The tiny but advanced island state of Singapore is described by many as a modern economic miracle. The country which once made news by banning chewing gum to loosen up its ultra clean image boasts of an excellent infrastructutre and global connectivity.

Besides managing all its vital needs in a highly professional way, Singapore has discovered magic alternatives to meet its water needs.

Without any natural sources of water like freshwater rivers and lakes, the primary domestic source of water in Singapore is rainfall, collected in reservoirs or water catchment areas. The country also imports a large amount of water from Malaysia.

In Singapore, water needs are being met through a Four National Tap Strategy. The Four National Taps consist of water from local catchment, imported water, NEWater (or reclaimed water) and desalinated water.

After its tryst with many water supply projects, the authorities launched a unique process of producing ‘ultra-clean' water called NEWater. The NEWater is the brand name given to reclaimed water produced by Singapore's Public Utilities Board (PUB).

Treated waste water

More specifically, it is treated wastewater that has been purified using dual-membrane (via microfiltration and reverse osmosis) and ultraviolet technologies, in addition to conventional water treatment processes.

There are four NEWater factories in Singapore, located at the Bedok, Kranji Water Reclamation Plants, and Seletar Water Reclamation Plant and Ulu Pandan. Since its introduction in 2003, NEWater has been supplied to industries for their manufacturing processes and air-conditioning cooling towers in commercial buildings.

NEWater is reclaimed water that is ultra-clean, having undergone stringent purification and treatment processes using advanced dual membrane and ultraviolet technologies.

This water is mainly used for direct, non-potable applications. This has freed up a large amount of potable water for other purposes. NEWater is also blended with raw water from the reservoirs before undergoing further treatment at the waterworks before it is supplied to the public for drinking, according to sources.

The used water is treated to internationally recognised standards before being sent to the NEWater factory making use of Conventional Used Water Treatment Process. Then, the treated used water is passed through membranes to filter out microscopic particles including bacteria.

The next stage that the water passes through is reverse osmosis. A semi-permeable membrane is used to separate the undesirable dissolved solids from the water molecules.

Many steps

The water at this stage is regarded as high-grade water. As an additional safety barrier, the water is exposed to ultraviolet light for disinfection. 

Even as size matters a lot, many Indians in Singapore feel the Indian authorities should start developing parts of India on the lines of Singapore, at least, step by step. Singapore's success story is something that sets an example for other countries in the continent.