In an era where fresh water resources are becoming increasingly scarce, Singapore has emerged as a global leader in sustainability thanks to its NEWater model.
As a small island nation, Singapore is particularly susceptible to climate change, population growth and rising demand impacting its water supply. It therefore came up with an innovative, highly-effective and sustainable solution.
NEWater represents Singapore’s approach to recycling and purifying treated used water, turning wastewater into high-quality, potable water.
The process involves advanced technology and is a key component of Singapore’s overall strategy to ensure water security for future generations.
What is NEWater?
NEWater is the name given to reclaimed water in Singapore, derived from used water which has been thoroughly treated and purified to meet the country’s strict standards for drinking water.
The model is based on the principle of water recycling. Wastewater from households, industries, and businesses is collected, treated, and transformed into clean, safe water. The NEWater produced is highly purified and can be used for both non-potable and potable purposes.
NEWater addresses the limitations of Singapore’s natural freshwater sources. As an island with a total land area of approximately 734.3 square kilometres, it has no natural aquifers or large rivers. This makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in rainfall and climate change.
To overcome this, Singapore has adopted a holistic water strategy, where NEWater plays a crucial role in supplementing the country’s water supply.
How Does the NEWater Process Work?
The NEWater process is a multi-stage treatment and purification procedure that guarantees water quality far surpassing what most people expect from tap water. The process involves several key stages.
Collection and Pre-Treatment
Used water is collected from households, industries, and businesses. This water is first sent to water reclamation facilities, where it undergoes pre-treatment.
Amongst these is the Changi Water Reclamation Plant, one of the biggest wastewater treatment plants in the world with a capacity to process 140 million gallons per day.
The pre-treatment phase removes large debris and particles from the water using physical filtration techniques such as screening and sedimentation.
Microfiltration and Ultrafiltration
Once the water has been pre-treated, it undergoes microfiltration or ultrafiltration. These processes involve passing the water through membranes with extremely fine pores which trap even smaller particles, bacteria and microorganisms.
This step removes most contaminants from the water, ensuring it is free from solid particles and harmful pathogens.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Next, the water undergoes reverse osmosis (RO). This is the heart of the NEWater purification process. Water is pushed through semi-permeable membranes that filter out dissolved salts, organic compounds, viruses, and bacteria.
Reverse osmosis is known for producing water of exceptional purity, as it removes almost all contaminants.
Its use means NEWater is considered one of the highest quality types of reclaimed water globally, helping Singapore to a perfect score of 100 in the Environmental Performance Index ratings for worldwide drinking water.
UV Disinfection
After reverse osmosis, the water undergoes ultraviolet (UV) disinfection to further ensure any remaining microorganisms are destroyed.
UV light is highly effective in killing viruses and bacteria, providing an additional layer of safety to the water.
Storage and Distribution
Once the NEWater has passed through these rigorous purification processes, it is stored in tanks before being distributed to various industries.
The water can be used for a wide range of purposes, including cooling in power plants and irrigation for agriculture. If it undergoes additional treatments, it can even be reused as drinking water.
How Does NEWater Benefit Singapore?
NEWater has delivered significant benefits for Singapore, helping the nation secure its water supply and reduce reliance on external sources.
Singapore’s dependency on imported water from Malaysia has long been a concern. The existing agreement between the countries expires in 2061, whilst ageing infrastructure means increasing investment is required for pipe repair in Malaysia.
Thanks to NEWater, Singapore now has a sustainable, local source which can be tapped year-round regardless of rainfall patterns. NEWater now meets up to 40 percent of Singapore’s current water demand.
NEWater also helps Singapore reach its broader environmental goals. By recycling used water, the country reduces the amount of wastewater that would otherwise end up in the environment, conserving precious freshwater resources.
This approach helps mitigate the impact of wastewater treatment on the environment by reducing the need for new water sources.
NEWater has brought cost benefits as well. Although the initial investment in infrastructure was significant, the long-term costs are much lower than other methods of water supply.
The production of NEWater involves less energy and infrastructure than desalination, another key component of Singapore’s water strategy. This makes it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Singapore has worked diligently to raise public awareness and acceptance of NEWater. While some may initially have reservations about drinking reclaimed water, the government has made efforts to educate the public on the extensive treatment and safety measures involved in the process.
As a result, NEWater has gained acceptance. Many Singaporeans now drink it without hesitation.
Future of NEWater in Singapore
Looking ahead, NEWater will continue to play a crucial role in Singapore’s water sustainability plans. The government has ambitious plans to expand the use of NEWater by increasing its contribution to Singapore’s water supply in the coming decades.
Moreover, Singapore is exploring ways to enhance the efficiency of NEWater production, making the process even more cost-effective and energy-efficient.
NEWater is now seen as a model that could be adopted by other countries facing water scarcity. As more nations recognise the importance of water recycling, Singapore’s system stands as a proven example of how technology, innovation and careful planning can ensure a resilient and sustainable water future.
By recycling used water and purifying it to high standards, Singapore has transformed wastewater into a valuable resource, ensuring water security for its citizens.
As the world faces growing environmental challenges, NEWater offers a scalable solution to securing the most vital resource on the planet – water.
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