Introduction
Singapore, a bustling metropolis, is renowned for its cleanliness and efficiency. But can you drink the tap water in Singapore? The answer is a resounding yes! Singapore’s tap water is safe, clean, and of the highest quality. This article delves into the fascinating facts and figures about Singapore’s tap water, ensuring your peace of mind when it comes to hydration.
1. World’s Top 10 Safest Tap Water
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Singapore’s tap water ranks among the top 10 safest in the world. In fact, in 2021, it ranked 7th globally in terms of water quality. This impressive achievement is a testament to Singapore’s rigorous water treatment processes and stringent quality control measures.
2. Source of Singapore’s Tap Water
Singapore’s tap water is primarily sourced from two main sources:
- Reservoirs: Singapore has 17 reservoirs that collect rainwater and freshwater from various catchment areas. These reservoirs are treated and purified before being distributed to homes and businesses.
- Imported Water: Singapore also imports water from Malaysia under the 1961 Water Agreement. This imported water makes up approximately 20% of Singapore’s water supply.
3. Treatment Process: A Multi-Barrier Approach
Singapore’s tap water undergoes a comprehensive multi-barrier treatment process to ensure its safety and quality. This process includes:
- Coagulation and Flocculation: Chemicals are added to cause suspended particles to clump together.
- Sedimentation: Clumps of particles settle to the bottom of sedimentation tanks.
- Filtration: Water is passed through sand and activated carbon filters to remove impurities.
- Disinfection: Chlorine is added to kill bacteria and viruses.
4. Quality Control: 99.9% Compliance
The Public Utilities Board (PUB) of Singapore maintains a strict quality control regime to ensure the consistent safety of tap water. Water samples are regularly collected from various locations and tested against rigorous standards. In 2021, PUB’s tap water met or exceeded these standards 99.9% of the time.
5. Taste and Odor: Removing Unwanted Guests
While Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink, it can sometimes have an unpleasant taste or odor. This is typically due to naturally occurring compounds in the water source. PUB uses activated carbon filters and aeration to remove these unwanted guests, ensuring a palatable tap water experience.
6. Fluoridation: Promoting Dental Health
Singapore began fluoridating its tap water in 1999 to promote dental health. Fluoride has been shown to reduce tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel. The concentration of fluoride in Singapore’s tap water is within the safe and effective range recommended by the WHO.
7. Customer Habits: Embracing Tap Water
Singaporeans have embraced tap water as their primary source of hydration. In 2021, approximately 93% of Singaporean households consumed tap water daily. This widespread adoption is a testament to the trust and confidence in the safety and quality of Singapore’s tap water.
Tables
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| WHO Safety Ranking | 7th |
| Safe Tap Water Compliance | 99.9% |
| Fluoride Concentration | 0. |
