INNOVATION

IN WATER SINGAPORE JANUARY 2022 | VOLUME 12

CLOSING THE LOOPS

Towards More Sustainable Water

Floating solar farms on Tengeh Reservoir

INNOVATION
IN WATER SINGAPORE

T
hank you for picking up the latest
edition of Innovation in Water,
Singapore. We hope you will enjoy
reading about some of the latest,
cutting-edge water research carried out
in Singapore.

PUB, Singapore’s National Water

Agency, welcomes research
collaborations that are in line
with our mission: to supply
good water, reclaim used
water, tame storm water and
resist rising seas.

Opportunities for collaborative

research abound for partners
in the water and related
industries, universities, and
research institutions (local and
overseas) who share our objective.
You can find out more information
about PUB’s research and development
programme, and how you can begin your
partnership with PUB, in the section R&D
at a Glance or at www.pub.gov.sg/research.
Contents
Welcome Message

R & D AT A G L A N C E F E AT U R E F O C U S

05 R&D in Numbers 17 Feature Story

Closing in on answers to sustainability issues
06 Targets & Focus Areas
22 Facilities
13 Collaborate with Us! A site for synergistic solutions
26 
Interview
Coming full circle— A lifelong relationship with water
Featuring Professor Kazuo Yamamoto,
Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize Laureate 2020

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Watershed Water Treatment, Used Water

Management Desalination & Reuse Treatment
29 Measuring rainfall with 32 Molecular design of reverse 35 Combining waste products
CCTVs osmosis membranes for for improved biogas
enhanced performance production
30 Quantifying the true power of
solar energy 33 Making pressure retarded 36 Improving water reclamation
osmosis worth its salt efficiency with a novel A-B
process

Water Quality Network Management Digitalisation

& Security & Water Conservation
38 Diving deep into the issue of 41 Incorporation of behavioural 45 Digital pump monitors make
algal blooms with artificial elements to enhance a splash with potentially
intelligence communications massive energy savings
39 Cost-effective biomonitoring 43 Reducing cost and improving 46 Using AI to help monitor
of reservoir water quality efficiency of water network and control water treatment
with environmental DNA monitoring with IoT quality

Waste Reduction &

Resource Recovery
48 From NEWater to NEWSand—  ist of Abbreviations, Acronyms,
L
converting sludge to green Symbols & Units
construction material sustainably
PUB Collaborators
49 Could biochar nurture
Singapore’s Urban Farming
future?

Innovation in Water, Singapore Editorial

Innovation in Water, Singapore is a research publication by PUB, Singapore’s National Brooklyn-media Pte Ltd
Water Agency. The publication can be viewed or downloaded from the PUB website. PUB Mark VM Wong
© 2022 PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency Gu Yan
All rights reserved. No reproduction is permitted in whole or in part without written Andrea Li
permission from PUB. Copyright is held by the publishers. Images featured either Kyra Peh
belong to PUB or are courtesy of the referenced organisation. Ng Yun Shuen
Lynn Lee
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to our research collaborators and to PUB colleagues from the various Statistics
departments for their contributions. PUB Regina Ang
This publication would not have been possible without the support, ideas and good cheer Go Rin See
from colleagues from PUB’s Technology Department.
Cover Page Photo Credit
Sembcorp Industries

Design and production by Chung Printing Pte Ltd

WELCOME
MESSAGE

Bernard Koh Eng Wah

Assistant Chief Executive
(Future Systems and Technology),
PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency
Dear readers,

A
s the 12th edition of “Innovation in Water, Singapore” advanced water and waste management technologies.
comes hot off the (virtual) press, the world is now Ground-breaking ideas and research that have been years
quite a different place since the last edition. The in the making will finally be actualised in this state-of-the-
global pandemic has forced us to re-evaluate the art facility.
resiliency of our water systems. At the same time, effects
of climate change that are becoming more pronounced in At the same time, we will increase the availability of more
recent years around the globe have called for actions to carbon friendly energy sources. There are ongoing efforts to
be taken to improve our relationship with the environment. harvest renewable solar energy, through the deployment of
solar panels within our water infrastructure and reservoirs.
PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, is one of the few In July 2021, we officially opened one of the world’s largest
utilities in the world to manage and close the entire water loop, inland floating solar farms on Tengeh reservoir, that can
by including NEWater (recycled used water) and desalinated produce sufficient clean energy to meet the energy demands
seawater to its portfolio of water sources to meet the nation’s of our local waterworks, making Singapore one of the
demand. These sources are weather-resilient, but require few countries in the world to have a 100 per cent green
more energy to treat and produce and therefore increase waterworks system.
our carbon footprint.
Second, we need to find game-changing ways to reduce,
Besides closing the water loop, we will need to close the reuse and recycle the carbon and waste materials within the
carbon and waste loops by being more efficient in how ecosystem. We are exploring new methods and technologies to
we use resources and reducing the water sector’s energy reduce the net energy and carbon emissions of our operations,
requirements and carbon emissions. In this edition, we share as well as recovering useful resources from our water and
our recent experiences investigating related technologies, used water treatment processes through innovation.
including co-digestion of used water sludge and food
waste to increase biogas production, anaerobic membrane Achieving our sustainability goals depends on an ecosystem
bioreactor (AnMBR) coupled with anaerobic ammonia of innovative solutions and invaluable collaboration with our
oxidation (ANAMMOX) to reduce aeration energy and sludge network of partners. At PUB, our vision for sustainable water
generation, pressure retarded osmosis to generate energy management goes beyond innovation in water. We recognise
from seawater and NEWater brine, and data analytics for that the broad impact of climate change accentuates the
process optimisation. necessity of energy and waste circularity. Join us, as we
work towards closing our waste and carbon loops, while
Significant advances toward these goals will be realised when maintaining resilience in our water supply to create a more
the Tuas Nexus facility comes online. The Tuas Nexus is a sustainable future for tomorrow.
facility that is designed from the ground up to harness the
potential synergies of a water-energy-waste nexus utilising Bernard Koh
 R&D AT A GLANCE
since 2002, PUB, together with stakeholders dedicated to solving singapore's water

r&d in challenges, have collectively committed more than s$800 million in water r&d.
these range from fundamental, proof-of-concept studies to demonstration-scale
trials in operational domains across the water loop. PUB works closely with its

numbers collaborators to de-risk and scale up promising technologies. as a result, two in

every three projects carried out by PUB progresses to implementation or the next
development phase.

R&D Investment AcRoss the wAteR loop AcRoss the technology ReADIness
(sInce 2002) spectRum
sPectrUm cOmPrises 9 technOLOgy
25% readiness LeveLsa (trLs)

Water treatment, System ready for

desaLinatiOn & reUse Demonstration full-scale deployment
9
23% 55% 22%
26%
33% Used Water treatment 8

s$813m 20% 7

total value
of projects 2% Water QUaLity & secUrity
6

10% Prototype Validation

Integrated system tested
& optimised at lab scale

39% netWOrk management & 5

Water cOnservatiOn
28% 13%
10% 4

Watershed management
Basic Research Proof of concept
3

PUB funding
7% 17% 65%
smart technOLOgies 2
national research Foundation
(nrF) funding
3% 1
contribution from indUstriaL
collaborator Water sOLUtiOns PUB-funded projects
Other government
agencies 2% nrF-funded projects
Others

710
in collaboration with
partners from 27
78% 3
completed projects progresses
of projects increase in
TWO to implementation or the next
trL when completed development phase
a
each trL corresponds to a specific r&d stage.
statistics valid as at dec 2020

Targets & Focus Areas 5

 targets &
PUB “short-circuits” the natural water cycle through desalination and
water reuse, and is one of the few utilities in the world that manages this
engineered cycle in its entirety. the resultant scope of operations spans

Focus areas across 10 technical domains. these include three new domains on climate
change mitigation, climate resilience and coastal Protection, and Waste
reduction and resource recovery, which have been added as part of PUB's
efforts to support singapore in advancing its national agenda on sustainable
development.

PUB has identified areas of research focus in each domain to help ensure
reliable and sustainable operations in the long term. all efforts are aimed
at achieving at least one of PUB’s overarching r&d goals.

oveRARchIng R&D goAls

PUB adopts an outcome-focused approach to R&D

energy chemical reliance on Waste

Water consumption usage manpower production Water
resources quality
ReDuce
IncReAse ImpRove

target R&D area of interest work in progress

Operational or technologies/solutions that can Ongoing r&d efforts. new technologies/solutions
r&d goals potentially help PUB meet its that have the potential to be an improvement over
operational targets in the identified those being trialled (in terms of performance,
domains durability, footprint and/or cost) are also welcome

water treatment, Desalination & Reuse Target R&D area

of interest
Work in
progress

The challenges faced in producing potable water varies with the type of source water. Seawater and used water streams offer a potentially inexhaustible
supply of water, but the current desalination energy requirements and NEWater recovery efficiencies pose barriers to their sustainable use. For reservoir
water, the key challenge is the unpredictability of water quality in urban catchments. To ensure that product water consistently meets drinking water
standards, processes must be able to treat all types of feed water.

DESALINATION WATER REUSE SURFACE WATER TREATMENT

alternative ultra-
Blue
≤ 0.8 • separation
technologies • permeable
membranes •energy
kWh/m3
3.5 • Electro- • Biomimetic • Pressure
kWh/m 3

(NOW)
deionisation membranes retarded
• Synthetic osmosis
75%
(NOW)
Water from materials • Reverse
Waterworks electrodialysis
different
catchments
100%
1.0
kWh/m3
Process Improved pre-/
≥90% Good water quality
regardless of • improvements •post-treatment
source quality • Electrodialysis • Advanced oxidation
reversal- • Ultrafiltration/
Used water NEWater reverse
Treated water Microfiltration
osmosis membrane
• Flow reversal improvements
ENERGY
RECOvERY
TREATMENT • Ion exchange
CONSUMPTION RESILIENCE

6
2 TaRgeTS
Targets & FocuS
& Focus aReaS
Areas
 Water Quality & Security target R&D area
of interest
work in
progress

PUB aims to achieve real-time water quality monitoring through the development and implementation of in-situ sensors capable of rapid, online detection
of microbial, chemical and surrogate parameters. Given the expanding range of contaminants of emerging concern, there is also a need to conduct robust
risk assessment to ensure that operational decision-making is supported by a strong scientific basis, especially in the absence of regulatory standards.

DETECTION MANAGEMENT OF CONTAMINANTS

of contaminants OF EMERGING CONCERN
in the absence of regulatory standards/guidelines

In-situ sensors Lab-based

Risk assessment
E.G. E.G.
• Parameter-specific sensors • Models
• General indicators of Target Non-target • Jar tests
water quality analysis analysis
• Bio-sensors
• Water quality fingerprinting
Occurrence

Desired qualities for Desired qualities for Catchment

sensor-based detection lab-based detection water

RAPID INTEGRATED Reclaimed

Within SENSITIvE
Multi- water
minutes parameter
sensors
ONLINE HIGH Removal Seawater Removal
Continuous THROUGHPUT efficiency efficiency
AUTOMATED
monitoring Zero or
minimal Treatment of Water Treatment of
PORTABLE
human source water Loop used water
intervention AUTOMATED
Monitoring required
anytime,
anywhere Consumption
of treated water

used water treatment Target R&D area

of interest
Work in
progress

Increasing water demand, energy costs and land scarcity underscore the need for technological breakthroughs in used water treatment. To this end, PUB
is actively looking at technologies that have the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and chemical usage in liquid stream treatment, and
processes that produce more biogas and generate less sludge in solids treatment. Ultimately, PUB aims to achieve energy self-sufficient water reclamation
plants to ensure long term sustainability.

energy self-sufficient water reclamation plants

-su fficiency
e r g y self
En
long-teRm: 100%
shoRt to
mID-teRm: 85% to 95% Liquid treatment

• Anaerobic membrane bioreactor

• Mainstream ANAMMOX
Liquid treatment Solids treatment and • Aerobic granular sludge membrane
biogas generation bioreactor
• Co-location of facilities
• enhanced primary treatment • Thermal hydrolysis
• step-feed membrane bioreactor • Recuperative thickening
(mBr) • Co-digestion with food waste
• energy efficient mBr

cuRRent: 25%*
Primary settlement tank +
conventional activated sludge plant
+ final settling tank

*based on full-scale operational data from Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation Plant

TaRgeTS & FocuS

Targets aReaS
& Focus Areas 7
3
 Network Management & Water conservation target R&D area
of interest
work in
progress

As Singapore expands its water infrastructure to meet increasing water demand, PUB faces the challenge of extending the water supply and used water
networks within an already congested underground environment, while maintaining the conditions of the current networks. To maintain service standards
efficiently, PUB will leverage technology to provide remote monitoring of water quality and network pressure, advanced leak detection and diagnostic forecasting
of asset failure. PUB also aims to encourage water conservation by providing more accessible and granular consumption data to customers through smart
metering and water-saving devices. The first phase of PUB's Smart Water Meter Programme in Singapore will see the installation of some 300,000 smart
water meters in new and existing residential, commercial and industrial premises by 2023.

water supply network

DAtA-DRIven IntellIgent smARt woRk pRoActIve ReAl-tIme

customeR commAnD AnD pRocesses Asset DIgItAl twIn
engAgement contRol mAnAgement

• To empower • To enhance • To increase • Proactively survey • To monitor network

customers to make ground situational productivity and the health of our operation and health
informed decision awareness for reduce manual assets and develop in real-time (pressure,
about their water effective resource processes through a maintenance water quality, flow,
usage and receive leak management and use of technologies and renewal plan service reservoir level
and high usage alerts decision making for better leak and pump operations)
during incident management • To enable more
management accurate network
simulations and
analyses
used water network

nowcAst & foRecAst seweR wAteR levels

sewer analytics & modelling system

• Provide first response advice and location-specific information
• Monitor flow conditions and analyse high-flow points
• Optimise sewer cleaning and maintenance regime
• Optimise network performance through inflow and infiltration source reduction
• Recommend capacity enhancements where needed

tImely, AppRopRIAte AnD AsceRtAIn RIsk & ImpAct

cost-effectIve mAIntenAnce of new tRADe pRemIse

Asset condition management trade effluent module

• Understand the structural condition, • Categorise risk and impact of trade

performance and deterioration pattern premises
of assets • Monitor and alert operators to
• Facilitate planning for asset renewal issues
and repair • Predict limit breaches and provide
• Better anticipation of asset failure
used water alerts
network • Identify areas for illegal discharge
investigations

workflow envisioned for used water management systems

FeedBack & Learning

sensors data analytics recommendations actions

8
4 TaRgeTS
Targets & FocuS
& Focus aReaS
Areas
 Watershed Management target R&D area
of interest
work in
progress

Increasing urbanisation and changing climatic conditions result in higher runoff during rain events. However, it is not feasible to build and expand drains to
accommodate every extreme rainfall event in land-scarce Singapore. There is therefore a need to explore intelligent watershed management technologies
coupled with forecasting and warning systems to enhance flood resilience. Concurrently, rainwater is harvested on a large scale for water supply through
collection and storage in ponds and reservoirs. To ensure that water quality remains good for potable water production, PUB invests in technologies to
monitor, predict and manage levels of nutrients, algae and other contaminants in its catchments and reservoirs.

QuAlIty QuAntIty
ensure that reservoir water enhance flood resilience and
quality is good for potable water safeguard the integrity of drainage
production system

Intelligent watershed watershed water climate change

management quality and aquatic and flood control
(data mining & analytics) ecology management & modelling
modelling

• Predictive drainage and • Algae monitoring and early • Predictions under uncertainties and
flood management warning systems extreme weather patterns
• Hydrometeorological monitoring • Nutrient removal system in catchment • Flood risk assessment and cost
• Data analytics for strategic • Macrophyte restoration and benefit analyses for policy and
planning and maintenance of drainage biomanipulation decision making
infrastructure • Water quality monitoring systems • Water-sensitive urban design and
• Enhanced water quality modelling • Prediction of algae and adaptive infrastructure
tools and autonomous real-time metabolite levels
prediction platform • Efficient algae control system

climate change Mitigation Target R&D area

of interest
Work in
progress

To curb rising temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions will need to be curtailed in the decades ahead. Singapore aims to halve its 2030 peak greenhouse
gas emissions by 2050, and to achieve net zero as soon as viable in the second half of the century. Although the water sector’s emissions are small i.e.
less than 1.5% of total emissions in Singapore, PUB is committed to achieve net zero. To achieve this, PUB has put in place a three-pronged strategy to
close the carbon loop.

Replace carbon emitting

energy sources
• Floating solar photovoltaics (PVs) on
reservoirs and solar Pvs on rooftops of 1 Remove carbon through
PUB installations capture & utilisation
• Explore alternative low carbon energy ReplAce
sources
• Removing CO₂ and other greenhouse
gas emissions from used water
• Floating solar PVs deployment on ACHIEvE NET treatment
reservoirs ZERO CO2 • Removal of CO₂ using CCUS
Rem
uce

EQUIvALENT technologies that can be integrated

EMISSIONS
Reduce carbon emissions with water treatment
2 3
ov
eD

e
R • Blue Carbon – Carbon capture by
coastal ecosystem
• Energy self-sufficiency for used water
• Desalination energy reduction
• Reduce demand in domestic and non- • Capture and utilisation of CO₂ from
domestic sectors biogas to produce construction materials
• Capturing CO₂ from seawater through
mineralisation
refer to on-going r&d efforts under Water
treatment, desalination & reuse, Used
Water treatment, network management
& Water conservation, smart PUB and
industrial Water solutions that can reduce
energy consumption or water demand

TaRgeTS & FocuS

Targets aReaS
& Focus Areas 9
5
 climate Resilience and coastal Protection Target R&D area
of interest
Work in
progress

Climate change is expected to raise Singapore’s mean daily temperature by up to 5°C by 2100. This is an unprecedented phenomenon, which affects the
physical, chemical and biological processes in water and used water systems, as well as the water quality and physical infrastructure, but in hitherto
unknown ways. In line with the national goal of building resilience against climate change, PUB seeks to better understand the science in order to guide the
formulation of future adaptation strategies. Additionally, as a result of climate change, our sea levels are projected to rise by about 1 meter by 2100. There
is hence a need to build new research and operational capabilities in Coastal Protection to enhance Singapore’s flood resilience against the combined effects
of inland flooding, sea level rise and storm surges.

CLIMATE RESILIENCE COASTAL PROTECTION

• Laying the foundation for implementing coastal protection works

• Understanding climate change science, quantifying the around singapore’s coastline to adapt to sea level rise through
potential impacts, and formulating future adaptation strategies
0 development of innovative coastal protection solutions, and
to safeguard water supply
0 studies on singapore’s coastal processes

• Innovative and robust coastal adaptation solutions that

• Impact of climate change on water structural integrity, incorporate smart systems, multifunctional elements and nature-
treatment processes and water quality in the network based solutions; optimise land take and provide flexibility for
• Technologies to strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability future incremental build
to climate change. • Local coastal hydrodynamics and processes to facilitate better
design of coastal protection solutions

waste Reduction & Resource Recovery Target R&D area

of interest
Work in
progress

In line with Singapore’s aspiration to be a Zero Waste Nation, PUB is committed to do our part and close our waste loop. To do this, a two-pronged
approach is adopted to not only reduce the amount of waste produced but also find new ways to recover and reuse the waste to useful products. In the
spirit of circular economy, a new technology domain is mapped out to guide our effort.

To reduce the amount of dewatered sludge sent to incineration

Short-term Goal (2025) Long-term Goal (2060)

0.11 kg dry solids/m³ used water treated 0.08 kg dry solids/m³ used water treated
(30% reduction from current level) (50% reduction from current level)

Pyrolysis to biochar/ Sludge to biofuel

high value product

Slagging gasification Sludge to biopolymer

of sludge
Used Water
Sludge

Waterworks
SWRO Brine
Sludge

Recovery of minerals/metals Reuse of waterworks sludge

10
6 TaRgeTS
Targets & FocuS
& Focus aReaS
Areas
 Smart PuB Target R&D area
of interest
Work in
progress

The rapidly evolving digital landscape, coupled with a smaller but increasingly educated workforce, presents opportunities for PUB to harness smart
technologies for more efficient control and operation of its water systems. To this end, PUB is exploring technologies on robotics, sensors and network
communications, system automation, and virtual modelling and predictive analyses, that could maximise productivity and enhance operational reliability
and security within the water loop.

Adequate & efficient collection of Data across water loop

real-time monitoring of:

• Rain and weather
• Pressure, acoustic, flow and water quality data for water supply network
• Water quality, flow and level data for sewer network
• Condition monitoring (pumps, drivers, motors)

• X-band radars for rain monitoring

• Event-based acoustic sensors for leak detection
• Biosensors for pollution detection

IIot sensors for

Data collection

safe, man-less and efficient operations

automated & autonomous vehicles/platform for:

• Inspection of enclosed pipe of <1m wide and exposed pipeline reserves
• Cleansing and desilting of tanks and pipeline networks
• Minor repair, paintings, etc.
• Operations of valves, hydrant, tidal gates, etc.

• Smart wearables for real-time location monitoring

• Smart goggles: augmented reality for O&M
• Drones for inspection and monitoring
Automation for
field operations

Integrated Digital twins across water loop for Insight and Automation

Provision of insights and recommended actions for:

• Flood and reservoir operations
• Equipment health and predictive maintenance
• Optimisation of water supply and sewer network performance
• Data-driven operations

• Rainfall forecasting
• Process abnormality and water quality prediction
• Equipment fault prediction
Digital twin & AI for • Soft sensors

Insights Analysis

TaRgeTS & FocuS

Targets aReaS
& Focus Areas 11
7
 Industrial Water Solutions target

Singapore's industrial water demand will continue to account for majority of our water demand. PUB aims to reduce industrial water demand, by working
with large water users, to develop and implement solutions that increase the water efficiencies of industrial processes intrinsically, as well as at the
system level. By encouraging the adoption of these solutions, PUB achieves win-win outcomes where industries benefit from recurring savings on their
water bills, and PUB is able to ensure a sustainable water supply. Key focus areas include the development of water-less processes, increasing the volume
of water reclaimed from treated effluent for process reuse, and the use of alternative sources of water (e.g. seawater) for cooling. In addition, synergies
can also result from new hybrid processes, such as the recovery of valuable resources from the reuse of industrial wastewater and minimisation of
wastewater to be sent for third party disposal.

target Industries

Power generation semiconductors Petrochemicals Pharmaceuticals Food and Beverage data centres

use of Alternative
sources of water
• Low temperature distillation
water-less processes
• Variable salinity plant (hybrid rainwater/
stormwater blending and treatment with • Water-less cooling
conventional desalination systems and/
or electrochemical deionisation) • Technologies tapping waste heat
as energy for cooling processes
• Once-through seawater cooling for (Organic rankine cycle engines,
coastal industries etc.)

• Greywater harvesting for process reuse • Cooling tower augmentation

to minimise blowdown and
evaporative losses

• Water-less clean-in-place systems

3 mgd
Raising the water water savings treat and Reclaim
efficiency Indices for per year effluent
existing Industries • In-situ augmentation of
biological process
• Design of fit-for-purpose treatment
processes
• Higher freshwater recovery
processes (via efficient waste
• Provision of technical support and
stream management and
knowledge (e.g. industrial technical
treatment)
guides)
• Modular biological treatment
suitable for fluctuating effluent
loads

• Implementation of advanced
smart technologies Iot for oxidation processes or other
methods for destruction of
enhanced water management recalcitrant contaminants
• Predictive maintenance/troubleshooting of
water management systems to reduce losses
and inefficiencies

• Autonomous process optimisation in real-time

via machine learning

12
8 TaRgeTS
Targets & FocuS
& Focus aReaS
Areas
collaborate
PUB welcomes research collaborations that are aligned with the
organisation's mission: to supply good water, reclaim used water,
tame storm water and resist rising seas. We offer a range of

with us! support comprising research funding, testbed opportunities and

commercialisation support to bring your ideas to fruition.

funDIng suppoRt (puB) A

key criteria target research area(s) opening Application platforms featured project

Research & applied r&d with potential

for implementation
The Integrated Validation Plant for
Tuas Nexus and beyond
Development Process development and validation, smart features
and the associated R&D projects with NtU, NUS and
(R&D) Fund PUB’s r&d targets & Focus areas Nextan on biosorption, nutrient removal and smart
features.
Facilitate R&D
Ongoing application In collaboration with AECOM, Black &
to increase water Veatch JV, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
resources, keep and Meiden
operational costs indicate interest to table a proposal at
competitive, and pub_research@pub.gov.sg
manage water quality
and security
demo at
UPWrP to be
[2017 - implemented
current] at tuas WrP
Pilot [2025]
[2014 -
2017]

Industrial Water
consumption
accomplish at least
5% reduction in
Water Solutions should exceed water consumption
10,000 m3/mth through reuse
Demonstration Wastewater Recycling System
Fund (IWSDF) In collaboration with Seagate

Facilitate the
implementation of high- technologies that
impact and innovative • are validated and • showcase innovation
projects to treat and ready for in the technology
reclaim industrial used demonstration-scale itself, and/or
water for process reuse implementation its application

Water recycling more than

rate expected 500,000 m³ of
to increase water saved since
PUB’s r&d targets & Focus areas for from 30% commissioning of
to 70% after water recycling
industrial Water solutions
implementation plant

Ongoing application Operationalisation

of plant
[2020]
download Project assessment Form
from https://www.pub.gov.sg/research/
industrialwatersolutions/funding

submit completed form through

PUB_IWSDF@pub.gov.sg

coLLaBoRaTe WITh
Collaborate WithuS!
Us! 13
9
 • Project to be carried out in singapore
Competitive • Business or organisation is registered in
singapore
Funding
for Water varies across request-For-Proposals (rFPs); PUB Aquaporin-based membrane
Research r&d targets & Focus areas (ABM)
Support (a) basic types of Rfps In collaboration with various institutions
and organisations
and applied R&D in
strategic areas, and chAllenge themAtIc
(b) translation of address critical barriers Build capability under
and enable progress in an identified research
validated concepts the field. may involve theme (e.g. energy
achieving stretch efficiency in used water
targets treatment) scale-up
fabrication of
aBm for neWater
ReseARch open-cAll and seawater
pRogRAmme Bottom-up channel desalination*
solicit proposals to solicit a diverse [2018 - 2022]
exploring range of water-related
complementary solutions without Pilot-scale study for
neWater, seawater
technical areas specific research
desalination and industrial
themes application [2014 - 2019]

Periodic rFPs, announced through Lab-scale study

• Integrated Grant Management System [2009 - 2013]
researchgrant.gov.sg
• PUB website * Part of the study is funded under Industry
pub.gov.sg/research/collaboration Alignment Fund – Prepositioning Funding
• Email notification Initiative

request to be included in mailing list at

pub_crp_water@pub.gov.sg

Living Lab
(Water)
Incentivise the involve a solution Project to be carried Ceramic membranes for
adoption of new provider and out in singapore surface water treatment
technologies, an adopter In collaboration with PWN Technologies
facilitating
commercialisation

Only singapore- Funding support

registered businesses depends on the types
and organisations and nature of the
12 vessels
are eligible organisations operationalised as
part of cckWW Phase
2 upgrading works

Project shall involve the demonstration of a water demonstration plant

technology that is close to operational stage by (0.8 mgd) at
choa chu kang
an adopter Waterworks (cckWW)
[2011 - 2013]
Ongoing application

Joint application* by technology provider and

adopter. indicate interest at
pub_crp_water@pub.gov.sg
* Either one can apply before a suitable partner is
identified and be granted with in-principle approval

14
10 coLLaBoRaTe
Collaborate WithWITh
Us! uS!
 B
testBeDDIng oppoRtunItIes
PUB’s operational and R&D-dedicated infrastructure are available to host and facilitate your research. technology developers
looking to increase their product’s operational readiness and relevance can apply to carry out testbeds at our live installations
and field sites. Facility dedicated to desalination research is also available.

operational Installations, sites and R&D-dedicated facility

Waterworks Water reclamation Potable &

Plants Used Water networks

neWater Factories reservoirs variable salinity Plant

desalination Plant tuas R&D facility

Desalination technologies

actual operating technical support

environments from ground staff

coLLaBoRaTe WITh
Collaborate WithuS!
Us! 15
11
 c
tRAnslAtIon & commeRcIAlIsAtIon
In order to further the development of promising research and capture the value of R&D projects, PUB works with industry
partners to support the translation and commercialisation of these technologies.

technology tRAnslAtIon
through our partnerships with translational facilities, technology developers can engage experts in engineering design, and access fabrication
and pilot testing systems to overcome translational gaps. some of our translation partners include:

separation technologies Applied Research & translation (stARt) centre

the start centre is set up as a national-level facility to bridge the gap between lab and market, and to provide
significant risk mitigation for the commercialisation of separation technologies. start serves as a vital platform
for academic and research institutions to transform their innovative technologies into commercial products for key
industry players.
Email adil.dhalla@ntu.edu.sg to find out more.
environmental & water technology centre of Innovation (ewtcoI)
the eWtcOi was set up in October 2006 as a strategic collaboration between enterprise singapore and ngee ann
Polytechnic. its mission is to partner strategic industry sectors in applied r&d and consultancy projects to translate
ideas into practical solutions or innovations for a sustainable environment.
Email ewtcoi@np.edu.sg to find out more.

commeRcIAlIsAtIon
commercialisation is the process of bringing technologies to the market, realising the value of laboratory research and reaping the economic
benefits from r&d investments. it is a multi-stage process that is guided by the Water technologies commercialisation Framework and involves
different stakeholders such as the Singapore Water Exchange (SgWX) and the Singapore Water Association (SWA):

shoRten
tech cycle
wAteR technologIes commeRcIAlIsAtIon fRAmewoRk
1) develop technology translation centres (e.g. start and eWtcOi) to bridge the
eXtenD Into scAle
ADJAcencIes mAnufActuRIng technology translation gap and shorten technology development time.
2) Forge partnerships among players in the water ecosystem to scale up manufacturing.
3) create a "Living Lab" at PUB's operational installations and r&d facility for technology
commeRcIAlIsAtIon validation and demonstration.
fRAmewoRk
penetRAte BuIlD 4) Leverage SgWX ecosystem and support the development of emerging enterprises
oveRseAs confIDence through incubation/acceleration.
mARkets
5) internationalise key technologies/companies through technology promotion at
suppoRt
enteRpRIse singapore international Water Week (siWW) and other initiatives.
6) expand the uptake of water technologies by adjacent industry sectors through
outreach partners like singapore membrane consortium (sg-mem).

singapore water exchange

The Singapore Water Exchange (SgWX) is a global marketplace for innovative water companies. Established in
2018, it houses a vibrant ecosystem comprising different water industry players that work together to push the
frontiers of water innovation. they range from start-ups to mncs, and cover technology providers, system integrators,
accelerators and associations. Currently, SgWX houses close to 30 tenants from 11 countries. Additionally, SgWX
hosts a range of activities to accelerate commercialisation and connects companies to business opportunities. these
include commercialisation programmes, hackathons, water technology roadshows and market opportunity seminars.
We welcome water technology companies to join SgWX and leverage its ecosystem to co-create innovative solutions
and discover business opportunities.
Email us at pub_sgwx@pub.gov.sg to find out more.
singapore water Association
the singapore Water association (sWa) was established in 2004 and is a dynamic collaboration among private sector
players intent on bringing a new vibrancy to singapore’s growing water industry. it has close to 300 members and
comprises companies and individuals from across the water sector. sWa is an important partner in the technology
commercialisation journey. it facilitates strategic partnerships between companies, allows start-ups and smes to
scale up manufacturing, and provides a springboard for local industry players to internationalise through sWa's
overseas networks.
Visit www.swa.org.sg/swat for the SWA eLearning Programme and www.swa.org.sg/swa-digi-expo to explore the world
of 24/7 digital water expo.

geneRAl enQuIRIes
scan for more
A B pub_research@pub.gov.sg c pub_sgwx@pub.gov.sg information

© 2022 PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency

16 Collaborate With Us!
 FEATURE STORY

CLOSING IN ON ANSWERS
TO SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
CLOSING THE WATER LOOP:
Tapping on all resources

For Singapore, water security is an existential challenge. As a In taking a holistic and integrated approach to water
nation without much natural water resources, Singapore has management, Singapore has adopted three key strategies:
had to find ways of securing reliable and sustainable sources collect every drop of water, reuse water endlessly and desalinate
of water to meet increasing needs. Despite efforts to expand seawater. The imported water and local catchment water are
capacity with the addition of Lower Peirce and Upper Seletar two of Singapore’s Four National Taps. To close the water loop,
Reservoirs to the first reservoir—MacRitchie Reservoir in early Singapore developed two other National Taps—NEWater and
20th century when Singapore was still a British Colony, upon desalinated water (Figure 2).
self-rule, the Singapore government recognised that more
supply options were necessary. This led to agreements with the As early as in the 1970s, Singapore started exploring the
Johor State Government for Singapore to import water from feasibility of recycling used water. However, the membrane
Johor and this became one of Singapore’s main sources of technology of the time could not deliver viable solutions. In 1998,
water at that time. PUB set up a team to test the use of the latest proven membrane
technology in water reclamation for potable purposes, and by
While the 1962 Water Agreement provides Singapore with 2000, a full-scale demonstration plant capable of producing
imported water until 2061, the extended lead-time for major 10,000 cubic metres of potable water daily was commissioned.
water supply projects meant that it was necessary to explore The quality of this reclaimed water, named NEWater, was found
complementary solutions to bolster our water supply. These to be safe and well within the World Health Organization (WHO)
include increasing our catchment areas and building our capacity and the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (US
in rainwater collection. Over a span of more than a century, the EPA) requirements for drinking water.
number of reservoirs in Singapore has grown to 17 today, with
the latest two—Punggol and Serangoon Reservoirs—becoming Three years later, in 2003, Singapore’s first two NEWater plants
operational in 2011 (Figure 1). Today, two-thirds of Singapore’s in Bedok and Kranji, launched NEWater to the Singapore public,
land area constitutes catchment areas for rainwater collection, culminating the journey that began more than 20 years ago.
making us one of the few countries in the world to harvest urban Following this, three other NEWater plants, one at Ulu Pandan
stormwater on a large scale. Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) and two at Changi WRP, were
opened, taking the total number of NEWater plants in Singapore
today to five.

Of the Four National Taps, desalinated water has the potential

to be a limitless source – as an island surrounded by the sea,
desalination is a natural option. Our very first desalination plant,
SingSpring Desalination Plant located in Tuas, opened in 2005.
We have since added three more desalination plants, with Keppel
Marina East Desalination Plant being the latest dual mode plant
that can treat both brackish water and seawater (see the next
section to find out more). Both NEWater and desalinated water
provide Singapore with climate resilient water options and are
critical to closing the water loop.

Figure 1. Singapore has 17 reservoirs to store rainwater collected from two-thirds

of its land area.

Feature Story 17
 Figure 2. The Four National Taps (shown above) contribute towards closing the water loop in Singapore.

Dual mode facility to boost water

resilience

Singapore’s current water demand is about 430 million The Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant (KMEDP) is unique
gallons per day (mgd). As we approach 2030 and beyond, we in its location situated right in a downtown area, saddled
expect the demand for water to continue to rise in tandem with by a freshwater reservoir and the sea (Figure 3). Launched
population and economic growth. Ensuring adequacy, resilience in February 2021, this award-winning innovative facility1 is
and sustainability remains important to Singapore. We are Singapore’s fourth desalination plant—the first-of-its-kind dual-
constantly pursuing new approaches to enhance our capability mode desalination plant capable of treating either seawater or
to cater for future water demand and the innovative dual-mode freshwater depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
brackish water and seawater desalination strategy is one of During rainy periods when water level in the reservoir is high,
them. the plant treats freshwater drawn from the surrounding Marina
Reservoir, while during periods of dry weather, seawater is
drawn into the plant for processing. This dual modality allows
the plant to operate using less energy when it is not desalinating
seawater, thus optimising energy use while maintaining
consistent output.

The plant has the capacity to treat up to 30 mgd of potable

water. Being the most compact desalination plant in Singapore,
the KMEDP occupies an overall land area of only about 2.8
ha, of which 2.4 ha houses its equipment and processes. This
desalination plant directly couples both ultrafiltration and
reverse osmosis systems, where water from the ultrafiltration
process is fed directly to the downstream reverse osmosis
process, eliminating the need for intermediate break tanks and
pumping stages (Figure 4). The direct coupling of these stages
Figure 3. The Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant sits underneath a sprawling not only saves on the energy costs, it also makes the small
green park space where panoramic views of the city skyline can be enjoyed. Photo
credit: Keppel
footprint of the facility possible.

1
KMEDP was named ‘Desalination Plant of the Year’ at the Global Water Awards 2021

18 Feature Story
 Figure 4. Direct coupling of the ultrafiltration
process (on the right) with the downstream
reverse osmosis process eliminates the need for
intermediate break tanks and pumping, reducing
energy and footprint. Photo credit: Keppel

CLOSING THE WASTE LOOP:

Reducing waste and recovering resources

Having closed the water loop, the issue of waste management While this has been effective in limiting the amount of landfill-
has also come to the fore. Driven by scarcity, volatile resource bound waste in land-scarce Singapore, the amount of waste
prices, and the environmental impact from human activities, disposed has nevertheless increased sevenfold over the past
Singapore designated 2019 as a Year Towards Zero Waste. It 40 years. In 2020, with the Covid-19 pandemic and impact on
sparked concerted efforts towards implementing new ideas for the economy, about 5.9 million tonnes of waste was generated,
waste management. down from 7.7 million tonnes of waste in 2019. Even so, this was
equivalent to filling more than 11,000 Olympic-size swimming
A waste-to-energy (WTE) strategy for the handling of municipal pools. Currently, about 79% of domestic waste generated is
solid waste has been in place in Singapore since 1979, when the incinerated. Together, the four plants incinerate about 7,600
first WTE plant at Ulu Pandan was completed with the help of tonnes of waste a day, with the resulting incineration ash and
a loan from the World Bank. Since then, four other WTE plants non-incinerable waste being transferred to Semakau Landfill
have been built, the last one being Keppel Seghers Tuas WTE (Figure 5).
Plant in 2009. In the past decades, incineration had been the
approach taken to reduce the volume of waste by up to 90%
while generating electricity that is sold to the grid.

Figure 5. The offshore landfill at Semakau (left image)

was created by building a 7km rock bund around
Pulau Semakau, Pulau Sakeng and the surrounding
waters, to create space where incineration ash
generated from waste on the mainland is deposited
(top image). This solution has a finite capacity. Photos
credit: National Environment Agency

Feature Story 19
The Semakau Landfill covers an area of 350 ha and is Singapore’s our energy needs. With an average wind speed of about 2 m/s,
only landfill. Accessible via sea, it receives more than 2,000 commercial wind turbines are not economically viable; and our
tonnes of incineration ash from WTE plants and non-incinerable relatively narrow tidal range and calm seas limit opportunities
waste daily. As the population grows and development takes for commercial tidal power generation. In addition, heavy port
place, the amount of waste disposed is expected to increase in activities restrict the range of ocean energy technologies that
tandem. At the current rate of fill, Semakau Landfill will run out can be applied. Without consistently fast-flowing waters, a
of capacity by 2035. In addition, the more waste we incinerate, prerequisite for harnessing hydroelectric power, we are greatly
the higher our carbon footprint and contribution to global disadvantaged in terms of alternative energy sources.
warming and climate change. There is an urgent need to reduce
what gets sent to landfills from the WTE plants. Being a tropical island that enjoys ample sunshine all year round,
solar power is the most likely source of renewable energy.
Within PUB, two major waste streams of sludge from the Since 2005, PUB has been actively installing solar photovoltaic
waterworks and reclamation plants produce about 6% of (PVs) panels on the rooftops of our facilities to harness solar
Singapore’s total landfill waste today. The short-term target is energy. In 2016, we launched our first floating solar PV testbed,
to reduce the amount of sludge sent to incineration by 30% by a 1 megawatt-peak (MWp) installation at Tengeh Reservoir, to
2025 and the long-term target is to halve the current amount explore the feasibility of deploying floating solar PV systems
by 2050. To do this, PUB must not only reduce the amount of on Singapore’s reservoirs. Studies conducted showed no
sludge produced, but also find new ways to reuse the sludge or observable change in the reservoir’s water quality and no
ash that is produced. One way is to identify and extract usable significant impact on the surrounding wildlife. This allows our
resources from waste. Maximising the value of resources by reservoirs to have the dual-purpose of water catchment and
keeping them in use for as long as possible is a key principle of storage, as well as clean energy generation.
the circular economy—a model that Singapore, and indeed the
world needs to embrace to close the waste loop. Through this pioneering R&D effort, PUB is looking to contribute
to Singapore’s overall sustainability efforts not just in the
To this end, PUB has begun to explore the gasification and water domain but in the energy domain as well. As Singapore
pyrolysis of sludge to not only reduce its volume but also to works towards the national target of quadrupling solar energy
extract usable resources from it. Slag from gasification can be deployment to 1.5 gigawatt-peak (GWp) solar capacity by 2025
used as construction materials (or NEWSand) for non-structural and 2 GWp solar capacity by 2030, floating PVs are set to
and structural applications. Biochar from pyrolysis can be used make an impact in achieving this target. The testbed at Tengeh
as soil amendment or activated carbon for odour control in our Reservoir has revealed that floating PV systems can perform
water reclamation plants. Preliminary results from projects 5-15% better than conventional solar PV rooftop systems due
with the Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute to the cooler reservoir environment, as well as added light
(NEWRI) showed that the sludge-derived slag and biochar have reflected off the water’s surface. With the positive results, the
low heavy metal leaching rate, making them suitable for the 60 MWp Sembcorp Tengeh Floating Solar Farm was officially
potential applications. The slag also gives sufficient compressive opened in July 2021 (Figure 6). Being one of the world’s largest
strength when used in construction materials. More details on in-land floating solar farm, the amount of energy generated can
the projects can be found under the Research Highlights – Waste power about 16,000 four-room Housing Development Board
Reduction and Resource Recovery section. Other materials and (HDB) flats and reduce carbon emissions by about 32 kilotonnes
energy recovery opportunities can also be developed in this annually, the same as taking 7,000 cars off the roads. The
area. Going circular will not only reduce waste production, but Tengeh Floating Solar Farm produces enough energy to power
can result in significant savings on disposal costs and create all of our local waterworks in Singapore.
potential revenue streams from the new products.
PUB will continue to leverage floating solar panels on our
CLOSING THE CARBON LOOP: reservoirs where possible, balancing against other competing
water activities at our reservoirs. Two smaller-scale floating
Carbon Neutrality in Powering the solar farms that are able to generate 1.5 MWp each have also
commenced operations at Bedok and Lower Seletar Reservoirs
National Taps in October 2021. Feasibility studies are planned to be conducted
in 2022 for two other large-scale floating solar PV systems at
Lower Seletar (100 MWp) and Pandan Reservoirs (44 MWp).
As PUB tackles the closing of the water and waste loops head PUB will continue to study the environmental impact and
on, our attention is also turned to supporting the Singapore feasibility of other reservoirs carefully before exploring their
government’s target to halve its 2030 peak greenhouse gas solar deployment potential, and for more energy to be sourced
emissions by 2050, and aim to achieve net zero as soon as in this manner.
possible in the 2nd half of the century. Meeting the country’s
energy needs sustainably would be a key challenge in reaching While the creative approaches to solar farming will help
this target. The production of NEWater and desalination are overcome some hurdles towards replacing fossil fuels as an
both processes that are energy intensive, and as of now, there energy source, the fact remains that given Singapore’s limited
are limited options for renewable sources of energy. land area and competing needs, solar energy will not be
enough to close the carbon loop and reach carbon neutrality.
Singapore relies heavily on imported natural gas for 95% of Hence improving energy efficiency, managing water demand

20 Feature Story
 Figure 6. An aerial view of the Tengeh
Floating Solar Farm which was launched
in July 2021. This solar farm has a peak
capacity of 60 megawatts, enough to power
16,000 four-room HDB flats for a year. Photo
credit: Sembcorp Industries

and reducing the energy requirements of our water treatment construction. The seawater will then be depleted of carbon
processes are key aspects to lowering energy demand while dioxide and can absorb more of it from the atmosphere. PUB is
new options of energy supply continue to be explored. keen to seek more ideas on the capture, utilisation and storage
of carbon that could be techno-economically integrated with
Desalination is the most energy intensive water tap. For every PUB’s operations for greater synergy. To this end, PUB launched
cubic meter of water desalinated, 1.4kg of carbon dioxide its Carbon Zero Grand Challenge in October 2021, a 45-month
is emitted. PUB aims to halve the energy consumption of programme that seeks to identify, test and scale-up promising
desalination from the current 3.5 kWh//m3 over the next few technologies for carbon removal with potential for deployment
years. Several R&D projects are ongoing in this space, including in the next decade. More information on PUB’s approach to
developing ultra-permeable membranes that could reduce close the carbon loop and achieve net zero emissions can be
our energy requirements, while achieving the same product found under the Targets & Focus Areas section.
water quality. At the same time for used water treatment,
we have made significant strides in reducing our energy WHEN THE LOOPS MEET:
requirements and increasing the biogas generation from used
water sludge. For NEWater production, higher recovery of 90%, A nexus for sustainability
up from the current 75%, can be achieved without expanding
more energy. Besides technology advances and R&D, public
engagements and campaigns continue to be important to drive In Singapore, a multi-pronged approach to waste management
home the need for water conservation. Coupled with advanced is coupled with strategies that address our water and energy
metering infrastructure, which is being rolled out as part of our needs. This strategy is effectively actualised in the design and
digitalisation plan, behavioural insights are also being pursued implementation of Tuas Nexus, a breakthrough facility that will
to encourage even greater water conservation. Details on some be crucial in taking Singapore to achieve sustainability.
of the other projects that PUB is exploring to reduce our carbon
emissions are available in the Research Highlights section both Set to come online in 2025, the Tuas Nexus comprises PUB’s Tuas
in this magazine and previous editions of Innovation in Water. Water Reclamation Plant (TWRP) and NEA’s Integrated Waste
Management Facility (IWMF). As Singapore’s first integrated
Ultimately, we know that even as we reduce our current water and waste treatment facility, Tuas Nexus will be able to
emissions and replace our carbon emitting fossil fuels with maximise energy and resource recovery in ways that previous
renewable energy sources, we would still be unable to achieve facilities have not been able to, offering a sustainable solution to
carbon neutrality. To close the carbon loop, we will need a third help meet Singapore’s long-term solid waste management and
approach which involves the capture and removal of greenhouse used water treatment needs. More information on Tuas Nexus
gas. PUB is currently looking at new technologies that can and the synergies in co-locating water and waste treatment can
capture and utilise carbon dioxide emitted either directly from be found under the Facilities section.
our processes or carbon dioxide present in the environment,
which can be integrated with PUB’s operations. One example is a Over the last few decades, PUB has been exploring relentlessly
project that PUB is studying with A*STAR’s Institute of Chemical and working innovatively to close the water loop, with great
and Engineering Sciences to capture carbon dioxide from biogas success. Moving forward, PUB is embarking on similar journeys
for carbonisation into aggregates to produce construction to improve on existing processes and seek new and ground-
materials. Another project with the University of California, breaking solutions, to close the carbon and waste loops in
Los Angeles involves the use of the electrolysis technology to Singapore. More research and activities in these areas will
react dissolved carbon dioxide with calcium and magnesium enable the circular economy to take root and build up climate,
in seawater to form solid carbonates, which can be used in resource and economic resilience to sustain our nation’s future.

Feature Story 21
FACILITIES

A SITE FOR SYNERGISTIC

SOLUTIONS

A
new, multi-use facility, designed to maximise efficiencies and
reduce wastage

Tuas Nexus—where novel ideas

converge to meet needs

As a small island state with inherent land and resource The plant, equipped with energy-efficient membrane bioreactor
constraints, the need to ensure sustainability drives many systems in both the Domestic Liquids Modules and the Industrial
innovations in Singapore. The well-known English proverb, Liquids Modules, will have an initial treatment capacity of
“Necessity is the mother of invention” is especially true here. 650,000 m3 of domestic used water (DUW) per day and 150,000
When a challenge becomes an important need, people are m3 of industrial used water (IUW) per day respectively. The
driven to think creatively and collaborate with others to reach treated DUW will be used for process needs while some will
a solution. be further purified to NEWater; and any excess effluent would
be discharged to the sea. Meanwhile, the treated IUW will be
A prime example of two agencies coming together is the sent back to industries for reuse, with excess effluent being
collaboration between PUB and NParks on the ABC Waters project discharged to the sea.
in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to use a limited space optimally. This
unique project transformed a large, plain concrete canal and Designed to be compact in its land footprint, TWRP will have
adjacent parkland into a picturesque community park with a a land-take intensity of 6.15 mgd/ha, making it one of the
natural-looking watercourse running through it. The project met most compact plants in the world. This is achieved by building
the objectives of both agencies and has become an exemplary upwards; using newer, more efficient technology, and leveraging
case study demonstrating the benefits for synergistic planning on the water-energy-waste nexus.
and implementation to achieve sustainable results.
When completed, TWRP will replace the existing WRPs at Ulu
PUB is now embarking on another collaboration, this time with Pandan and Jurong. This alone will achieve land savings of up
NEA, to create the Tuas Nexus (Figure 1). This greenfield project to 85 ha (about the size of 120 football fields) once the existing
will incorporate PUB’s Tuas Water Reclamation Plant (TWRP) facilities have been decommissioned. A NEWater factory will
and NEA’s Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) in a also be integrated into TWRP’s Domestic Liquids Modules,
single location. More than just a co-location, this synergistic significantly boosting PUB’s current NEWater production
collaboration with NEA has been designed with resource capabilities and the robustness of water supply in Singapore
efficiency and sustainability in mind, to improve energy and without affecting the overall footprint of Tuas Nexus.
resource recovery.
In terms of the process, the primary sedimentation tanks—a
TWRP will receive used water from two separate deep tunnels, major component of TWRP—has a footprint that is up to
constructed under Phase 2 of the Deep Tunnel Sewerage 40% smaller than conventional settling tanks used in older
System (DTSS). Used water from the western and southern installations. This is achieved with the use of inclined plates to
parts of Singapore will be conveyed through these deep tunnels, maximise the efficient surface area for solids to settle on within
entirely by gravity, to TWRP. One of these tunnels—the South the same tank space. Furthermore, the adoption of Membrane
Tunnel—will transport mainly domestic used water; while the Bioreactor systems at TWRP have allowed used water to be
other tunnel—the Industrial Tunnel—will convey industrial used treated to a high quality effluent, using fewer stages and 30%
water. less space compared to conventional treatment process.

22 Facilities
Figure 1. An artist’s impression of Tuas Nexus.

A greater whole from the sum of

connected parts

Used water sludge—the waste by-product of used water Unlike the current waste-to-energy (WTE) plants which only
treatment—will be co-digested with food waste slurry from the incinerate municipal solid waste (MSW), the IWMF will process
IWMF to produce biogas. Co-digestion will result in a higher multiple waste streams to improve resource and energy
biogas yield as compared to digesting used water sludge recovery. Apart from MSW, the IWMF will be handling source-
and food waste separately. The biogas produced will then be segregated food waste and dewatered sludge from TWRP, as
conveyed to the IWMF’s superheaters to boost its thermal well as household recyclables collected under the National
efficiency. The electricity generated will be more than enough to Recycling Programme (NRP). This will be the first time that
power both TWRP and IWMF, making Tuas Nexus an energy self- so many different capabilities—used water treatment and
sufficient facility that is expected to save more than 200,000 reclamation sludge treatment, materials recovery, waste-to-
tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, equivalent to taking 42,500 energy incineration—are symbiotically integrated.
cars off Singapore’s roads. Tuas Nexus will be able to produce
excess electricity that will be supplied to the national grid.

New technologies that push the

frontiers of efficiency

TWRP will make use of newly developed technologies to achieve

productivity gains. Its Domestic Liquids Modules will implement
biosorption, or enhanced primary treatment, to increase organics
capture for greater biogas production in the digestion process
downstream while reducing the energy required in the aeration
in the bioreactors (Figure 3). TWRP will also house the world’s
largest membrane bioreactor with an initial total treatment
capacity of 800,000 m3 per day, equivalent to the volume of
water in 320 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The membrane
bioreactor will replace separate secondary sedimentation
tanks and microfiltration or ultrafiltration membranes, thus
saving space while producing a more consistent, higher quality
effluent in an energy efficient manner. Read more about the
inventor of submerged membrane bioreactor, Professor Kazuo
Yamamoto, and his work in the Interview section.
Figure 2. Integration of the WRP and IWMF at Tuas Nexus.

Facilities 23
 Figure 3. Enhanced primary
treatment processes with
biosorption were trialled on a
smaller scale at a demo plant in
Ulu Pandan WRP (left), and found
to increase energy recovery
while reducing downstream
treatment energy requirements
before being incorporated into
the TWRP’s design.

Prior to being sent to the digesters, sludge from the membrane site treatment process (such as including food waste in the
bioreactors will undergo thermal hydrolysis. This process, which production of biogas) or reconstituted into a form which can be
subjects the sludge to high temperature and pressure followed used in off-site purposes.
by a rapid decompression, will enhance the bio-degradability
of hard to digest biosolids in the sludge; resulting in higher As Singapore moves towards more sustainable living, the
biogas production. Digesting sludge from TWRP together with volume of recyclable waste is set to increase. So apart from
food waste from IWMF in anaerobic digestors will result in an food waste and dewatered sludge, Phase 1 of the IWMF will
almost 40% increase in the biogas production, as compared to have the capacity to treat 2,900 tonnes of municipal solid waste
digesting them separately. per day, and have advanced materials recovery capabilities
with automated systems for sorting metals, paper, cardboard
To further optimise operations, a Supervisory Control and Data and plastics.
Acquisition (SCADA) system from Swedish–Swiss multinational
corporation ABB will be deployed to fully automate the treatment Non-recyclable waste will be processed using Keppel Segher’s
process. This system provides visibility of all operations on- proprietary technology, designed specifically to suit the
site and gives access to process data and alarms, allowing a characteristics and requirements of the IWMF. Multiple lanes of
small operations team to make real-time informed decisions to waste controlled by an integrated multi-movement system will
optimise the facility’s performance. The control system will also help to stabilise energy production despite unpredictable input
be integrated with an Advanced Process Control (APC) system waste quality. The heat recovery boiler is designed with two
using proven mechanistic models and data analytics to analyse sections, using both radiation and convectional heat recovery
trends, identify sub-optimal conditions, and recommend process methods to optimise energy recovery efficiency while minimising
set points to produce better quality effluent while consuming the corrosive impact of flue gases at higher temperatures. An
less energy. In the trials of the APC system at existing plants, advanced wet flue gas treatment system will then remove
10% energy savings have been observed. Security systems hydrochloric acid and sulfur oxide from the flue gases, while
will also be deployed including cyber security solutions that dioxins are captured, removed and completely destroyed in the
assess threats and test for vulnerabilities to meet Singapore’s furnace. This will ensure clean air emissions and potentially
stringent cyber security requirements. meet future tightening of air emission requirement (Figure 4).

Incineration bottom ash (IBA)—a by-product of waste

Leaving no stone unturned incineration—will be treated to become a material source
for civil engineering projects, such as land reclamation, road
building and potentially as building construction material. This
Throughout Tuas Nexus, by-products previously considered maximisation of all available resources demonstrates how this
as waste will be utilised, wherever possible, to aid the on- facility is moving towards a true circular economy.

24 Facilities
Figure 4. In addition to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), the IWMF will also feature a 2,900 tonnes per day Waste-to-Energy (WTE) facility using Keppel Segher’s
proprietary design which has been tried and tested at the Tuas WTE plant since 2009 (left image). The IWMF will feature air-cooled grates, an advanced combustion
system, a segregated boiler system designed to minimise the corrosive impact of flue gases, and a wet flue gas cleaning system to achieve clean air emissions
(right image). Photos credit: Keppel (left), National Environment Agency (right)

Harnessing synergies on all fronts

As a whole, Tuas Nexus will allow a number of process synergies 6. Electricity generated by incineration in IWMF will be used to
to be harnessed from the integration of used water and solid power the operation of Tuas Nexus. Any excess electricity
waste treatment: generated will be exported to the national grid.

1. Anaerobic co-digestion of pre-treated food waste from 7. Treated used water from TWRP will be used by the IWMF for
IWMF with used water sludge at TWRP increases biogas various processes, such as for use in wet flue gas treatment
generation. system to clean air emissions.

2. The biogas is then combusted in biogas superheaters at 8. Condensate from the sludge-drying process at the IWMF will
the IWMF. This boosts power production capabilities and be channelled to TWRP for treatment.
enhances the plant’s overall thermal efficiency.
9. IWMF will supply chilled water to the Tuas Nexus
3. The treatment process of both domestic and industrial administration building, enabling a more efficient,
used water in TWRP will result in dewatered sludge that centralised cooling system.
is relatively wet, making disposal difficult. To address
this, water content of the sludge is reduced in TWRP using By designing an intricate network of processes that leverage by-
dewatering centrifuges. The dewatered sludge is then sent products of other operations, Tuas Nexus is built on the concept
to IWMF via conveyors for incineration and energy recovery. of achieving synergy, wherever possible. While these synergies
This eliminates the need for transportation out of Tuas contribute towards closing the water and carbon loops for a
Nexus, thereby reducing carbon footprint. more sustainable system, it also allows for the implementation
of wider-reaching waste management strategies to then also
4. Grit and screenings removed from used water at TWRP close the waste loop. Indeed, Tuas Nexus is a clear and compact
will be sent to IWMF via trucks for thermal treatment, example of a multi-pronged approach to tackling a series of
eliminating the need for these inorganics to be trucked out complex and highly intertwined problems facing the developed
to another location to be disposed, once again, reducing world today. It actualises connections on many levels between
carbon footprint. two agencies to deliver streamlined and beneficial outcomes
through the sharing of ideas and resources. Lessons learned
5. Steam from IWMF is sent to TWRP for its thermal hydrolysis through the design, construction and ongoing operations of such
process in pre-treatment of sludge, and for hot water a facility will help enhance resource recovery and greenhouse
generation in greasy waste treatment. gas reduction initiatives for the future.

Facilities 25
INTERVIEW

COMING FULL CIRCLE —

A LIFELONG RELATIONSHIP
WITH WATER

T
he Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize is presented at the Singapore International
Water Week (SIWW) to recognise the contributions of notable individuals or
organisations towards solving the world’s water challenges by developing
or applying innovative technologies, policies or programmes which benefit
humanity. The winner for the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2020, Professor Kazuo
Yamamoto, shares his journey and his views on water in a virtual interview from
his home in Wakayama, Japan, where he enjoys and appreciates the scenic water
views.

What sparked your interest in the area of

wastewater treatment and water sustainability?
I was very concerned about the issue of pollution and its impact
on the water resources of my country. When I was growing up,
water pollution was really serious in Japan. Industrial effluent
and municipal wastewater polluted the rivers. As children, we
couldn’t swim in the river or even play near it. At that time, I felt
that we really needed innovation for wastewater treatment in
Japan.

When I entered the department of Urban Engineering at The

University of Tokyo, it was divided into city planning and sanitary
engineering. In Japan, water supply is normally plentiful; the
issue is with wastewater. Building wastewater treatment
facilities, sewer lines and the like takes a long, long time. There
was also a lack of such facilities in the 1970s and 1980s.

The tentative solution for a densely populated area like Tokyo

was the Jokaso. [Jokaso is a small-scale onsite treatment plant
was biological, rather than physical or chemical. Biofilms and
used traditionally in Japan, in essence a septic tank system].
rotating biological contactors (RBC) were being evaluated as
Using Jokaso for household toilet flushing enabled us to enjoy
replacements for conventional activated sludge technology.
a pleasant life, but other household used water such as laundry
Although the potential for biofilms was mainly in smaller plants,
water and water from dish washing were still being discharged
they are needed in the rural areas because the construction
into the canals and rivers – what we needed was holistic
of sewer pipelines may not be cost effective and takes time.
wastewater management.
Something like Jokaso, which is an area of interest to me, is
ready-made and much quicker to deploy. With de-urbanisation
What has your research journey been like? What and decreasing population in smaller cities in Japan, Jokaso is
are some of the highlights so far? now becoming important once again.

My approach to solving the issue of municipal wastewater Then I started to utilise hollow fibre membrane inside activated

26 Interview
sludge aeration tanks, which also gives smaller footprint. the effluent because there are no suspended solids, which
I wanted no additional energy requirement with the use of means no disturbances for the sensor. This is a cost-effective
membranes. Of course, this was too idealistic. To eliminate the solution for the management of wastewater quality and is one
need for big recirculation pumps, I decided to submerge the area I hope to see more development in.
membranes. In a laboratory setting, it clogged immediately! But
I did not abandon the idea. Eventually, I discovered intermittent We also need big data everywhere. I am not just talking about
filtration. By controlling the input amount and introducing rest treatment plants but also in the environment—the rivers, canals
time, the filtration process could be sustained. To scale up, we and more. I recommend utilising this sensing system in the
could increase the membrane surface area. It was a matter of natural environment to acquire big data for policy planning.
finding a balance. We need a combination of local sensors, satellite sensing, and
drone sensing. Wide area sensing is important for blue carbon
Although the cost of the membranes was very high in the management because carbon fixation is a hot issue. Singapore
beginning, membranes are easy to produce and I was convinced is surrounded by sea, so big data on algae growth and seaweed
that the cost would be reduced once the market grew. utilisation can help with blue carbon management policies.

When I was around 32 years old, I was seconded to the Asian What are your other areas of passion? What
Institute of Technology (AIT). The AIT is an international
university with students from more than fifty countries, do you think will help to galvanise the next
including Africa, Southeast Asia, and I taught in English. It was a generation of engineers looking to enter the
very good experience for me. field?
Apart from teaching at the graduate school, I introduced I recently came across a paper on digital transformation
membrane bioreactors (MBR) to the AIT campus and worked on (DX) which mentioned an aesthetic purpose for its use. I was
treating campus wastewater at a pilot scale. Some colleagues surprised that a DX paper would mention this, but I very much
and I started a membrane group and I did my most advanced agree. DX and membrane technology should be used to bring
research at AIT. out the “aesthetic” aspects of water—healthy water, tasty water,
scenic water—to help people appreciate water. DX can be used
This research was also an opportunity for capability for entertainment, to shape perception by combining modelling,
development. I met one of my advisees in Myanmar recently sensing with gamification. Use it for teaching—especially the
and he shared that he had created a company for wastewater young people—and use the data collected to engage people.
treatment and developed MBR for industrial use. Among my
students, one is now a professor in a Chulalongkorn University, PUB can also apply this in its capability development and
and another is an associate professor at Kasetsart University. training. With the current COVID-19 pandemic, movement of
They continue to conduct MBR research that will help us in the people is restricted and a new approach to training should
future. be considered. Virtual reality or mixed reality is a good tool
for training. I believe that PUB is capable of developing such
PUB is focused on closing the energy and waste programmes for capability development.
loops, having closed the water loop. What advice
Oftentimes, water-related issues are not about technology but
or insights would you like to share with PUB in rather with water management. When I lived in Thailand in the
addressing these challenges? late 90s, the purification plants had advanced technology, but
some of the pipelines were old and operated at low pressure
Singapore is a very advanced and compact city-state and is that resulted in unreliable water supply at risk of contamination.
building long-term capabilities to become a Smart Nation. With better planning and management of their water supply,
Membrane technology, not only MBR or submerged MBR, is very their tap water is now potable and safe for drinking.
suitable for water management. A professor from Yamaguchi
University has already succeeded in producing hydrogen from Do you have any last parting words for our
reverse electro-dialysis and I think it is promising as a carbon-
free hydrogen source. You can also utilise brine produced from readers?
the desalination process as an energy source. If we can use
natural energy together with other energy sources, we can In my opinion, we need to invest in environment, social and
solve the energy issue. governance (ESG) issues. These are key for future investments.
We should consider how to get money (private investments) to
With Singapore’s transformation into a Smart Nation, there help the systems around the world. We need the private sector
are opportunities. Sensors can be everywhere. Membrane to be more active in wastewater management. In this sense,
technology is very suitable for remote sensing, remote and on- we need to consider ESG issues together with public-private
demand management, and maintenance. You can easily monitor partnerships.

Interview 27
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

WATERSHED
MANAGEMENT

A
s a tropical country with two-thirds of its land area water catchment,
Singapore receives abundant rainfall that is collected through a
comprehensive drainage network and channelled to reservoirs.
Effective storm water management is important to cope with
runoff from developments and enhance flood resilience, while strategies
to minimise pollution are required to ensure that reservoir water quality
remains good for treatment into potable water.

Through R&D, PUB aims to achieve real-time, optimised storm water

management through advanced hydro-meteorological monitoring coupled
with forecasting and warning systems. PUB is also investing in sensing
tools, treatment technologies and ecological strategies for more sustainable
reservoir management.

Floating platform at Bedok Reservoir

 RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS

Measuring rainfall
M. Keem, G. Sukumaran, Y. Jiang,
M. Vierstra | H2i
T.S. Tan, W.K. Yau, S. Teh, A. Goh,

with CCTVs
E.M. Souza, T.H. Le | PUB

Using CCTVs with machine learning and deep Email address of key researcher(s):
M. Keem; munsung@h2i.sg
learning to estimate rainfall M. Vierstra; meinte@h2i.sg

R
ainfall is a complex phenomenon PUB collaborated with the Hydroinformatics to conclude that these optical sensors were
to measure and forecast. Accurate Institute (H2i) on a 1.5-year project to effective in gauging the intensity of rainfall
rainfall readings can help to investigate the potential of real-time rainfall in real time. Following the promising results
improve rainfall prediction and monitoring through street-level CCTV footage. from this trial, a scale-up R&D demonstration
optimise deployment of flood management Specifically, this project studied the possibility project to expand the technology to include
resources. However, collecting accurate of adapting six existing CCTVs (see Figure 1) more of PUB’s existing CCTVs across
rainfall readings in all parts of Singapore is and Internet-of-Things (IoT) enabled cameras Singapore has commenced.
particularly challenging due to the spatial as rainfall measurement sensors.
and temporal variability of rainfall events in From April 2021 to October 2022, a total of 150
tropical climates. By combining H2i’s expertise in machine CCTVs across the island—about half of PUB’s
learning and creating a deep learning model surface CCTVs—will be used to develop a
In addition, traditional monitoring methods based on VGG19—a convolutional neural system for estimating and showing the rainfall
such as placing rain gauges in the field network designed for image processing—the estimates from the CCTV footage in real-
require careful installation of the instrument CCTVs were able to detect rainfall intensity time. As part of the project, an optimal cloud
in locations without obstacles and free of rain that was not captured by a nearby rain gauge computation and cloud storage infrastructure
splash to properly measure precipitation. Rain due to the slight difference in location as will be configured. In addition, a machine
gauges collect data at the point or location illustrated in Figure 2. By combining machine learning framework to enable continuous
where they are installed and are therefore also learning and deep learning to analyse the and semi-automated improvement of the
unable to yield high-resolution data for rainfall CCTV footage, it was noted that highly accurate system’s performance over time will also be
over a large area. This presents an area of spatial and temporal rainfall data could be implemented, enabling the system to provide
opportunity for other rainfall measurement extracted from the various CCTVs. more accurate and robust rainfall estimates
devices that can complement the existing rain from the CCTVs. These efforts could lead to
gauges and increase the density of the rain Despite the low resolution of the CCTV images an improved density of the rainfall monitoring
monitoring network. (480x320 pixels), the processed data provided network to better support the deployment of
distinct categories of rainfall—no rain, light PUB’s flood management resources during
rain, medium rain, heavy rain and extreme heavy rainfall events in real time.
rain. As such, the research team was able

Figure 1. CCTVs are designed to record and monitor Figure 2. This chart compares the CCTV’s rainfall readings (VGG model) with that of a nearby rain gauge. Note that
scenes. However, by harnessing advanced technologies, rainfall category 1 refers to no rain and the CCTV and rain gauge are within 123m of each other.
they can be also be used as a rain gauge.

Watershed Management 29
Quantifying the true power of
solar energy RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
T. Reindl, C. Rodriguez | NUS-SERIS
M.W. Koo | PUB
The “TruePower AllianceTM” collects real-world
data from various photovoltaic systems installed in Email address of key researcher(s):
different climate conditions in order to drive improved T. Reindl; thomas.reindl@nus.edu.sg
C. Rodriguez; carlos.rodriguez@nus.
performance of solar energy edu.sg

B
eing in the tropical sun belt, Singapore
enjoys an average annual solar
irradiance of ~1,650 kWh/m2/year. In
2019, PUB commissioned an upgrade
of the photovoltaic (PV) system located on the
Sustainable Singapore Gallery roof of Marina
Barrage with a nameplate capacity of 84 kWp.
It is capable of generating sufficient energy to
power approximately 25 four-room Housing
& Development Board (HDB) flats per year.

Currently the solar energy supply merges

with the existing electrical supply provided by
the electrical retailer and is used to power up
the loads at Marina Barrage. This PV system
Figure 1. Location of the “TruePowerTM” Alliance sites, spread across different climates.
is part of PUB’s greater efforts to increase
PV deployment across their installations,
in order to generate green energy to power data on energy generated by PV systems The facility at Marina Barrage includes rows
water treatment processes and reduce carbon installed in different climates will help to of PV modules using different types of solar
footprint. provide more accurate yield information, cell technologies, alongside meteorological
rather than relying on rated peak power sensors and data monitoring capabilities. The
This PV system is also part of the “TruePowerTM” measured under laboratory conditions. influences of the varying weather conditions
Alliance programme funded by the Singapore such as temperature, humidity, irradiance,
Economic Development Board (EDB) and In order to cover the most relevant conditions spectrum, and direct-diffuse ratio, on the
National Research Foundation (NRF). The for PV systems globally, different climatic performance of the PV technologies are being
TruePower Alliance is a partnership between zones were selected as sites for the test studied. In addition to the weather parameters,
industry collaborators and the Solar Energy installations, which are operated by SERIS. the range of sensors also measure in detail
Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) at the They include: the electrical properties of the deployed solar
National University of Singapore (NUS). This • Tropics: Marina Barrage, Singapore; PV technologies at both module and system
alliance was formed to study the “true” output • Desert: Alice Springs, Australia; levels.
of PV modules and systems under different • Temperate I: Friedenshall, Germany; and
environmental conditions. Collecting actual • Temperate II: Xinyang, China. This programme allows SERIS to quantify
the performance differences of various
PV technologies deployed in the various
climate zones. The increased accuracy
and granularity garnered from real-world,
outdoor performance testing of PV modules
helps solar module manufacturers to better
understand the long-term energy yield, and
durability of their technologies and helps
adopters of PV to make informed decisions
about the most suitable solar technology for
each location. These findings will drive better
investment decisions to improve the yield and
economic viability of installations as we scale
up our solar deployments to reduce carbon
Figure 2. While skyscrapers can be seen in the background, the Marina Barrage PV modules enjoy unblocked access emissions.
to sunlight due to their unique location at the mouth of the Marina Bay.

30 Watershed Management
WATER TREATMENT,
DESALINATION & REUSE

P
UB is committed to ensuring a safe and adequate supply of drinking water
through the sustainable production of potable water from rainwater
collected in catchments, seawater, and treated used water. The treatment
process for these sources of water is not without challenges. PUB’s goal
is to achieve maximum recovery and consistently good water quality efficiently.

Ceramic membrane system at Choa Chu Kang Waterworks

Molecular Design of Reverse
Osmosis Membranes for RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS

Enhanced Performance
D. Zhao, W. Gai, Q. Zhao, S.B. Chen,
T.S. Chung | NUS
Y.Q. Weng | PUB

To assess if various modifications of thin-film composite

membranes will demonstrate enhanced performance in Email address of key researcher(s):
T.S. Chung; chencts@nus.edu.sg
seawater and brackish water desalination

D
esalinated water is one of Singapore’s to have greater surface hydrophilicity, a lower 10.13 LMH/bar for modified membranes with
Four National Taps. As the demand degree of cross-linking and provide additional hypochlorite post-treatment. The rejection
for water continues to increase in pathways for water molecules across the rate for brackish water also improved for
tandem with population and economic selective layers. modified membranes that were post-treated
growth, the role of desalination in providing a with hypochlorite, achieving 98.9% NaCl
sustainable and weather resilient source of In brackish water desalination tests, UiO- rejection for 2,000 ppm NaCl solution.
water supply for the nation is set to increase. 66-NH2 TFN membranes demonstrated an
approximately 50% increase in pure water
Reverse osmosis (RO) is the most widely used permeance while maintaining a similar
technology for desalination globally and there rejection rate compared with the benchmark
is keen interest to make it more efficient so TFC membranes. In seawater desalination
as to reduce the energy requirements. One tests, the TFN membranes also demonstrated
approach to enhancing the permeability a higher water flux and salt rejection level
of thin-film composite (TFC) membranes, compared to the benchmark membranes.
typically used in water desalination systems,
is through the incorporation of nanoparticles. In the second study, the membranes were
In this R&D project between NUS and PUB, modified using carbon quantum dots (CQD)
different kinds of nanomaterials were used and post-treated with hypochlorite. By
to modify TFC membranes, in a bid to improve incorporating Na+–functionalised CQDs into
their separation performance. TFC membranes and applying high-pressure
stabilisation, the pure water permeability Figure 2. (a) Pure water permeability (Feed: DI water) and
In the first study, UiO-66-NH2 nanoparticles (PWP) of the membranes improved by about (b) salt rejection (Feed: 2000 ppm NaCl aqueous solution)
were incorporated into TFC membranes 145% without compromising salt rejection. The of the unmodified TFC membrane, TFC membranes
to produce thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) combination of amino-functionalised CQDs and incorporated with amino functionalised CQDs and TFC
membranes incorporated with amino functionalised
membranes. The UiO-66-NH2 nanoparticles post-treatment with hypochlorite enhanced CQDs after hypochlorite treatment. (Measured at 15
have an average size of ~100 nm and are a the performance of the membrane, increasing bar after the membranes had been stabilised at 20
type of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). its PWP from 5.5 LMH/bar for membranes bar for 1h.)
The resulting TFN membranes were shown modified with amino-functionalised CQDs, to
The third nanomaterial used to modify
TFC membranes was zeolitic-imidazole
framework-8 (ZIF-8), a model type of metal-
organic frameworks (MOFs). Manipulation
of the inner defects within the ZIF-8
nanocrystals (dZIF-8) when incorporated into
TFN membranes has been found to reduce
transport resistance of water molecules. The
optimal TFN membranes consisting of dZIF-8
have a higher water permeance (2.61 LMH/
bar) compared with control TFC membranes
(1.72 LMH/bar) when tested at 20 bar and
room temperature. Meanwhile, it retains a
comparable salt rejection of 98.6%. When
these TFN membranes are tested under
Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO), a higher
water flux is obtained compared with levels
achieved using TFC membranes. When used
Figure 1. (a) Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of UiO-66-NH2 nanoparticles, (b) SEM image showing as a nanofiller in TFN membranes, the dZIF-8
the cross section of UiO-66-NH2 incorporated TFN membranes and (c) performance of TFC and TFN membranes is easy to prepare and shows excellent water
in seawater reverse osmosis processes (Feed: 32,000 ppm NaCl; flow rate: 2 L/min; operation pressure: 50 bar). stability.
32 Water Treatment, Desalination & Reuse
 RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS

Making pressure retarded G.S. Chang, S.H. Lim, K.M. Chung, H.E.
Jeong, C.Z. Heu | GS E&C A. Ordóñez
GS Inima S. Lee | Kookmin University
osmosis worth its salt H.D. Park, C.H. Ahn | Korea University
J.S. Choi | KICT
J.H. Shan | PUB
To leverage on the salinity gradient between seawater
brine and brackish water brine to generate energy Email address of key researcher(s):
G.S. Chang; gschang@gsenc.com
offset through pressure retarded osmosis (PRO)

F
reshwater—a source of sustenance—
is becoming scarce due to rapid
global urbanisation. Meanwhile,
climate change has altered rainfall
patterns and led to extreme weather events
in many regions worldwide. Against this
backdrop, seawater desalination is gaining
more attention as a climate-independent,
sustainable source of water.

Among the known desalination techniques,

seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) stands
out against conventional distilling techniques.
However, there are two challenges presented
by SWRO—its high energy requirement and
the disposal of its by-product, brine.

While recent development and improvement of

membranes and energy-recovery technologies
have led to significant cost reductions, energy
costs still account for about 50% of the Figure 1. Energy recovery based on high salinity PRO in an SWRO desalination process.
operating cost of a seawater desalination
plant. The energy consumed by SWRO process
in large-scale desalination plants ranges from gradient resulting from the difference in treatment process produces energy instead
2.0 - 3.5 kWh/m3, making it the most energy- salt concentrations between two solutions. of incurring cost, contributing to overall cost
intensive method for the production of fresh In Singapore, brine from the seawater reductions.
drinking water. desalination plant and brine from the NEWater
factory provide solutions with different salt Research is currently underway to optimise
The other issue is the handling of SWRO brine concentrations for use in energy production the design and operational parameters of
that results from the seawater desalination to offset energy costs at desalination plants. the SWRO-PRO-BWRO desalination process
process. At 40% recovery rate, the amount of Previously viewed solely as a problem, effluent for use in large-scale plants. In particular,
SWRO brine is 1.5 times more than desalinated is now a resource for energy production. in-depth study into novel technologies for
water, with a salt concentration approximately Commercialising this technology can reduce pre-treatment and PRO membrane fouling
1.66 times higher than that of the seawater. the energy cost of seawater desalination control is a focus area in this project as
Discharging brine into the sea without proper by more than 10%. Unlike solar energy— fouling is a critical problem restricting the
control and mixing would adversely impact the another renewable source being tapped for performance of PRO systems. An energy
marine ecosystem. PUB has a comprehensive plant operations—this source is not weather- management system will also be developed as
brine management and monitoring system dependent and provides a predictable amount part of the project for real-time analysis of the
to ensure that desalination brine is treated of energy all year round. energy flows to maximise energy efficiency.
properly and complies with environmental Findings from these studies will be used in a
regulations when discharged into the sea. After passing through an energy recovery techno-economic assessment to determine
device (ERD), the seawater desalination brine the economic feasibility of the system and
PRO is being researched as a way to is mixed with NEWater brine and its salinity enable SWRO-PRO-BWRO hybrid desalination
solve these two problems simultaneously. is lowered by about 70%—a level where it processes to scale up economically.
PRO can produce energy from the salinity can now be discharged to sea. The effluent

Water Treatment, Desalination & Reuse 33

 USED WATER
TREATMENT

B
esides discharging treated used water into the sea and relying on the natural
hydrologic cycle to recycle the water, PUB also shortens the natural water
cycle by reclaiming used water and treating it to high standards for reuse.

To achieve this in the most efficient way possible, PUB is actively looking into
treatment technologies that can minimise sludge formation and recover valuable
resources from used water, while consistently producing high-grade effluent. PUB
is also looking into digital technologies to help improve the performance of the
treatment process and to enhance workplace processes.

Kranji Water Reclamation Plant

Combining waste products for
improved biogas production RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
J. Josse, K. Shah | Anaergia Inc.
S.S. Koh | PUB

Combining used water sludge and food waste for

more efficient biogas production—Ulu Pandan Co- Email address of key researcher(s):
J. Josse; juan.josse@anaergia.com
digestion demonstration plant K. Shah; kunal.shah@anaergia.com

C
urrently, food waste accounts for about
11% of the total waste generated in
Singapore. Notably, only around 19%
of the food waste is recycled, with the
remainder being incinerated at waste-to-
energy plants to generate power. The resultant
ash is subsequently disposed in landfill. By
using food waste in the production of biogas
together with used water sludge generated
from municipal water reclamation plant, more
energy can be recovered, resulting in higher
energy yields and a reduction in waste by-
products. Figure 1. Anaergia’s OMNIVORETM and OREXTM systems are currently in use at PUB’s Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation
Plant in Singapore.
Supported under the TechPioneer Scheme
through National Research Foundation (NRF),
The food waste is first pre-treated with OMNIVORETM co-digestion process showed
Singapore’s first full-scale demonstration
Anaergia’s BIOREXTM system, which extracts stable long-term performance and produced
project for co-digestion of used water sludge
organics—separating them from non-organic more biogas than digesting sludge and food
and food waste was established at PUB’s Ulu
contaminants and packaging such as plastics, waste separately. Commercial food waste
Pandan Water Reclamation Plant. The two
metals and paper—for use in the digestion in Singapore contains high levels of starch,
primary goals of the project were to:
process. This extracted food waste is then fat and protein, which results in high biogas
combined with used water sludge utilising potential. When used water sludge is co-
1. compare the output of biogas from co-
OMNIVORETM—an efficient digestion process digested with commercial food waste, volatile
digestion with that of sludge and food waste
also from Anaergia. solid reduction of the sludge improved by 19%
separately; and
when compared to digesting sludge alone.
2. establish the best ratios of food waste to
The results of the various tests performed as
sludge for optimum results in co-digestion.
part of the operation have been promising. The In fact, co-digestion using a volatile solids (VS)
ratio of 1:1—equal parts of volatile solids from
food waste and thickened sewage sludge—at
an organic loading rate (OLR) of 3.2 kg VS/
m3 per day and solids retention time (SRT)
of 25 days, resulted in a specific biogas yield
(SBY) of about 2.7 times that of thickened
sludge alone.

The data collected shows that with co-

Comparison of specific biogas yields (SBY) Comparison of specific solids retention times (SRT) digestion, synergy between the used water
and solid waste sector can be harnessed for
increased energy production, which could
enable wastewater treatment plants to shift
from grid dependent consumers to energy
neutral or energy-positive facilities. This
brings the benefit of resilience as the plant can
continue to run even at times of power cuts in
the grid and is in line with PUB’s technology
roadmap to move towards a more energy
sufficient WRP.
Comparison of volatile solids reduction (VSR) between separate and co-digestion operation

Figure 2. Graphs detailing the comparative performance of sludge digestion against co-digestion with food waste.

Used Water Treatment 35

Improving water reclamation
efficiency with a novel A-B RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
J. Gu, M. Zhang, Y. Liu | NTU

process B. Chaudhari, G. Kicsi, J. Barber,

Y. Hong | SUEZ Water Technologies
& Solutions
Enhancing energy recovery and minimising sludge production Y. Gu | PUB

in water reclamation processes using anaerobic ammonia

Email address of key researcher(s):
oxidation (anammox), reverse osmosis and/or other innovative Y. Liu; cyliu@ntu.edu.sg
nutrients removal/recovery options

T
he conventional activated sludge
(CAS) process – which uses aerobic
micro-organisms to oxidize organic
matters in used water and produce
sludge as a by-product – has been a core
technology for used water treatment for
more than 100 years. While the CAS process
has been optimised over the years, this
process may have reached its limit of being
able to cope with the increased demand for
environmental sustainability in used water
treatment. Therefore new processes, designed
for greater energy efficiency and recovery,
as well as minimised sludge production are
required.

A team at the Nanyang Technological Figure 1. Overview of the Novel A-B process.
University (NTU) is collaborating with SUEZ
Water Technologies & Solutions and PUB The first B-stage method uses anammox The second method for the B-stage involves
to devise a novel A-B process for more bacteria to anaerobically oxidise ammonium the use of an EDR system downstream of the
sustainable used water reclamation. The into nitrogen gas. Compared to conventional AnBMR. This method also results in a reduction
novel A-B process configuration is primarily nitrification-denitrification method, this in both ammonia levels and the amount of total
designed for enhanced energy recovery process could theoretically reduce oxygen dissolved solids (TDS). A decrease in TDS
at the A-stage while the B-stage focuses and chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 60% enables more efficient operation of the RO
on the energy-efficient nutrients removal/ and 90%, while reducing biosludge generation filtration unit, which in turn translates into
recovery. A 60 m3/day demonstration system by up to 75% respectively. an energy saving of 0.08 kWh/m3.
based on this novel A-B process is currently
being trialled at PUB’s Ulu Pandan Water
Reclamation Plant.

During the A-stage, an anaerobic membrane

bioreactor (AnMBR) is used to produce biogas
with minimal generation of waste sludge.
Unlike a traditional CAS system, organic
matter in the used water is directly converted
to biomethane in the AnMBR. This produces
less sludge due to the low growth yield of
anaerobic bacteria.

The effluent from the A-stage is then sent for

nitrogen removal in the B-stage, where two
methods are being tested: the first based on
a step-feed mainstream anammox-MBR, and Figure 2. The Novel A-B processes.
the second based on electrodialysis reversal
(EDR). In both systems, the output water is The results of the trials indicate that both for cost-effective and energy-efficient used
fed into the reverse osmosis units to produce treatment options in the novel A-B process can water reclamation promoting environmental
high-grade reclaimed water. offer a highly feasible engineering approach and economic sustainability.

36 Used Water Treatment

WATER QUALITY
& SECURITY

T
o safeguard water quality, PUB strives to
maintain a comprehensive, accurate and
timely understanding of the contaminants
that may potentially be present in our
water systems. Through the development and
implementation of rapid, online in-situ sensors as
well as sensitive, automated lab-based methods,
PUB aims to achieve holistic and real-time water
quality monitoring of contaminants that are known
or of emerging concern.
Diving deep into the issue of
algal blooms with artificial RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS

intelligence H. Liu | Zweec Analytics

X.L. Chen | PUB
Y. Wang | Yangtze River Valley Water
Integrating deep-learning algorithms, advanced automation Environment Monitoring Center

systems and expert knowledge to revolutionise algae

Email address of key researcher(s):
monitoring by enabling large-scale, high-frequency monitoring H. Liu; haobing@zweec.com
while improving accuracy, consistency and efficiency

S
ingapore’s water supply relies on Liquid samples are fed into a digital 30,000 images of algae taken from water
reservoirs which are vulnerable microscope connected to a system that bodies in Singapore and the Yangtze River
to algal blooms, especially if not captures multiple fields of view and creates basin to train the system. During testing, the
monitored closely. Algal blooms images of the phytoplankton, which are system achieved a high rate of recognition
disrupt the natural balance of the aquatic then identified by the plankton identification and counting accuracy – its counting results
ecosystem and may release harmful toxins software. The algal cells are counted in real were matched against human experts – as
into the water supply, affecting not only time by the algorithm, as shown in Figure illustrated in Figure 3.
humans but the wider environment. With 2. To date, the research team has used over
the rise of algal blooms observed in water
bodies all around the world, early warning
systems that enable pre-emptive measures
to be implemented in a timely and appropriate
manner to minimise impact become
increasingly crucial. Such systems rely on
the ability to perform regular monitoring for
early detection of algal blooms.

Traditionally, efforts to research, monitor and

curb algal blooms are labour-intensive and
time-consuming. This is exacerbated by the
shortage of professionals who can identify
and monitor diverse microorganisms such as
phytoplankton or planktonic algae. Figure 2. The algal cells of different genera, shown on the right side of the user interface, were recognised and
counted in real time by the deep-learning-based algorithm and added to the table on the left.
To address this issue, PUB, in collaboration
with long-term partners Zweec Analytics
and Yangtze River Valley Water Environment
Monitoring Center, have harnessed the power
of deep learning to develop an artificial
intelligence-based, automated recognition and
counting system. Supported by microscopic
image scanning, image processing and an
expert-knowledge-based algorithm, the
system can quickly and efficiently process
sample batches and identify algal cells to
determine phytoplankton numbers in water Figure 3. Comparison of the system’s machine recognition results with manual recognition performed by a human
bodies. expert for a field algae sample.

By training the software to accurately and The research team is currently working to
automatically identify the different types improve the system by further developing
of phytoplankton, monitoring of water the algorithm and increasing the data size
samples can be done on a much larger scale and images available in the database. This
and higher frequency. This represents a would facilitate a more robust and precise
revolutionary breakthrough in smart water identification process that will help predict
quality management. The accelerated and potential instances of algal blooms before they
Figure 1. A photo of the automated phytoplankton streamlined algae monitoring process also negatively impact the aquatic environment. The
monitoring system based on deep learning. It consists
of a batch sample feeder and controller, a scanning allows for more consistent implementation research team aims to roll out this promising
digital microscope and a computer with the plankton and analysis over time and across sites. monitoring system across Southeast Asia
identification software. soon, and eventually, the rest of the world.
38 Water Quality & Security
Cost-effective biomonitoring
of reservoir water quality with RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
R. Meier, S.N. Kutty, R. Loh | NUS

environmental DNA T. Poh, N. Ho | PUB

Updating water quality index for reservoir Email address of key researcher(s):
S.N. Kutty; sujatha@nus.edu.sg
biomonitoring using water environmental DNA (eDNA)

B
iomonitoring of aquatic Kutty from NUS are collaborating with baseline for the eDNA data of these biological
macroinvertebrate provides a more PUB, to explore the use of a DNA-based communities. Water samples have been
holistic temporal view of water method for biomonitoring as well as water collected from all 17 reservoirs in Singapore
quality as their abundances can be samples as a replacement for sampling and put through the DNA analysis workflow.
affected by changes in the water condition. of macroinvertebrates. In this DNA-based The sampling process involved collecting
Biomonitoring examines the communities method, only samples of water from the water in 50 ml tubes with a scoop action
of macroinvertebrates that inhabit a water reservoir are needed to extract DNA present from individual reservoirs. Multiple samples
body, and the information is subsequently in it. The extracted DNA is subsequently were taken to account for spatial differences,
used for biotic index calculation. These indices amplified for the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and samples were collected monthly for a
are established based on the tolerances of barcode marker, sequenced and analysed for year from selected reservoirs to account for
macroinvertebrates to pollution—whether species identification. temporal changes. Through this process,
the water allows the more sensitive species the research team has been able to identify
to survive. The use of such indices provides As species communities in reservoir waters between 32 to 215 species in the water
a systematic and consistent interpretation of have yet to be thoroughly documented, samples from the different reservoirs.
water quality. the researchers need to first establish a

The Benthic Quality Index for Singapore

Reservoirs (BQISING) was developed in 2008
as a result of a collaboration between PUB and
the Tropical Marine Science Institute, National
University of Singapore (NUS). This index is
based on data-derived tolerance of local taxa
(in this case macroinvertebrates) to stressors
(water pollutants). The current method
relies on sampling for macroinvertebrates
in the reservoirs, which is highly resource
intensive. Tasks include setting up sampling
colonisers on the reservoir beds, collecting
the macroinvertebrates, sorting them based
on morphology, before counting and recording
the numbers for each group.

In order to streamline the biomonitoring

process, a team of researchers led by Prof Figure 2. Steps in the process to update the BQISING index to enable use of eDNA for biomonitoring.
Rudolf Meier and Dr Sujatha Narayanan
These studies have shown that there is an phosphorous—in the water. The analysis will
abundance of zooplankton species in the help to identify potential bioindicator groups
reservoir water’s eDNA. As such, using that can then be included in the BQISING index.
zooplankton as indicator taxa has advantages
over using macroinvertebrates, in particular, it With an updated BQISING index, PUB will be able
allows for ease of collection and homogeneity to use eDNA for biomonitoring. Subsequently,
of distribution throughout the water body. PUB will only need to analyse the DNA of
To move away from the time-consuming bioindicators in collected water samples, and
method of biomonitoring based on sampling match them against species in the index for
for macroinvertebrates, the team is analysing a water quality assessment. Once an eDNA
the water samples to find correlations based workflow has been optimised, PUB
Figure 1. Number of species detected in one monthly between the detected species and the physico- will be able to replace the labour-intensive
water sample across 17 reservoirs. chemical parameters—such as pH levels, bulk macroinvertebrate sampling with regular
dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen and total analysis of water samples.

Water Quality & Security 39

NETWORK MANAGEMENT
& WATER CONSERVATION

A
s Singapore expands its water infrastructure to meet increasing water
demand, PUB faces the challenge of extending the water supply and used
water networks within an already congested underground environment,
while maintaining the conditions of the current networks.

To maintain service standards efficiently, PUB will leverage technology to provide

remote monitoring of water quality and network pressure, advanced leak detection
and diagnostic forecasting of asset failure. PUB also aims to encourage water
conservation by providing more accessible and granular consumption data to
customers through smart metering and water-saving devices.
Incorporation of behavioural RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
S. Seah, I. Toh, J.T. Yen | PUB

elements to enhance H.L. Ang | SUEZ Singapore Services

S. Koh, H.H. Koh | The Behavioural

communications
Insights Team

Email address of key researcher(s):

Testing the effect of using behavioural insights to influence S. Seah; serena_seah@pub.gov.sg
consumer behaviour and enhance engagement for water H.L. Ang; huiling.ang@suez.com
S. Koh; serene.koh@bi.team
conservation H.H. Koh; henghwee.koh@bi.team

I
n 2019, Singapore National Water Agency
PUB, SUEZ—a global player in environmental
services, and Behavioural Insights Team * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, *** p <0.001
(BIT)—a social impact consultancy firm,
collaborated on a behavioural science
study aimed at decreasing household water
consumption and reducing the amount of time
households take to fix leaks. Two randomised
control trials (RCTs) were implemented under
this study to look at the use of behavioural
principles to influence consumer behaviours.
One of them involved the use of behavioural
insights in recruitment letters to encourage
the download of a smart meter mobile
application, and the other involved the use
of behavioural insights in the smart meter
mobile application and leak notice letters to Figure 1. Percentage of households that registered on the app based on the two versions of letter.
get consumers to use less water and fix their
leaks promptly.
In the RCT to encourage usage of a smart The other half were sent a revised letter,
The trial comprised 1,058 households that met meter app, recruitment letters were sent out incorporating behavioural principles. In
the technical requirements for installing the to invite households to download the app. addition to the basic information, the revised
smart water meters in a designated estate. Half of the households were sent the original letter included a personalised water usage
The selection of the estate and households letter which was a typical recruitment letter chart for each residential unit, a testimonial
is meant to be representative of the general providing basic information and instructions. from an active app user, a checklist of steps
Singapore population as much as possible. to download, and a deadline to register
which was highlighted in the subject. These
revisions were designed to encourage users
to download the app.

Results show that 7.8 percentage points

more households who received the revised
letter signed up for the app. This difference is
statistically significant, thus prompting further
research and action in this area.

In the second RCT, half of the households were

offered the WaterGoWhere (WGW) app, while
the other half were offered the MyWaterMeter
(MWM) app. The offers were independent of
the version of recruitment letter they had
received. Compared to the WGW app, the MWM
app is enhanced with behaviourally-informed
features—for instance a graph comparing
the household’s water consumption against
their neighbours’, a goal-setting feature to
encourage water-saving behaviour, a list of
nearby plumbers and so on.
Figure 2. Examples of challenges suggested by the WaterGoWhere (WGW) to encourage
water-saving behaviour.

Network Management & Water Conservation 41

Alongside this, households with leaks were
sent a letter to encourage them to fix their
leaks promptly. Households that were offered
WGW received the original leak letter, while
households that were offered MWM received
the revised leak letter. The revised leak letter
included elements to encourage action: (1)
a to-do list instead of a set of instructions
like in the original leak letter, (2) additional
information on how little time is required to
fix the leak, and (3) follow-up action from PUB Figure 3. MyWaterMeter (MWM) interface provides detailed information on usage patterns and a status
to check that the leak has been fixed. indicator for leaks.

Results show that households offered

MWM with the revised leak letter used
approximately 2.3 percentage points less
water and repaired their leaks 4.95 days faster
than households offered WGW. While neither
finding is statistically significant, the resulting
effects in encouraging water conservation are
nevertheless meaningful, given that MWM
was tested against an active control (WGW).
Additionally, we also calculated the cost
savings associated with this difference; on
Figure 4. Weekly water consumption for households using respective apps WGW and MWM.
average, leaks in the MWM group cost $7.62
and leaks in the WGW group cost $11.34. Using
the MWM app saved $3.72 per leak on average.

The results of these trials show that the

incorporation of behavioural elements into
communications regarding the smart water
meter app can have a positive impact on
the upcoming national rollout. In identifying
barriers that users have, future efforts can
focus on overcoming these barriers, while
more observed or deduced behavioural
insights should continue to be tested using
larger sample sizes.

Figure 5. Average duration of leaks in households using respective apps WGW and MWM.

42 Network Management & Water Conservation

Reducing cost and improving
efficiency of water network
monitoring with IoT RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
H.Y. Ng, S. Kharkwal | EnvironSens
K.R. Chaudhary | PUB
Increasing the operational efficiency and asset reliability of
installed microbial electrochemical sensor (MES) units for
Email address of key researcher(s):
real-time heavy metal monitoring in the used water network H.Y. Ng; howyongng@environsens.com
through the use of an IoT platform and web-based dashboard S. Kharkwal; shailesh@environsens.com

E
arly detection of toxic compounds
Figure 2. Map showing
in high concentrations in factories’ location of each installed
discharge enables prompt actions to MES unit. Users are able to
be taken to stop the toxic discharge double click on the location
to view detailed information
at sources, mitigating the risk for potentially of that installation (as
harmful consequences. Real-time water- illustrated in Figure 3).
quality monitoring sensors can facilitate the
detection of dangerous, hazardous and toxic
wastes, and help operators identify those
responsible for illegal or accidental discharge
into the sewers. This safeguards the used
water treatment processes for NEWater
production in Singapore, and the safety and
health of workers maintaining the sewerage
network.

PUB has worked with the National University

of Singapore (NUS) and its spin-off company
EnvironSens, to develop MES, known as the
Integrated Intelligent Biosensor (I2BioS) and to
trial its use at factories dealing with regulated
parameters (e.g. heavy metals and cyanide) Figure 3. IoT-based Web Dashboard showing device-level information.
which can possess toxicity. The I2BioS System
provides continuous monitoring system of
have been installed by PUB at factories to The developed web-based dashboard allows
toxicity in factories’ discharge and presents
detect the presence of heavy metals and the user to view a map (see Figure 2) showing
the current status online via a web interface.
cyanide in used water. These are mainly the status of the installed units throughout
Water quality and toxicity levels are tracked
located in the Western part of Singapore Singapore, and allows access to their
24/7 in real-time, with SMS alerts sent to the
(see Figure 2), where there is a higher individual maintenance records (see Figure
appointed personnel should any excursion
concentration of heavy industries. I2BioSs 3), trigger records and other information. It
events be detected. When the alert is triggered,
transmit the current status of the effluent via is programmed to send alerts to the user’s
the system will also collect the toxic sample
RS485 protocol to narrow-band IoT (NB-IoT) email and/or mobile phones through SMS,
automatically.
devices that receive and consolidate data to when an alarm is triggered by an installed unit.
be transmitted to the web dashboard. The use
At present, one hundred units of the I2BioS
of NB-IoT keeps the power consumption of The convergence of real-time data, device
this set up low, while using limited spectrum. management, device tracking, alarms,
This enables the I2BioS to have the capacity maintenance records, and online reports not
to support a large number of connections, only provides a way to deter factories from
making this solution scalable well beyond its carrying out illegal discharge of heavy metals
current hundred-unit set up. and cyanide in the used water network more
proactively, it also allows users to manage the
EnvironSens has a web dashboard which assets and devices in the network efficiently
presents a range of related data that can which reduces overall operational and
help improve process efficiency, asset manpower cost. In addition, the deployment
utilisation and productivity. The IoT-based of MES units has deterred the companies from
web dashboard helps to reduce operational discharging illegally. As a result, the number
cost through real-time tracking of the installed of illegal discharges affecting nitrification
sensors. Users can leverage data analytics to process of WRPs has reduced significantly
gain real-time insights, and help them make after the deployment of MES units.
Figure 1. MES installed with IoT transmitter. smarter and more timely decisions.

Network Management & Water Conservation 43

 DIGITALISATION

T
he rapidly evolving digital landscape, coupled with a smaller
but increasingly educated workforce, presents opportunities
for PUB to harness smart technologies for more efficient
control and operation of its water systems. PUB is exploring
technologies on robotics, sensors and network communications,
system automation, digital twin and AI that could help to maximise
productivity and enhance operational reliability and security within
the water loop.

Unmanned drone for reservoir management

Digital pump monitors make a
splash with potentially massive RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
S. Barrett, N. Brown | Riventa
energy savings M.A. Samadi, S.C. Cheung,
Y. Qin | PUB

Implementation of a new pump monitoring system that enables

Email address of key researcher(s):
more efficient energy consumption and better intelligence S. Barrett; S.Barrett@riventa.com
towards improved asset management strategies

M
odern society’s increasing thirst system, at Queensway Booster Station to while balancing the running hours between
for water demands cutting- monitor the status and performance of the them. The integration of the FREEFLOW
edge technology to increase the pumps in real-time. The station runs on a system enables the precise measurement
efficiency and sustainability of specific operations regime based on time of both water temperature and pressure at any
water resources management. By integrating and the stock level of the service reservoir. given moment. Real-time data is then made
digitalisation, PUB is enhancing its water Operators monitor the three power specific available to operators via Riventa’s HydraNet
management operations and processes pumps based on operational requirements cloud platform.
for higher optimisation and resilience—as
exemplified by the water distribution system.
Pumps are a key part of water distribution
systems, and any malfunctions are costly as
repair works require shutdowns. Therefore,
it is imperative to the entire system to ensure
that the pumps are in good condition and
functioning properly. Instead of relying on
traditional monitoring methods which deliver
variable results, are subjective and time
consuming, PUB is moving towards making
key decisions based on meaningful data. To
collect the necessary data, PUB has tested an
innovative, data-driven system for monitoring
pump performance.

In collaboration with Riventa, PUB has

introduced the FREEFLOW system, an
IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) digital
thermodynamic pump efficiency monitoring

Figure 2. Data transmission landscape in the Riventa FREEFLOW system, from pump to operator.

Since its implementation, the FREEFLOW pumping system. This includes prioritising the
system has successfully delivered accurate, use of the most efficient pump combinations,
real-time information on each individual activating their inverters, reducing the flow
pump’s performance. Such data provide rate set point, and increasing operational
insights to the efficiency of the pumping duration to minimise pump head requirement.
station and can highlight any potential issues Due to these optimisations, pumping costs of
that may arise. Data gleaned from the Riventa up to 29% can be reduced. Further insights
system have been used to devise solutions that are also helping to improve the hydraulic
Figure 1. The Riventa FREEFLOW monitoring device.
further optimise operating conditions for the efficiency of the pumping station.

Digitalisation 45
 Using AI to help monitor and RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
V. Sim, P. Cai | Surbana Jurong

control water treatment quality T.H. Le | PUB

Email address of key researcher(s):

Utilise AI to perform advanced fault prediction and improve P. Cai; peter.caip@surbanajurong.com
operational efficiency in water treatment plants

T
o improve the water treatment process By examining the complex interactions
control in water treatment plants, and relationships between a large set of
consultancy firm Surbana Jurong has parameters, the smart SCADA system
developed an artificial intelligence predicts potential issues and determines
(AI) integrated Smart Supervisory Control their impact on the water quality before a
and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. This fault occurs. The type of faults that the system
system is designed to perform advanced fault can detect include abnormal measurements
prediction in order to improve the operational from instrument outputs, defective pumps,
efficiency of water treatment plants. deviations from process parameters and set-
points. The AI algorithm can also localise the
A Smart SCADA system has been deployed at issue within the plant.
a PUB water treatment plant for testing and
validation. In this setup, the Smart SCADA Once a potential fault has been detected,
system works in conjunction with existing the smart SCADA system alerts the human
SCADA and PLC systems in the treatment plant operators of the anomalies so that prompt
to function as a decision-support system. AI action can be taken to prevent a fault
algorithms developed based on a series of occurrence. It can also carry out informed
models train the system to monitor the water troubleshooting in an optimal manner,
Figure 2. Plant staff can monitor operations and view
treatment processes and identify when they identifying and rectifying issues, sometimes details of potential issues picked out by the AI algorithm
deviate from the norm. A large volume of data before they even occur. This proactive remotely via a dashboard that is customisable by the
can also be securely fed into the AI system approach to operational issues allows them operator.
passing through a series of data diodes and to be addressed with appropriate speed
firewalls, in order to predict the quality of the and precision, which in turn reduces the
treated water. occurrence of false alarms and minimises
the need for plant shutdowns.
Other ways in which this Smart SCADA system
can improve productivity in water treatment
plant is to reduce wastage. Water affected
by deviations in the process continues to
flow to subsequent treatment stages, thus
resulting in water which does not meet PUB’s
required specifications. When this happens,
the water needs to be discharged and re-
PUB’s Existing Water
Treatment Plant purified. Identifying process anomalies and
System making timely rectifications would reduce
the need for reprocessing substandard water.
This not only saves energy, money and time,
but also helps to maintain constant quality of
the output water.

The machine learning models developed in

this pilot programme can easily be scaled and
deployed in other water treatment facilities for
Figure 1. Schematic showing how the Smart SCADA system is integrated with PUB’s existing treatment plant systems. both municipal and industrial water supplies.

46 Digitalisation
WASTE REDUCTION &
RESOURCE RECOVERY

P
UB’s two major waste streams, incinerated ash from used water sludge
and waterworks sludge, currently constitute to 6% of the total waste sent
to Semakau Landfill. With projections that sludge generation is expected to
double in tandem with water demand by 2060 and that Semakau Landfill will
reach its full capacity by 2035, the need to look into reducing our sludge generation
along with extracting useful materials from sludge has become pertinent. The waste
reduction and resource recovery domain is set up to contribute towards Singapore’s
ambition of a zero-waste nation and drive for a circular economy.
Waste-to-Energy Research Facility by NTU and NEA
 From NEWater to NEWSand —
converting sludge to green RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
G. Lisak, L. Ge, A. Veksha, W.P. Chan,

construction material sustainably

X. Fu, Y.Z. Boon, V. Chin | NEWRI-R3C
Y. Zhou | NEWRI-AEBC
J. Oh | PUB

Exploring and developing sustainable processes using high-

Email address of key researcher(s):
temperature slagging gasification to convert sludge and ash G. Lisak; g.lisak@ntu.edu.sg
into green construction materials for Singapore

W
ater reclamation plants (WRPs) alternative thermal treatment technologies and non-structural applications in concrete
in Singapore currently generate for the sludge and ash. The research is production, land reclamation and coastal
approximately 300,000 tonnes of centred around high-temperature slagging protection amongst others. Preliminary tests
wet sewage sludge every year. and co-gasification processes that convert show that the sludge-derived slag has great
This sludge is then incinerated at two sludge diverse waste streams — from (1) MSW, (2) re-utilisation potential due to its particle size
incineration facilities (SIFs) and the resultant waterworks sludge, (3) sewage sludge and distribution being comparable to sand. When
ashes — approximately 30,000 tonnes every (4) incineration ash — into high quality slag. measured against the EN-12457-1/2:2002
year — are sent to Singapore’s only operating standards, the slag samples demonstrated
landfill site on Pulau Semakau. A further Co-gasification of the four waste streams in very low leaching of heavy metals and meet
15,000 tonnes per year of dewatered sludge different combinations and loading levels into the strictest EU landfill waste acceptance
from the freshwater treatment process at the gasifier were tested, and the resulting criteria for inert waste materials. Mortar
waterworks (WWs) are also disposed at the slag were assessed for their suitability as created using slag instead of sand as the
Semakau Landfill without further treatment. sustainable construction materials. Operating fine aggregate has also yielded satisfactory
At this rate, concurrently with the disposal at temperatures up to 1,600˚C — much higher compressive strength in laboratory tests.
of other non-incinerable wastes and ashes than conventional incinerators which typically
from the incineration of municipal solid waste operate at around 850˚C — the processed slag Turning sludge into a material source for the
(MSW), the site is projected to be full by 2035. is transformed to have different properties. construction sector supports Singapore’s
In total, 13 different types of sludge-derived efforts towards a circular economy and will
The Waste-to-Energy Research Facility slag were generated (Figure 1). also help extend the lifespan of the Semakau
(WTERF) launched jointly by Nanyang Landfill with less waste being sent there. Since
Technological University, Singapore (NTU The slag generated has the potential for the ultimate aim of this project is to provide
Singapore) and the National Environment use as green construction material, with scientifically informed recommendations
Agency (NEA) is currently researching possible applications including structural for sustainable sludge treatment processes,
aspects such as optimal production for
large-scale usage, durability and utilisation
methodologies for specific applications of
the sludge-derived slag are being developed
concurrently. In terms of energy recovery, the
efficient use of combustible syngas — another
by-product from the processes — is also being
explored at WTERF.

Figure 1. Photos illustrating different types of slag generated from the co-gasification research at the WTERF. The chart Figure 2. An overview of the thermal treatment processes
below shows the particle size distribution analysis of slag and sand, and the test results for compressive strength of that go into creating NEWSand from a combination of
mortar produced from using this slag, which replaces sand as the fine aggregate. The testing is currently ongoing. different waste streams.

48 Waste Reduction & Resource Recovery

Could biochar nurture
Singapore’s Urban Farming
RESEARCHERS & AFFILIATIONS
Y. Zhou, D. Guo, L. Zhang, D. L |
NEWRI-AEBC

future? Y. Gu | PUB

Email address of key researcher(s):

Development of uses for biochar—a by-product from Y. Zhou; ZhouYan@ntu.edu.sg
pyrolysing sewage sludge

A
pproximately 300,000 tonnes of
sewage sludge is generated in
Singapore annually. After dewatering,
the sludge is incinerated and the
residual ash is then stored at Singapore’s
only landfill at Semakau. However, sewage
sludge contains considerable amounts
of nutrients and micronutrients such as
phosphorus, nitrogen, and zinc, which have
the potential to be beneficially repurposed.
With the prospect of high yields, there is a
need to find ways of utilising such sludge to
turn it into a sustainable resource.

Pyrolysis—the process of heating biomass in

an oxygen-limited environment—decreases
the volume of sludge by more than half and
produces biochar as a by-product. The biochar Figure 2. Overview of sewage
sludge processing and utilisation.
can be added to soil to improve its water and
nutrient retention capabilities and increase
its pH. Biochar also has potential as an odour
control medium which is useful for Water
Reclamation Plants (WRPs). Hence, pyrolysis
serves as an efficient solution for sludge However, before implementing biochar on team is also assessing the safety of biochar
management by reducing its volume, and a large scale, the issue of consistency in its use in agriculture in accordance with Sewage
the resulting biochar provides a cost-efficient properties needs to be addressed. Researchers Sludge Directive 86/278/EEC, monitoring
and environmentally sustainable resource from NTU are currently exploring solutions and analysing the properties of plants and
to support urban farming as well as odour to these issues in partnership with PUB. the biochar-soil mixture in on-going pot
control applications. Studies have shown that the characteristics experiments.
and product yield of biochar can be influenced
by the feedstock type and composition and While the repurposing of this nutrient-rich by-
pyrolysis process conditions. To optimise the product for urban farming will help to divert
structure of biochar (see Figure 1) to produce sludge away from landfill, other uses for this
porous and fine-grained structures, sludge resource will no doubt be welcomed in land-
from different WRPs is pyrolysed under scarce Singapore, as the volume required by
different conditions and then analysed for agricultural needs may still be limited for the
its usability. time being. Hence, the effectiveness of biochar
in removing H2S from the air is being tested
Another concern is the presence of heavy in studies that are looking to have biochar
metals (HMs) and other chemical compounds replace activated carbon as an odour control
that could leach from the biochar even after it medium for WRPs.
has been pyrolysed. Potential bioaccumulation
of these compounds in plants could have Research into extracting value from waste
health risks. However, based on the current through innovative processes and novel
Figure 1. Scanning electron microscope image of biochar tests, the results have so far been promising: applications will close the waste loop,
produced from the pyrolysis of sludge. the HMs content meet International Biochar support food security through agricultural
Initiative (IBI) Biochar Standards for land independence and create a new resource
application and the rate of HM leaching is stream for industry.
much lower than the US EPA standard. The
Waste Reduction & Resource Recovery 49
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, ACRONYMS, SYMBOLS & UNITS

Acronyms & abbreviations

ABC Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters OLR Organic Loading Rate
ABM Aquaporin-based Membrane PLCs Programmable Logic Controllers
AEBC Advanced Environmental Biotechnology PRO Pressure Retarded Osmosis
Centre PWCs Public Waste Collectors
AI Artificial Intelligence PUB PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency
AIT Asian Institute of Technology PV Photovoltaic
ANAMMOX Anaerobic Ammonia Oxidation PWP Pure Water Permeability
AnMBR Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor R3C Residues and Resource Reclamation Centre
APC Advanced Process Control R&D Research & Development
BIT Behavioural Insights Team RBC Rotating Biological Contactors
BQISING Benthic Quality Index for Singapore RCTs Randomised Control Trials
Reservoirs RFPs Request-For-Proposals
BWRO Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis RO Reverse Osmosis
CAS Conventional Activated Sludge SBY Specific Biogas Yield
CCKWW Choa Chu Kang Waterworks SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
CCTV Closed-circuit Television SEM Scanning Electron Microscope
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand SERIS Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore
COI Cytochrome Oxidase I SG-MEM Singapore Membrane Consortium
CQDs Carbon Quantum Dots SgWX Singapore Water Exchange
CWRP Changi Water Reclamation Plant SIF Sludge Incineration Facilities
DI Deionized Water SIWW Singapore International Water Week
DLM Domestic Liquids Modules SJ Surbana Jurong
DTSS Deep Tunnel Sewerage System SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises
DUW Domestic Used Water SRT Solid Retention Time
DX Digital Transformation START Separation Technologies Applied Research &
EDB Economic Development Board Translation
eDNA Environmental DNA SWA Singapore Water Association
EDR Electrodialysis Reve rsal SWRO Seawater Reverse Osmosis
ERD Energy Recovery Device TDS Total Dissolved Solids
ESG Environmental. Social and Governance TFC Thin-film Composite
EWTCOI Environmental & Water Technology Centre of TFN Thin-film Nanocomposite
Innovation TRL Technology Readiness Level
H2i Hydroinformatics Institute TWRP Tuas Water Reclamation Plant
HDB Housing & Development Board UPWRP Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation Plant
HMs Heavy Metals US EPA United States Environmental Protection
HRT Hydraulic Retention Time Agency
IBI International Biochar Initiative VS Volatile Solids
I2BioS Integrated Intelligent Biosensor VSR Volatile Solids Reduction
IIoT Industrial Internet of Things WGW WaterGoWhere
ILM Industrial Liquids Modules WRP Water Reclamation Plant
IoT Internet-of-Things WTE Waste-to-energy
IUW Industrial Used Water WTERF Waste-to-energy Research Facility
IWMF Integrated Waste Management Facility WWs Waterworks
IWSDF Industrial Water Solutions Demonstration
Fund Symbols & units
KICT Korean Institute of Civil Engineering and ˚C Degree Celsius
Building Technology h Hour
KMEDP Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant Ha Hectare
LCA Life-cycle Assessments kg Kilogram
MBR Membrane Bioreactors kWh/m³ Kilowatt-hour per cubic meter
MES Micro-Electrochemical Sensor kWp Kilowatt-peak
MNCs Multinational Corporation L Litre
MOFs Metal-organic Frameworks L/min Litre per minute
MRF Materials Recovery Facility LMH/bar Litre per square meter per hour per bar
MSW Municipal Solid Waste m Meter
MWM MyWaterMeter m3 Cubic meter
NB-IoT Narrow-band Internet-of-Things m3/day Cubic meter per day
NEA National Environment Agency m3/mth Cubic meter per month
NEWRI Nanyang Environment and Water Research m/s Meter per second
Institute mgd Million (imperial) gallons per day
NParks National Parks Board min Minute
NRF National Research Foundation ml Millilitre
NRP National Recycling Programme nm Nanometer
NTU Nanyang Technological University ppm Parts per million
NUS National University of Singapore tpd Tonnes per day
O&M Operations and Maintenance
PUB COLLABORATORS

Universities, research centres & international organisations

Advanced Environmental Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA Temasek Polytechnic Singapore
Biotechnology Centre Singapore Michigan State University USA The Commonwealth Scientific and
Agency for Science, Technology Monash University Australia Industrial Research Organisation Australia
and Research Singapore Nanyang Environment and Toray Singapore Water Research Center Singapore
American Water Works Association USA Water Research Institute Singapore Trent University Canada
Canadian Water Network Canada Nanyang Technological University Singapore Tropical Marine Science Institute Singapore
Centre for Environmental Sensing National Centre of Excellence Tsinghua University China
and Modeling Singapore in Desalination Australia UK Water Industry Research UK
Centre for Remote Imaging, National University of Singapore Singapore United States Environmental
Sensing and Processing Singapore New Energy and Industrial Technology Protection Agency USA
Centre for Water and Environmental Development Organisation Japan University of Adelaide Australia
Biotechnology Australia Ngee Ann Polytechnic Centre University of California, Berkeley USA
Cooperative Research Centre of Innovation for Environmental University of California, Santa Cruz USA
for Water Sensitive Cities Australia & Water Technology Singapore University of Canterbury New Zealand
Cranfield University UK NUS Environmental Research Institute Singapore University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign USA
Delft University of Technology Netherlands Queensland Government Australia University of Maryland USA
DHI-NTU Water and Environment Sandia National Laboratories USA University of New South Wales Australia
Research Centre Singapore Singapore Centre on Environmental University of North Carolina USA
DSO National Laboratories Singapore Life Sciences Engineering Singapore University of Oxford UK
Georgia Institute of Technology USA Singapore Membrane Technology Centre Singapore University of Queensland Australia
Global Water Research Coalition International Singapore Polytechnic Singapore University of Sydney Australia
Griffith University Australia Singapore University of Technology University of Toronto Canada
Hyundai-NTU Urban System Center Singapore and Design Singapore University of Waterloo Canada
Imperial College London UK Singapore Water Association Singapore University of Western Australia Australia
Institute of Environmental Science Singapore-MIT Alliance for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and
and Engineering Singapore Research and Technology Singapore State University USA
International Desalination Association USA Singapore-Peking-Oxford Research Water Research Australia Australia
International Water Association UK Enterprise Singapore
Water Research Commission South Africa
International Water Resources Association USA Stanford University USA
Water Research Foundation USA
KAUST Water Desalination and STOWA Foundation for
Applied Water Research Netherlands Water Services Association of Australia Australia
Reuse Center Saudi Arabia Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution USA
KWR Water Research Institute Netherlands SWELIA Association France
World Health Organization International

Water utilities, agencies & companies

3T Holdings Singapore GlobalFoundries USA Orange County Water District USA
ActiV Technology Singapore GrahamTek Nuwater Singapore Pan Asian HB Singapore
Aerolion Technologies Singapore Grundfos Denmark Pall Corporation USA
Affordable Water New Zealand GS Engineering & Construction South Korea Pentair Water Asia Pacific Singapore
Amiad Water Systems Israel HACH USA Pôle EAU France
Anaergia Canada Hitachi Japan Proaspect Solutions Singapore
AQP Pro Singapore Hitachi Metals Singapore Singapore PWN Technologies Netherlands
Aquaporin Denmark HORIBA Instruments Japan Rand Water South Africa
Aromatrix Technologies Hong Kong Houstrek Engineering Singapore Rehau Unlimited Polymer Solutions Germany
Asahi Kasei Corporation Japan Huber Technology Germany Renewed Water Minerals South Korea
ASB Biodiesel Hong Kong Huber Technology USA Rigel Singapore
Astronics Technologies Singapore Hutchison Kinrot Israel Riventa UK
Atelier Ten UK Hydroinformatics Institute Singapore Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials Singapore
Athena Dynamics Singapore Hyosung Corporation South Korea ROTEC Israel
Attila Cybertech Singapore Hyundai Engineering & Construction Singapore RPMTech South Korea
Automatic Controls and IBM USA Saline Water Conversion
Instrumentation Singapore Ikari Services Singapore Corporation Saudi Arabia
Avista Technologies USA In-Situ USA Scinor Water America USA
AWA Instruments Singapore Institute of Occupational Medicine Singapore SECOM Singapore
Baleen Filters Australia IntelliFlux Controls USA Sembcorp Industries Singapore
BASF Germany Interactive Micro-Organisms Severn Trent Water UK
Becton, Dickinson and Company USA Laboratories Singapore SIF Technologies Singapore
Behavioural Insights Singapore Island Water Technologies USA Sinomem Technology Singapore
Beijing Scinor Membrane Technology China iWOW Connections Singapore Sound Global Hong Kong
Bentley Systems USA Ixom Operations Australia ST Electronics (Info-Security) Singapore
Binnies UK Jacobs USA ST Engineering Aerospace Singapore
Biofuel Research Singapore Jacobs Engineering Singapore Singapore ST Engineering Marine Singapore
Blue Connect Singapore Johnson Pacific Singapore Star Water Technologies Singapore
Blue I Water Technologies Israel Just pure Canada Starfish Enterprises USA
Blueleg Monitor Netherlands Kastraco Engineering Singapore Strebl Energy Singapore
Boerger Pumps Asia Singapore Kathyd Technology USA SUEZ France
BrightSource ICS2 Israel Kemira Finland Sunhuan Construction Singapore
Camp Dresser & Mckee USA Keppel Seghers Singapore Sunseap Enterprises Singapore
Century Water Systems & Technologies Singapore Koch Separation Solutions USA Surbana Jurong Consultants Singapore
Ceraflo Singapore K-One Industries Singapore SystemNix Asia Singapore
CES Salcon Singapore Kupps & Sachs Singapore Tamura Corporation Japan
Current Water Technologies Canada Kuraray Japan Technologiezentraum Wasser (TZW) Germany
CPG Corporation Singapore Kurita Singapore Singapore Teredo Analytics Singapore
Daily Life Renewable Energy Singapore Kurita Water Industries Japan Teijin Japan
Darco Water Technologies Singapore LEDR Technologies USA Toray Chemical Korea South Korea
Deltares Netherlands Liqtech USA Toshiba Japan
DHI Water & Environment Singapore Lockheed Martin USA Trenchless Technology Singapore
Doosan Heavy Industries Mattenplant Singapore Tritech Engineering and Testing Singapore
& Construction South Korea Meiden Singapore Singapore Tritech SysEng Singapore
Dowtec Singapore Mekorot Israel Tritech Water Technologies Singapore
Dow Chemical Company USA Memstar Technology Singapore Trojan Technologies Canada
D-RON Singapore Singapore Metawater Japan United Engineers Singapore
Echologics Singapore Microdyn-Nadir Singapore Singapore United Envirotech Singapore
Ecospec Global Technology Singapore Microvi Biotech USA United States Environmental
ecoWise Solutions Singapore Mitsubishi Japan Protection Agency USA
Emerson USA Nanostone USA United Water Technologies Singapore
Endress+Hauser Instruments Moya Asia Singapore USP Group Singapore
International Switzerland Natflow Singapore Utilis Israel Israel
Ensign InfoSecurity Singapore New Horizon Diagnostics USA Valmet Automation Finland
Envipure Singapore Nextan Singapore Verantis (Singapore) Singapore
Enviro Pro Green Innovation Singapore Nexusbit Integral Singapore Veolia Environment France
EnvironSens Singapore NGK Japan Visenti Singapore
Envirosuite Operations Pty Ltd Australia Nisko Telematics Systems Israel Vitens Netherlands
Envirotech and Consultancy Singapore Nittetsu Mining Consultants Co. Japan Water & Waste Pollution
Evoqua Water Technologies USA Nitto Denko Corporation Japan Engineering Singapore
Excel Marco Singapore NM3 Tech Singapore Water And Sewerage Authority Trinidad & Tobago
ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Singapore Noria USA Water Optics Technology Singapore
Fibracast Canada onCyt Microbiology AG Switzerland Witteveen+Bos Netherlands
FKC Japan Oneberry Technologies Singapore Xylem USA
Fluigen Singapore Optiqua Technologies Singapore Yokogawa Engineering Asia Japan
Genaphora Israel OptiSense UK ZWEEC Analytics Singapore
Global Water Intelligence UK