Geography WebQuest(:: Method THREE! Increasing the water supply

Measures taken to increase the water supply are expanding catchment area, building reservoirs (Marina Barrage); create new technological innovations (Water reclamation (NEWater) and seawater desalination).

Extending the catchment area is also extending the area from which the rainwater can be collected and stored for later use. Could be done by building more reservoirs. E.g. Marina Barrage, Punggol Reservoir.

The Marina Barrage is a dam built across the Marina Channel. It acts as a tidal barrier; it creates a fresh water reservoir behind it.

It is a 3-in-1 project- Water Supply, Flood Control and a New Lifestyle Attraction. It increases the water catchment from half to two-thirds of Singapore. Water from the reservoir will be treated to drinking water standards.

Technological innovations include water reclamation and seawater desalination.

Water reclamation refers to reclaiming/recycling water by removing the waste materials from it. Singapore created NEWater using this method. This practice has been ongoing for more than 20 years. In Africa, people filter waste water through sand/pebbles. In Peru, people harvest fresh water from the condensation of fog.

Seawater desalination is a process by which seawater is changed to fresh water.

The old method uses lots of fuel while the new method is done using pre-treatment filtration system and reverse osmosis system.