Get Water Wise

Singapore is one of the few countries in the world to harvest urban storm-water on a large scale for its water supply. Rainwater is collected through a comprehensive network of canals, drains, rivers, stormwater collection ponds and reservoirs. It is then treated for use as drinking water.

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Singapore is one of the few countries in the world to harvest urban storm-water on a large scale for its water supply. Rainwater is collected through a comprehensive network of canals, drains, rivers, stormwater collection ponds and reservoirs. It is then treated for use as drinking water.

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How much water do you use in your home? Water is a precious commodity and an exhaustible one. The United Nations (in its World Water Development Report) says that with current supplies, only 60 per cent of the world’s water needs will be met in 2030. Being water-wise and making an effort to conserve it will go a long way to helping our planet. When it comes to reducing domestic water consumption, Singaporeans are doing pretty well. Our per capita domestic water consumption has been brought down from 165 litres per day in 2003, to 150 litres now. However, the target is to lower it to 147 litres by 2020, and then to 140 litres by 2030.

WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?

PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, has built a supply of water known as the “Four National Taps”, which comprises local catchment water, imported water, highly purified reclaimed water known as NEWater, and desalinated water. 

The agency is responsible for the collection, production, distribution and reclamation of water in Singapore. Making sure we have enough water is only the first part of the equation. Just as important is managing demand by encouraging Singaporeans to use water wisely and value our water resources, as can be seen by PUB’s tagline – “Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy”. 

PUB has several water conservation programmes designed to reach out to the community to use water wisely – including the 10% Challenge and the 10-Litre Challenge. These are designed to encourage both industries and households to save 10 per cent of their water consumption and 10 litres of water a day respectively. Visit www.pub.gov.sg for more information.

TOP 10 TIPS FOR SAVING WATER 

Laundry – only use your washing machine when you have a full load. 

Kitchen – wash your dishes in a filled sink (with a plug) or in a large container/bowl in your sink, instead of under a running tap. 

Showers – time yourself in the shower so that you keep your showers under five minutes. Even better, turn off the tap when you’re soaping, doing a body scrub or shaving. 

Bathroom – turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth. 

Garden – water plants early in the morning or late in the evening (before 7am and after 7pm) when it’s cooler, to minimise evaporation. Always water with a watering can instead of a hose. 

Recycle – reuse your water from the washing machine (by collecting it in a bucket) and use it for cleaning jobs such as mopping the floor or washing the car. 

Flushing – use the “half flush” button on your toilet for liquid waste instead of the “full flush 

Car wash – only wash your car when needed (not every day!) and use a bucket instead of a running hose. 

Leaks – repair leaking taps or plumbing straight away to minimise water wastage. 

Bills – monitor your water bills to see where you use the most water. If your household’s water usage is above average, it’s time to look at your family’s water usage habits. You can save at least nine litres of water a day by doing just one of these four things: 

Reducing your shower time by one minute. 

Using a tumbler when brushing your teeth (instead of leaving the rap running). 

Washing your vegetables and dishes in a container in the sink instead of under running water. 

Washing clothes on a full load.

SINGAPORE WORLD WATER DAY

World Water Day is a day designated by the United Nations to celebrate the importance of water sustainability.

In 2016, Singapore World Water Day will be celebrated throughout the month of March to encourage the community to conserve, value and enjoy water. World Water Day is celebrated around the world, shining the spotlight on a different issue every year, with this year’s theme being “Water and Jobs”. The theme for Singapore World Water Day 2016 is “Make Every Drop Count”. For more information, visit www.unwater.org.

HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU USE AT HOME?

You might be surprised to see where Singaporeans use the most water in the home:

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