SINGAPORE : The PUB now provides about 40 million gallons of NEWater to industries each day.

This is almost half of its target to supply about 90 million gallons a day by 2011.

When it achieves this target, the PUB would be meeting 30 percent of Singapore's water needs.

2011 is the year when Singapore's first water agreement, signed in 1961 with Malaysia, expires.

The update was given by the PUB Chairman on Friday when he received the President's Award for the Environment, which recognises those who have contributed to environmental sustainability.

When Singapore's fourth NEWater plant in Ulu Pandan opened in March, the total capacity for the production of NEWater went up to 55 million gallons a day.

At the moment though, the amount supplied is 40 million gallons.

But the PUB expects this number to go up, as more industrial customers turn on their NEWater supplies.

The PUB said major new industrial customers include Shell, ExxonMobil Chemical, and Changi Airport, as well as new wafer fabrication plants.

The recently-announced fifth NEWater plant to open in a few years in Changi will boost Singapore' capacity further.

When the plant opens, the target is for all five plants to meet 30 percent of Singapore's water needs.

That is significant for a small country, especially when one factors in climate change.

Tan Gee Paw, PUB Chairman, said, "If we just depend on the weather, and we have limited catchments, the day will come when you will be caught by draughts and you will have no other supply. The wonderful thing about NEWater is you use the same drop a few times over and therefore you expand upon your supply. But even then, there is a certain limit to the use of NEWater because finally you need fresh water input."

The PUB chief has received the country's highest accolade in the field of environment for implementing a robust and sustainable water supply system in Singapore.

The other winners include the former Chairman of the National Parks Board, Professor Leo Tan.

Professor Tan is recognised for his outstanding contributions in nature conservation and marine biology education.

Property developer City Developments, which is responsible for properties like City Square Mall, took home the award for incorporating sustainable business practices and promoting green programmes. - CNA/ms