This chapter provides a historical analysis of how high-quality reclaimed, or reused, water (NEWater), the main source of water for Singapore looking towards the future, was conceived and how it has evolved. It explores the institutional, legal, and policy frameworks required for its delivery. In Singapore, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment is in charge of law and policy-making in the environmental and water fields. Development of unconventional sources of water started in Singapore in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the city-state started looking towards water reuse. Water pollution control activities included phasing out bucket latrines and instead using water-seal latrines or septic tanks. Public Utilities Board (PUB) announced plans to build a separate pipeline network for NEWater and asked developers to make space for it in their new commercial and industrial developments. To gain public acceptance and trust of NEWater, PUB has implemented long-term education, communication, and engagement processes.
By Cecilia Tortajada and Rachel Yan Ting Koh, Chapter of the Handbook of Catchment Management, edited by Robert Ferrier and Alan Jenkins, 2021, John Wiley & Sons, New Jersey, pages 385-407. DOI: 10.1002/9781119531241.ch15