NEWater

NEWater

NEWater bottle

NEWater is a brand of reclaimed water produced by Singapore's national water agency, the Public Utilities Board (PUB). It is a key component of Singapore's water management strategy, which aims to ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for the city-state. NEWater is produced by purifying treated used water using advanced membrane technologies and ultraviolet disinfection, making it ultra-clean and safe to drink.

History

The concept of NEWater was developed in response to Singapore's limited natural water resources and its dependence on imported water from Malaysia. The first NEWater plant was opened in 2003, marking a significant milestone in Singapore's journey towards water self-sufficiency. Since then, the capacity and number of NEWater plants have expanded, contributing significantly to the nation's water supply.

Production Process

The production of NEWater involves a multi-stage purification process:

Microfiltration

Microfiltration system at Bedok NEWater Factory

The first stage of the NEWater production process is microfiltration. In this stage, treated used water is passed through membranes that remove suspended solids, bacteria, and some viruses. The microfiltration membranes have tiny pores that allow only water and dissolved salts to pass through.

Reverse Osmosis

After microfiltration, the water undergoes reverse osmosis. This process involves forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that removes dissolved salts, organic molecules, and other impurities. The result is high-purity water that is free from contaminants.

Ultraviolet Disinfection

The final stage of the NEWater production process is ultraviolet disinfection. This step ensures that any remaining microorganisms are inactivated, providing an additional layer of safety. The water is then blended with raw reservoir water before being supplied to industries and commercial buildings.

Applications

NEWater is primarily used for non-potable purposes, such as industrial processes and air conditioning cooling towers. However, during dry periods, it is also used to augment Singapore's drinking water supply. The high quality of NEWater makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, contributing to the resilience of Singapore's water supply system.

Infrastructure

NEWater Bedok plant

Singapore has several NEWater plants, including those at Bedok, Kranji, and Ulu Pandan. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure the efficient production of NEWater. The Bedok plant, for example, is one of the largest and most advanced, featuring a sophisticated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for monitoring and control.

NEWater SCADA room

Public Engagement

NEWater has been a significant part of Singapore's public education efforts on water conservation. The NEWater Visitor Centre offers tours and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of water sustainability and the technology behind NEWater.

Related Pages

• Water supply and sanitation in Singapore
• Public Utilities Board (Singapore)
• Reverse osmosis
• Water recycling