Singapore’s Water ScarcityAli Al-Thani & Mohammed Al-Kuwari

Overview One of the Asian Tigers

Went from being a low-income country to being a high-income developed country in the span of a quarter of a century ($47,000 per capita in 2012).

Average growth rate 7-8% since 1960. Highly skilled labor force and the world’s 6th best healthcare

system. Other characteristics of the economy:

Advanced infrastructure Diversified economy Tops the world’s list in the ease of doing business One of the least corrupt countries –only second to the Scandinavian

countries The world’s 7th most innovative country.

In 2010, the FDI stock in Singapore reached 38 $b

Overview

Unlike its neighbors, Singapore does not have natural resourcesIt is able to purchase natural resources from export

revenues.Singapore is land/arable land scarce

Country area is 710 km. sq.Singapore is water scarce

Rainwater is the only indigenous source of freshwater –about 2.3 meters per year.

History: Water Scarcity Britain sought to increase its presence in the region. In 1819, Sir. Thomas Raffles arrives in Singapore and

builds a port. When he arrived, there were about 1500 people

living in Singapore. Limited water sources, mainly wells, were sufficient in supplying the

few inhabitants. By 1822, there were shortages and the first reservoir was constructed. By 1850, more than 50,000 people were living in Singapore. Reservoirs were continuously being constructed to supply inhabitants

with water.

History: Water Scarcity By 1926, the reservoir system became inefficient and

Singapore started importing water from Johor state in Malaysia via pipelines. In 1961, Singapore signed a 50-year agreement (ended in 2011) with

Malaysia that allowed it to import 80 mgd priced at 30 cents per cubic meter.

In 1962, Singapore signed a 99-year contract (ends in 2061) with Malaysia that allows it to import 250 mgd.

In the late 90s, Singapore tried to negotiate new agreements but Malaysia increased the price a lot, making desalination cheaper.

History: Population Growth

The Solution

The Supply Side

The Four Taps

The Demand Side Increasing Awareness

Educating the population (trips water-producing plants, social media, new regulations).

New Tax System $ 1.14 plus 30% conservation tax for the first 40 cubic meters per month. Beyond 40 cubic meters is $1.4 plus 45% tax. Industries are taxed at a higher rate.

The Demand Side

The Supply Side

The Four Taps 1. Imported water2. Local catchment water3. Desalination water4. NEWaterBasically, diversify the supply source

The Four Taps

1. Imported water Used to be the largest source Currently, about 30-40% Will not be a source after 2061

2. Local catchment water 17 reservoirs covering two thirds of the island Less than 10%. Aiming to cover 90% of the island by 2060.

The Four Taps

3. Desalination Water First plant opened in 2005Currently, there are two plants and plans for new plantsAbout 15% of domestic supply.

The Four Taps4. NEWater: use each drop more than once!

Use of advanced technology to recycle wastewater. NEWater exceeds the requirements set by USEPA & WHO, and it it Singapore’s cleanest water source. Passed more than 100,000 scientific tests. Currently, it supplies about 25% of domestic consumption Used in industries and cooling systems only.

The Four Taps

The Water Loop

Recommendation

• To focus on NEWater Doubles the water supply as each drop is used more than once. Cheaper than desalination ( Desalination= $0.5 per cubic meter

and NEWater= $0.3) NEWater production uses less energy than desalination. You can control water quality –which further reduces production

costs. More efficient than reservoirs (do not depend on rain fall and

uses less space). Most countries are facing water scarcity or are going to in the

future, thus focusing on the technology would give Singapore a competitive advantage (it can export it).