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But this resource is vulnerable not only to drought, but also to politics. “There have been times in the past when the relationship between the two countries has deteriorated many times. [Malaysia and Singapore] It’s a matter of dispute over water, said Stuti Rawat, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Asian and Policy Studies at the Hong Kong University of Education. In 2018, then Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad signaled plans to renegotiate the Linggiu deal, describing the deal as too costly and the current conditions, under which Singapore pays just three cents (less than one cent) per thousand gallons, as “blatantly ridiculous”. “Therefore, it was very important for Singapore to try to establish its own independent water source,” Rawat adds.
“We should be obsessed with saving water and counting every drop.”
The rise in global temperatures has added a new urgency to the situation. “With climate change, we expect more extreme weather conditions, with more intense rain and longer dry periods, as is the case in the US, China, India and many parts of the world,” says Seah.
These variable patterns mean that the country can no longer rely on precipitation to predictably fill its reservoirs.
PUB gathered households to save water. It plans to install around 300,000 smart water meters in homes by 2023; they will use digital technologies to monitor usage and flag leaks.
However, the country is also rapidly accelerating its efforts to expand its own water resources. PUB committed to doubling the local clean drinking water supply by 2060; This is an achievement that will bring Singapore closer to self-sufficiency. Most importantly, it aims to do this without increasing energy use.
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