POTENTIAL RISK AND IMPACT OF GROUNDWATER FLOODING IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to understand the potential risk and impact of groundwater flooding in Singapore. Six low-lying flood-prone areas across Singapore have been selected for the study of potential risk of groundwater affecting flood risk in these areas. Moreover, interviews with stakeholders were conducted. The selected areas are Farrer Park, King George's Avenue, Lorong Buangkok, Farnborough Road, Nee Soon Road and Admiralty Road West. Results of the preliminary studies show that groundwater do have a potential impact on the flood risk in these low-lying areas. Moreover, an online public survey was conducted to assess the general public's awareness, understanding and concerns with regards to flooding issues in Singapore and flooding influenced by groundwater. Survey results show that majority of the public are not familiar with groundwater flooding and felt that the government should do more in providing information with regards to the risk and impact of groundwater flooding in Singapore. To date, the extent in which groundwater influences flood risk in flood-prone low-lying areas is an unknown. Therefore, there is a need for an integrated flood-risk management that comprises of groundwater management. Currently, there are no policy or legal framework established for groundwater management in Singapore. In order to better understand the local groundwater system, the Public Utilities Board (PUB) of Singapore has recently conducted a series of groundwater monitoring across Singapore.