The history and future water supply in Singapore provides an important lesson for everyone. As an island, it's water supplies are limited. Though surrounded by water, it's not potable in its present state. The wealth that abounds in Singapore hasn't created or protected the water supply showing that money can't buy everything, a lesson Westerners need to learn. Water conservation is one critical step, but water technology will have to improve to secure sustainable water for the large Singapore population.
Many people don't put much thought into their water supply, but there are parts of the world where water supplies are a worry. One of these areas is Singapore. The history and future water supply in Singapore is a huge concern for the people due to the fact that there are no freshwater lakes or rivers in this city-state. The water supply of the people in this area is dependent upon rainfall and the importation of water. The dependence upon importation of water is why it could become such an issue for the people in Singapore.
The history of Singapore's water supply is a long and varied story. The first water reservoir was constructed by the British in 1867. This reservoir was fine for a few years to supply water, but with the increase in population and the increased use of water, it was soon evident that other water supply options would need to be located. Another water reservoir was added, but it was still not enough to give a good water supply for the citizens of Singapore. After Singapore received its independence, they saw the great need for ways to supply their own water. They now have many water reservoirs and are in the process of building a new freshwater reservoir that will be completed in 2009.
Singapore is still partially dependent upon importing water from Malaysia. Almost half of their water is still imported and this may cause a problem within the next 50 or so years because the two agreements that were made for purchasing water end in 2011 and 2061. This will mean that new contracts will have to be agreed to, which could increase the price of the water, etc. This is why Singapore is trying to get away from their dependence upon the water from Malaysia.
Singapore is trying several different approaches to help alleviate their dependence upon imported water. Recycling water is one action that is being taken to help with the water supply issue. Gray water is filtered to reuse in industry, irrigation and other uses. It is not used as drinking water, though, just in applications that do not need potable water.
A desalination plant is another way for the Singapore people to take care of their own water supply. By using this technology, they can take ocean water and remove the salt from it to make it safe for human use and consumption. This desalination plant produces 30 million gallons of water each day and this is approximately ten percent of the water supply.
Water conservation programs are also being used. By encouraging the citizens of Singapore to use less water in many easy ways, they can decrease the amount of needed water. It may not seem like much, but every little bit helps, especially when the water supply is in danger. One minute less in the shower, turning off the water while brushing your teeth, and rinsing dishes in a sink full of water rather than running water are all ways that water can be conserved.
The history and future water supply in Singapore is an interesting and important history. It's important to both the Singapore people and those around the world because water is so crucial to life. The new technologies that are being used to help increase their water supply will help everyone around the world. We'll all be able to learn from Singapore's lessons.
