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Cost of treating and supplying water in Singapore up significantly, says PUB Due to higher construction and manpower costs, the second phase of the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System will cost S$6.5 billion – almost twice that of the first phase. SINGAPORE: The cost of treating and supplying water has risen significantly with energy and construction costs driving up expenses, said national water agency PUB on Friday (Sep 22). Achieving water security has become “more challenging” globally and Singapore is no exception, PUB said during a progress update of the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant. About a third of the plant – a key component in the second phase of Singapore’s Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) – has been completed. Some of the challenges include climate change which has increased the frequency of extreme weather, increased water demand that is projected to almost double by 2065, as well as external cost pressures due to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical events. “These external cost pressures are not unique to PUB,” said the agency, highlighting the increased costs for energy, construction, chemicals and maintenance. Energy costs have gone up as the average electricity tariffs increased by almost 37 per cent since 2017 – and about 50 per cent at its peak – due to rising fuel prices. “With increasing water demand, PUB needs to tap on more energy-intensive supply sources such as desalination and NEWater, and treat more used water,” said the agency. Overall construction costs in Singapore have gone up by 35 per cent since 2017. Constructing water infrastructure in an increasingly urbanised environment is more costly as it involves building more compact structures to lower land footprint, and adopting less-intrusive construction methods to minimise the need for road or utility diversions, said PUB. Citing an example of a less-intrusive method of constructing pipelines known as pipejacking, PUB said the cost of using this method is now S$17 million (US$12.4 million) for every kilometre - a 70 per cent increase from the S$10 million per km in 2017. Due to higher construction and manpower costs, the second phase of DTSS will cost S$6.5 billion. This is almost twice that of Phase 1, which cost S$3.4 billion when it was built almost two decades ago, said PUB. The cost of constructing the deep tunnels for Phase 2 has also more than tripled, the agency added. In addition, the operating expenses for chemicals, which are key materials in the water treatment process, have grown by about 33 per cent since 2017. The maintenance costs of the water system have also risen by 18 per cent, as COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions have driven increases in costs for manpower and parts for the water system. SAVING ENERGY, SPACE AND COSTS To improve energy efficiency, the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant will incorporate water treatment technologies to allow the plant to generate 80 per cent of the energy it requires to treat used water. This is a “vast improvement” compared to the 25 per cent at the water reclamation plants in Ulu Pandan and Jurong, said PUB. The plant will also increase the rate of NEWater recovery without using additional energy. To offset higher construction costs, treated effluent will be directly discharged into the sea. This way, a long and deep discharge pipe need not be constructed, which would have cost at least S$650 million, said PUB. The national water agency added it will also implement technologies at the Tuas Water Reclamation Plant for 30 per cent more compact treatment units compared to the conventional ones, thus reducing land footprint. Biological treatment processes for odour control and primary treatment of used water will be deployed at the plant to reduce the need for chemicals. PUB added that it is also implementing smart technologies such as online sensors and automated systems to ensure the plant’s operations are cost- and manpower-efficient. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/tuas-water-reclamation-plant-energy-construction-pub-deep-tunnel-sewerage-system-3788511 Cost of delivering water continues to rise and will need to be reflected in water prices: Amy Khor https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/cost-of-delivering-water-continues-to-rise-and-will-need-to-be-reflected-in-water-prices-amy-khor brace brace brace

Source: https://mothership.sg/2021/09/malaysia-singapore-water-prices-talks-covid-19/ Malaysia's Minister of Environment Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man said on Sep. 21 that Malaysia and Singapore will resume talks on reviewing the price of raw water once the Covid-19 pandemic in both countries has "recovered completely", Malaysian Chinese daily Kwong Wah Yit Poh reported. Malaysia insists it has the right to revise the price Tuan Ibrahim was responding to a parliamentary question filed by a member of parliament Xavier Jayakumar. In his written reply, he stated that while the matter is being overseen by the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia's stance on the issue is "very clear and consistent", which is that Malaysia has the right to revise the price of raw water it sells to Singapore as stipulated under the 1962 Johor River Water Agreement. He said both countries have been discussing the issue since July 2018, and that leaders from both sides have met in person from Dec. 2, 2019 to Jan. 30, 2020, to discuss the issue. Singapore: Malaysia has lost the right of review Singapore has repeated its stance on the issue on numerous occasions. Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan said in March last year that Singapore is of the position that Malaysia has lost the right to review the water prices under the 1962 Water Agreement. This was conveyed to Malaysia "as early as 2002", he said, adding that "Malaysia cannot unilaterally revise the price of water". Nevertheless, he said that "in the spirit of bilateral cooperation", Singapore has "been willing to listen to and discuss Malaysia's proposals, on the basis that there is a balance of benefits for both sides". In addition, he said that any review of the price of raw water sold to Singapore will also mean a review of the price of treated water sold to Johor. The water price issue between Singapore and Malaysia was revived when former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad retook office in May 2018. This is the first time it was brought up again by Malaysia since Mahathir stepped down in February 2020.

A video of a flooded stretch of road made its way around social media this morning (13 June). In the short clip, vehicles are seen moving at a very slow pace due to the high water level and the inability to see lane markings on the road. The flood location is identified to be on the main road towards Punggol Road and TPE (PIE). This is how the 3-lane road looks like during normal conditions. After yesterday’s heavy rain (12 July), PUB issued a risk of flash floods occurring in several areas in Singapore. With thundery showers expected till mid-July, be prepared for any sightings of a flood. Netizens’ comments Full of sarcastic humour. IMO, this is one of those rare moments for SUVs to demonstrate their capability in Singapore. The optimism that we all wish to have. 😎 Not gonna lie, this person is asking the REAL QUESTION here. If you ever encounter a flood, here are some advice to note: Drive slowly and defensively. Do not speed or accelerate suddenly. Pump your brakes and monitor your engine performance after driving through the flood. --- Thinking of selling your car? sgCarMart Quotz guarantees the highest selling price for your car. We’ll even give you $100 cash if you find a better offer elsewhere! Get a free quote to find out how much your car is worth today!

With clubs, bars and ktv not goin to open anytime soon how are these places coping? Not everyone coy can change their business model More support schemes coming for this doomed industry? Close down now better and cut the losses better Look at australia, south Korea etc... Allow nightlife only covid cases rise, clusters form The other night I went to have a few beer with a friend After that walk to giant forgot to put on mask That's after goin thru safe entry, talking to the temperature scan staff She didn't remind me abt the mask also A little alcohol n forget abt it Drink drank drunk youngsters will forget abt safe distancing I agree with not opening up the clubs but have to say this industry is indeed bleeding and more businesses will close.. https://mothership.sg/2020/10/bars-clubs-karaoke-phase-3-no-reopening/ Bars, clubs, nightclubs and karaoke lounges are not expected to re-open at the start of Phase 3 as they pose a higher risk of the spread of Covid-19, Minister Lawrence Wong said at a press conference by the Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Oct. 20. Wong added that this is due to the nature of such activities entailing people socialising in close contact, often in a small enclosed space. ars, clubs, nightclubs and karaoke lounges are not expected to re-open at the start of Phase 3 as they pose a higher risk of the spread of Covid-19, Minister Lawrence Wong said at a press conference by the Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Oct. 20. Wong added that this is due to the nature of such activities entailing people socialising in close contact, often in a small enclosed space. "We've seen it in many other countries where large clusters break out in these sorts of settings. So, even at the start of Phase 3, when we enter Phase 3, we do not expect to reopen or resume these activities anytime soon." 'Prepared to consider' pilot trials Wong revealed that the government is open to pilot trials in some of these settings, with much more stringent safe management measures in place, to determine whether it is safe to proceed. When asked about the measures, Wong stated that these include testing customers before they enter such premises using a rapid test kit, and ensuring that current safety measures, such as banning people from intermingling and making sure they are physically apart, are implemented within. In addition, the "music cannot be loud". Here, Wong noted that the prevailing music level for F&B outlets that will be similarly applied to the nightclub industry. As for ensuring that such measures are complied with, Wong stated that the usage of CCTVs is currently under consideration. In adding that the matter will be discussed with the nightlife industry, he stated: "It's also for the industry itself to consider whether it's viable to proceed. Because of all these measures in place...a dance club may not sound like a dance club anymore if there is safe management and safe distancing measures for you to be separated from another person. So we'll have to have this conversation with the industry to consider what's the best way to proceed. And...we do not expect, even with the pilots for the industry to be able to resume activities like the way it used to be." Government will put in place assistance measures for the nightlife industry In acknowledging that the nightlife industry has to be prepared for "quite a long period of restrictions", Wong further stated that the government will put in place assistance measures during this period to help. Wong elaborated that the measures will enable business operators and owners to "exit, transit and pivot to new areas." Details of the assistance package will be announced separately.

Father & Son In PUB’s Short Film Teach Us Our Elders’ Values Are As Precious As Water source: https://mustsharenews.com/pub-the-frog-prince/ PUB’s Short Film ‘The Frog Prince’ Is A Real Tearjerker For Qing Ming PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, is what brings us our water supply, and apparently, heartwarming short films too. Last year, they released a tear-jerking short film to celebrate Hari Raya called ‘Kinship’. The 6-and-a-half minute video touched many Singaporeans’ hearts as it told the story of 2 brothers. This year, PUB released yet another heart-wrenching short film, ‘The Frog Prince’. The 9-minute film celebrates the Chinese tomb-sweeping festival Qing Ming, which has sadly been disrupted by Covid-19 social distancing measures. Brought to you by the same creative team behind ‘Kinship’, ‘The Frog Prince’ also revolves around the main theme of family, but focuses on filial piety instead. It captures the story of a young boy who just wants to be like other kids, but learns through difficult experiences that sometimes, being different can be a good thing. Warning: Be prepared for spoilers, but you still have to watch the short film here to find out how everything turned out. Humble family own a Kim Zua business The film features beautiful and poignant shots and scenes throughout, just like this one of Boon’s face illuminated by the burning joss paper offerings. The short film opens with the family of 3 burning joss paper outside. The father, Ah Cai, asks his son, Boon, to come help – it’s going to rain soon. As predicted, it’s soon pouring, and the humble family are busy collecting rainwater to use for watering plants and washing the corridor, among other chores. Boon even manages to fill a bucket for his pet frog, and labels it “The Frog Prince’s Swimming Pool” in Chinese. It’s clear that they’re not the most well-off, but they’re resourceful and do what they can to live a decent life. They own a Kim Zua business, selling joss paper and offerings paraphernalia. They work hard, together as a family, folding paper ingots at night as they catch the evening television programme together. If you look closely, you’ll notice PUB’s previous mascot, Bobo the Elephant, on the television. What a nostalgic Easter egg! Everything is calm, and the family seem content with their simple lives. ‘Richest’ family in the neighbourhood Boon’s happy with his ‘frog prince’, but inevitably gets jealous when he realises that he doesn’t have new toys or even bicycles like the rest of the kids do. One of the neighbourhood kids rides past his family’s shop on a shiny new bike while he stares longingly at it. He asks his father why they can’t afford one but of course, his father tells him to just use his legs. That’s what they’re for, right? Boon still can’t let it go, and asks why his family doesn’t seem to have any money for new toys, or even clothes. Ah Cai immediately corrects him, assuring him that they aren’t poor by any means. Ah Cai tells his son, According to him, they’re the richest family in the neighbourhood. Still, Boon doesn’t seem to be convinced. Boon gives in to temptation Even with his father’s reassurance, Boon still longs for a bicycle. He’s just a kid, and kids make uninformed, impulsive decisions, which is why he gives in to temptation and takes a seemingly abandoned one. Unfortunately, it turns out to belong to a schoolmate’s brother, and he gets called down to the principal’s office for a scolding. Ah Cai is called down too. He gets lectured by the principal too, heartbroken that his son doesn’t seem to have picked up the values he’s passed on. Boon runs away in the heat of the moment Later at home, Boon gets a vicious caning. Tears cascade from his face as Ah Cai brings the bamboo cane down on his arm again and again. Ah Cai berates him harshly, asking if all he cares about is money. It seems so, for young, naive, Boon. Broken and beaten, Boon retreats to the storeroom for a good cry. Ah Cai soon shows up with a ‘frog prince’ lantern as a peace offering, but it’s rejected. Boon pushes his father away, physically and emotionally, as he dashes out of the house and onto the streets. His mother runs after him, while Ah Cai stays behind. Losing everything in a fire Ah Cai paces around the house, feeling guilty and confused about what to do with his son. At the same time, the candle in the lantern kindles a fire, setting the family’s painstakingly-crafted joss paper goods ablaze. Boon and his mother return, but are greeted with the shophouse engulfed in flames and Ah Cai nowhere to be found. Boon falls to his knees, watching his whole world literally go up in flames. If you’re wondering whether Ah Cai makes it out, you’ll have to watch the video here. Adult Boon reminisces at Qing Ming The film ends with adult Boon and his family visiting Ah Cai’s grave during Qing Ming. Boon tells his son about his father, the richest man in the neighbourhood – a ‘billionaire’, by his standards. He finally understands that his riches came from his morals, not his material wealth. He had a difficult life, and worked hard to give his family the best he could, with whatever means he had. It might not have been worth much, materially, but the sentiment of it all was priceless. Now a father himself, Boon has to teach these values to his son. Getting through Covid-19, just like getting over a family quarrel ‘The Frog Prince’ definitely captures the mixed emotions behind every family fight – pain, sorrow, anger, confusion, betrayal, but most of all, love. I winced with Boon every time he was struck by the cane, feeling the sting of the bamboo and the stab in my heart just as much as he did. That scene reminded me very much of the beratings and punishments I received as a child. I hated those lectures, and at times, even my elders who were admonishing me for my own good. Now that I’m older, I’m genuinely grateful for those scoldings, no matter how harsh they were or how hurt I felt after getting them. My family meant well, and really only chided me severely when I deserved it – they definitely played a part in making me the person I am today. Qing Ming is a festival of remembrance, and we’re reminded by this film to remember how our families have shaped us with the life lessons and experiences we’ve gone through, as well as the values they’ve imparted to us. Now more than ever, we need to depend on these values to keep us grounded as we sit Covid-19 out. Social distancing is undeniably taking a toll on society, both economically and socially. We can’t catch movies anymore, weekend yoga classes are completely cancelled, and even places of worship are closed. Festivals like Qing Ming may be different this year, too. We won’t be able to visit our ancestors’ graves at Bukit Brown, or even wipe down their niches at Mandai Crematorium, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. Life – and all its other parts – will still carry on, even with social distancing and working from home. Covid-19 is just like a family quarrel – it stings at first, but we’re learning to work past it, and we’ll eventually emerge stronger. Like Boon’s ‘frog prince’, sacrifices will have to be made, but they’ll be worth it, and possibly make things even better, once they’ve sorted themselves out. You’ll have to watch the short film here to get that reference, but trust us, this is more worth watching than a Korean drama on Netflix you probably can’t even understand. Just remember to have tissues on hand. I needed a box of them, and I’m sure you will too. This post is brought to you in collaboration with PUB. Featured image courtesy of PUB.

MCF is not only a place for cars but people who are knowledgeable and resourceful. I've got an issue. I did some reno and I can't find the key to the lock of the cabinet housing the PUB meter, is there someone who can open it and make a key without destroying the lock / door? Thanks bros!

So whose pocket/s do you think is a little fatter now?

http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/pub-delves-underground-reservoirs PUB delves into underground reservoirs My Paper | Audrey Tan | Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 Audrey Tan My Paper Wednesday, Jun 17, 2015 Singapore could soon be digging deep for an answer to its water challenges. National water agency PUB is looking into creating underground reservoirs to get around the space crunch above ground, said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan yesterday. Tapping on such structures will also help the city better deal with the effects of climate change, such as more intense rain and prolonged dry spells, as excess water can be stored and used when needed."In Singapore, we receive an average of about 2.4m of rainfall a year... In theory, we should not be short of water... The real limiting factor is not rainfall, but land," said Dr Balakrishnan at the opening of the inaugural Singapore International Water Week Technology and Innovation Summit yesterday.The two-day water conference, which focuses on research and development, is a prelude to the Singapore International Water Week next year. The underground drainage and reservoir system is likely to have three key components: Tunnels to channel stormwater below ground, caverns for water storage and a pumped storage hydropower system, which can convert energy from water flowing into underground caverns to electrical energy. This can then be used to pump the water back to the surface.Such systems have long been championed by experts here as solutions to weather fluctuations and land scarcity. One of them, Lui Pao Chuen, a National Research Foundation adviser who spearheaded research into Singapore's underground ammunition facility, noted: "One third of Singapore is made up of granite rocks, which are very strong, and rock caverns for underground reservoirs can be constructed there."Chua Soon Guan, PUB's deputy chief executive, said that a tender for a two-year feasibility study on building such a system will be called in the next few months. Expected to be completed at the end of 2017, it will include geological surveys on soil and rock properties, and look into the design options. William Yeo, PUB's director of Policy and Planning, stressed that it will work with relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure that the surveys are "conducted with care and sensitivity to the environment".Geological studies are essential since the underground storage reservoir must be built on rock mass instead of softer soil, which may not be able to support it, said Chong Kee Sen, president of The Institution of Engineers, Singapore.Tan Soon Keat, director of the Nanyang Technological University's Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute, added that building in a rocky area would also ensure that there is less water loss and would prevent the water from being contaminated by soil minerals. PUB would not comment on possible locations or other details, but the three experts believe it could be located in the central or north-eastern part of Singapore. - See more at: http://news.asiaone.com/news/singapore/pub-delves-underground-reservoirs#sthash.p25CRdHT.dpuf ponggol huat ah!!!!!

My bills are always seems to be above national average every month. electricity alone cost as high as 600units monthly ! water and gas are still acceptable. we used 2 inverter aircon and 1 window casement unit everynight. instant water heater. cold water washing machine daily and a fridge, that's all.... the rest of the appliances consumption are quite negligible... I've started to monitor 24hrs usage because the bill has been climbing monthly and I really can't narrow down to what's really going on.. I heard my friend staying in 3-room, with daily aircon usage only pays like less than $100 for monthly overall bill what's you 3-room utilities bill like?