NEWater: A Singapore Success Story

Summary

New Water is a groundbreaking innovation in Singapore's water sustainability, turning challenges into opportunities. This ultra-clean, reclaimed water is highly resilient against dry weather and primarily used for industrial purposes, with a small portion used to replenish reservoirs. With rigorous treatment processes, including microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection, New Water exceeds quality standards. Public engagement and educational campaigns helped build confidence in its safety, with 98% of respondents in a 2002 poll expressing their willingness to drink it. Today, New Water plays a crucial role in strengthening Singapore's water supply resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 New water is a key innovation in Singapore's water story, turning challenges into opportunities.
• 😀 New water is a weather-resilient source that protects the water supply during dry weather.
• 😀 The majority of new water is used for industrial purposes, especially wafer fabrication plants, while some is used to top up raw water reservoirs.
• 😀 New water meets stringent quality standards, having passed over 130,000 scientific tests and being well within the World Health Organization's guidelines.
• 😀 The new water purification process involves three stages: microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection.
• 😀 Microfiltration removes suspended solids, bacteria, and viruses from used water.
• 😀 Reverse osmosis uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter out anything other than water molecules.
• 😀 Ultraviolet disinfection provides an additional safety barrier for ensuring the final product's safety.
• 😀 Public acceptance and confidence were key for the success of new water, so extensive public engagement was conducted.
• 😀 An independent poll in 2002 showed that 98% of respondents were willing to drink new water, demonstrating its public acceptance.
• 😀 Strong political will and continuous investments in water research and development have made new water a pillar of Singapore's water sustainability.

Q & A

What is NEWater, and why is it important to Singapore's water supply?

NEWater is ultra-clean, high-quality reclaimed water that plays a key role in Singapore's water resilience. It is important because it cushions the country's water supply against dry weather and is mainly used for industrial purposes, particularly wafer fabrication plants. It also tops up raw water reservoirs when needed.

What is the significance of NEWater in terms of weather resilience?

NEWater is weather resilient because it helps to ensure a steady water supply during dry weather conditions, offering a reliable alternative to traditional water sources.

How is NEWater produced from used water?

Used water is first treated at Water Reclamation plants. Then, it undergoes a rigorous three-stage purification process at NEWater plants: microfiltration removes solids, reverse osmosis filters out contaminants, and ultraviolet disinfection ensures its safety.

What is the process of reverse osmosis in the production of NEWater?

Reverse osmosis involves a semi-permeable membrane with very small pores that filter the water, allowing only water molecules to pass through while removing contaminants.

What measures are taken to ensure the safety of NEWater for consumption?

NEWater undergoes thorough purification, including microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet disinfection. Additionally, it has passed over 130,000 scientific tests and is well within the World Health Organization's guidelines for water safety.

How did Singapore ensure public acceptance of NEWater?

Singapore implemented a public engagement campaign to educate citizens on the rigorous production process and assure them of NEWater's safety. This included involving stakeholders such as grassroots leaders, water experts, businesses, schools, and the public through media and community programs.

What was the result of the public poll conducted in 2002 regarding NEWater?

An independent poll in 2002 showed that 98% of respondents would drink NEWater, reflecting a strong level of public acceptance.

What role does the NEWater Visitor Centre play in the success of the project?

The NEWater Visitor Centre serves as a state-of-the-art water museum, offering interactive tours and educational workshops. This helps foster continued public understanding and support for the project.

How has NEWater contributed to Singapore's water sustainability?

NEWater has become a pillar of Singapore's water sustainability, strengthening the country's water supply resilience through continued investment in water research and development.

Why was it important for Singapore to build public trust in NEWater before its introduction?

Building public trust was crucial to the success of NEWater because its acceptance by the public would determine its widespread usage and integration into the water supply system. Educating the public about its safety and benefits was key.