Over decades, Singapore has progressed from an island with limited land and natural resources to a thriving economy with a reputable water industry. The exhibition showcases the nation’s accomplishments in developing a diversified and sustainable supply of water through its Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water, NEWater and desalinated water), and managing floods and pollution through technology and innovation.
The exhibition will focus on Singapore’s evolution into a vibrant City of Gardens and Water through its 3P (People, Public and Private) approach, where the community is encouraged to take joint ownership of the country’s water resources. Central to this strategy is the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme, a long-term initiative developed by Singapore’s national water agency PUB.
Projects under this initiative will integrate Singapore’s pervasive network of reservoirs and waterways holistically with the environment, thereby creating picturesque, clean streams, rivers and lakes with lively, community spaces that can be enjoyed by all.
Visitors will be treated to a multi-sensory experience accentuated by the art installation entitled “All Lines Flow Out” by Singaporean artist Charles Lim.
PUB is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. It is Singapore’s national water agency managing the country’s water supply, water catchment and used water in an integrated way.
PUB’s tagline – Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy
PUB has ensured a diversified and sustainable supply of water for Singapore with its Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water, NEWater and desalinated water). To provide water for all, PUB calls on the population to play a part to conserve water, keep the country’s water catchments and waterways clean and build a relationship with water so that everyone can enjoy its water resources. Please visit www.pub.gov.sg
PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme
Introduced in 2006, the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme transforms Singapore’s network of drains, canals and reservoirs into beautiful and clean streams, rivers and lakes, well-integrated with the adjacent land developments. This creates new community spaces and encourages lifestyle activities to flourish in and around the waters, transforming Singapore into a vibrant City of Gardens and Water.
Over 100 locations island-wide have been identified for project implementation over the next 15 to 20 years, with more than 20 projects implemented by 2012.
In 2009, the ABC Waters Design Guidelines was introduced to encourage the public and private sectors to adopt ABC Waters design features within their projects. These features such as rain gardens, bioretention swales, and wetlands, are environmentally-friendly features consisting of plants and soil media that capture and treat rainwater where it falls. This improves the quality of water flowing to our reservoirs, while enhancing the surroundings, and improving the biodiversity of the area.
Charles Lim and the art installation “All Lines Flow Out”
Born close to and living near the sea, Charles Lim has a particular interest in water. He paddles and swims and sailed for Singapore in the 1996 Olympic Games. In “All Lines Flow Out”, Lim contemplates the drain (longkang) system in Singapore. As obscure passages with a large, unidirectional flow, these drains can trace a hidden journey from one point on the island to another. Lim records, collects and re-presents what he finds, bearing witness to realities otherwise hidden.
Featured projects in the exhibition
Marina Barrage: Reservoir in the City
Built across the mouth of the Marina Channel, the Marina Barrage creates Marina Reservoir, Singapore's 15th reservoir, and the first in the heart of the city. The barrage creates a freshwater lake to boost Singapore’s water supply, acts as a tidal barrier to prevent flooding in low-lying city areas, and keeps the water level consistent, offering a venue for water-based activities in the heart of the city. It brings people closer to water and has been a popular location for major community events such as the annual New Year countdowns, live-screenings of the National Day Parade and Singapore’s World Water Day activities.
Kallang River-Bishan Park
Transforming a concrete canal into a naturalised river.
A joint collaboration between PUB and the National Parks Board, Kallang River along Bishan Park will be redeveloped and integrated with the park. The concrete canal along the edge of the park has been transformed into a natural waterway that will meander into the park and become the focus of the park. This creates new spaces for activities. Other interesting features include a water playground, a riverside gallery, and a cascading water feature. The project also features natural cleansing systems using plants such as a cleansing biotope, that will also create a thriving ecosystem and enhance the landscape at Bishan Park. This project is the first of its kind in Singapore.
MacRitchie Reservoir
Works were carried out to the oldest reservoir in Singapore in two phases. A multi-storey carpark, an amenities centre and an improved floating pontoon were built at MacRitchie Reservoir. Visitors can also walk on water at a submerged boardwalk. An F&B outlet at the hilltop, and a new building to cater for canoe and kayaking activities were constructed as well. In addition, improvements were made to the bandstand, internal roads and footpaths, and the natural environment at the reservoir was also enhanced with more greenery.
Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs
Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs were developed to expand Singapore's local catchments and enhance the robustness of the country's water supply. Created by damming the Punggol and Serangoon Rivers in the north-eastern part of Singapore, these two new reservoirs, together with the Marina Reservoir have increased the water catchment area from half to two-thirds of Singapore. The Lorong Halus Wetland along Serangoon Reservoir and Sengkang Floating Wetland in Punggol Reservoir create recreational hotspots for residents in the area.
Lorong Halus Wetland
The Lorong Halus Wetland is located along the eastern bank of Serangoon Reservoir. Formerly part of a landfill, it has since been transformed into a wetland, providing ground for bird-watching and other wildlife-spotting at Serangoon Reservoir. Equipped with an educational kiosk and a walking trail, the wetland now serves as a learning haven for students.
Sengkang Floating Wetland
The Sengkang Floating Wetland, constructed within Punggol Reservoir, provides a natural habitat for wildlife and helps to improve water quality. It is also home to the educational Learning Trail @Sengkang Floating Wetland - an outdoor programme for students to appreciate the management of Singapore’s water resources and the biodiversity at Punggol Reservoir.
Pandan Reservoir
Pandan Reservoir, a water sports hub, has quickly evolved into a vibrant water sports hub. Platforms for viewing, fishing, radio-controlled sailing and electric boating have been built for people to enjoy activities in and around the reservoir, while a new amenities centre houses the offices of the National Sports Association for canoeing, sailing and rowing. In 2010, floating wetlands were introduced into Pandan Reservoir, helping to naturally cleanse the reservoir’s water. This was a collaborative effort between Sony Corporation and Commonwealth Secondary School, where students became Ambassadors of the wetlands.
Bedok Reservoir
The reservoir is now a popular spot for Bedok residents who gather at its many facilities to interact and have fun together. New facilities such as floating decks and sitting galleries were built for people to conduct activities in and around the reservoir. Marshlands were also planted along the banks to enhance the biodiversity of the reservoir.
Alexandra Canal
Once purely utilitarian in function, a 1.2km stretch of Alexandra Canal has been transformed into a pleasant and attractive waterway with softened banks, seamlessly integrated with the adjacent developments. A short stretch of the open waterway was decked over to create an interesting water cascade and a shallow stream. Urban wetlands which help cleanse the water also provide an excellent opportunity for outdoor learning for nearby schools. In addition, a Community Plaza has been constructed for community events and activities.
Lower Seletar Reservoir
Rowers’ Bay at Lower Seletar Reservoir, with its 2km long waterbody, has transformed the lake into an ideal venue for competitive rowing, canoeing and dragonboating. The remaking of the reservoir has taken into consideration the need to retain its serenity while adding new amenities to serve large numbers of spectators. Rows of viewing benches will be added to cater to competitive events at Rowers’ Bay.
Family Bay
The new Family Bay at Lower Seletar Reservoir will offer family-based activities with a multi-purpose performance stage and a children’s playground. Besides enjoying picturesque scenery from the heritage bridge, visitors will also be able to view panels depicting the reservoir’s historical past including the Orang Seletar Settlement.
Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront
Completed in 2008, the Kolam Ayer ABC Waterfront is created by converting a 250m stretch of Kallang River between Bendemeer Rd and Kolam Ayer Pedestrian Bridge into a beautiful and vibrant community space that is well-integrated with the surrounding residential area.
The main features of this project include water sensitive landscaping along the riverbanks, floating deck for performances, cleansing biotope and water features like a water wheel and Archimedean screws where residents can have fun drawing water from the canal into a stream. This project illustrates how waterfront living can be brought to the doorsteps of the HDB hearts.
Jurong Lake
Designed as a water playground for families in the west, a stage and viewing promenade were built to provide a scenic location for community events. There is also a boardwalk for people to enjoy views of the lake, and wetlands which keep the waters clean and attract wildlife such as fish and birds.
Kayaking and dragon boating can now be enjoyed all year round on the lake. There are dedicated lanes for competitive rowing and a water activity-based centre operated by the People’s Association.
Sponsors
PUB - Water for All, ABC - Active, Beautiful, Clean Water for all, Zumtobel, Busch-Jaeger, carpetconcept, AXOR Hansgrohe
