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SINGAPORE: The recent hot weather got some parliamentarians wondering if Singapore's water supply was sufficient and if we had the resources to cope with climate change.
Noting that the current hot and dry spell has Singaporeans using more water, Minister for Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim, however, assured that "we have managed to keep our reservoir levels high by tapping our NEWater and desalination capacity".
Still, he urged Singaporeans to use water wisely.
One parliamentarian, Ho Geok Choo (West Coast GRC) also highlighted the need for innovative water-saving solutions.
"We see maids spray-hosing our cars and gardens - we should find alternative ways to encourage re-use of rice water and fish water for the plants at home," said Madam Ho, adding that she has gone "water-less" by using paper wipes to clean the floors of her house.
"It cost only about 6 cents per sheet and one sheet can do about 500 square feet," she said, adding, "this alternative cleaning has been lighter on my water bill".
Last year, Singaporean households used 155 litres a day, compared to 165 litres a day in 2003.
With new targets for water consumption - 147 litres per day by 2020, and 140 litres a day by 2030 - Singaporeans will have to find new ways of minimising water consumption.
To help non-domestic consumers such as industries, hotels and schools to better manage water use, PUB will work with them to prepare Water Efficiency Management Plans.
These will include an analysis of current water use, identify potential water saving measures and an implementation timeline.
They could also tap on the existing Water Efficiency Fund to implement these measures if they meet the funding criteria. To date, 20 companies have submitted their plans with water saving targets of up to 10 per cent, said Dr Yaacob.
- TODAY/sc
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