the PUB initiated the Four Taps programme. These Four taps comprise an expansion of water catchment areas, importing water from Johor in Malaysia, the SingSpring desalination plant and NEWater.

In 2002 NEWater was launched. NEWater is a highly advanced water recycling programme which involves putting treated used water through dual-membrane (microfiltration and reverse osmosis) and ultraviolet technologies. The resultant water exceed WHO drinking water standards.

NEWater already meets 30% of Singapore’s daily water needs for industry. This is important, as non-domestic sources currently account for 55% of Singapore’s daily water demand. By 2060, NEWater may be able to provide 55% of non-domestic demand for water, ensuring a sustainable future for the city state.

Singapore’s citizens are proud of their NEWater development. The government has bottled the purified water for sale for human consumption.

Keywords: water for cities, water quality, water scarcity, sustainable development.

Location: Singapore, Asia and the Pacific

Corresponding websites:

>> More information about the initiative
>> NEWater website