IMPROVING THE WATER EFFICIENCY OF HDB ESTATES IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Singapore has no natural lakes and resources so it is critical that water is conserved, managed and used efficiently. 40% of the water resource in Singapore is currently imported from Malaysia and this impels Singapore to be self-reliant in a global water crisis. The use of advanced water technologies and community education on water conservation has moved her one step closer towards a sustainable future. 82% of Singapore‘s population stay in Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates and it makes sense to target the masses. Water efficient features employed in HDB estates will be studied and suggestions for improvements will be made. Water efficient features implemented in various countries are also evaluated to determine the feasibility of incorporating them into new/existing HDB estates in Singapore. Survey results showed that majority of HDB residents lack awareness of water conservation measures and tools, proving that more education has to be done. Limitations and barriers regarding the implementation or enhancement in water efficiency will also be discussed, along with recommendations for improvement.