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NEWater
The 3rd National Tap

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NEWater, a pillar of Singapore's water sustainability strategy, is high-grade reclaimed water.

Produced from treated used water that is further purified using advanced membrane
technologies and ultra-violet disinfection, it is ultra-clean and safe to drink.
NEWater has passed more than 150,000 scientific tests and is well within World Health
Organisation requirements.

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Use Each Drop of Water More Than Once

NEWater was first mooted by PUB in the 1970s. We were ahead of our time as the membranes
then were costly and unreliable. In 1998, a NEWater study was successfully conducted to
determine the suitability of using NEWater as a source of raw water to supplement Singapore’s
water supply. In May 2000, the first NEWater plant was completed and by 2001, we had
embarked on this new initiative that would increase water supply from unconventional sources
for no-potable use. 
Presently Singapore's four NEWater plants can meet up to 30% of the nation’s current water
needs. By 2060, NEWater is expected to meet up to 55% of Singapore’s future water demand.

NEWater Technology

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The source of NEWater is treated used water, which comes from used water that is treated to
international standards and safe to be returned to nature.
Part of this treated used water from the water reclamation plant is sent to a separate system at
the NEWater Plants. It is then further treated through a rigorous 3-step process to produce the
ultra clean reclaimed water
Read more on details here
NEWater Technology [PDF]
NEWater Quality [PDF]
Overseas Examples [PDF]

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Awards & Accolades

2002 – Award of Excellence from the National Water Research Institute
2007 – Stockholm Industry Water Award 2007
2008 – Environmental Contribution of the Year at the Global Water Awards 2008
2009 – External Audit lauds the high quality of NEWater which has passed more
than 65,000 tests

NEWater Usage

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Non-Potable Use

As it is ultra-clean, NEWater is used mainly for industrial and air-con cooling purposes at wafer
fabrication plants, industrial estates and commercial buildings. The biggest users of NEWater
are wafer fabrication plants, which require water quality that is even more stringent than water
for drinking. NEWater is delivered to industrial customers via a dedicated pipe network.

Indirect Potable Use

During dry periods, NEWater is added to our reservoirs to blend with raw water. The raw water
from the reservoir is treated at the waterworks before it is supplied to consumers as tap water.

External Audit

Twice a year, NEWater undergoes rigorous audit processes by an external audit panel
comprising international experts in engineering, water chemistry, toxicology and microbiology.
This high-grade reclaimed water has consistently been awarded top marks for the high quality,
safety and for exceeding international standards. 

NEWater Visitor Centre

The NEWater Visitor Centre is an education hub that promotes water sustainability in Singapore
and highlights the importance of our 3rd National Tap. The Centre promises a fun-filled and
enriching time for visitors of all ages with daily interactive tours to educational workshops.

Highlights

Experience what it is like to be a water molecule undergoing treatment

Explore the Waterwise Arcade
Discover membrane and ultraviolet technologies that make NEWater so clean. 
Sign up for fun educational activities at no additional charge: NEWater Scientist
Programme; Outdoor Classroom; Water Ambassador

Guide

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One English speaking guide will be provided (Mandarin guides available upon request).

Duration
About an hour

Opening hours
9am to 5:30pm (From Tuesdays to Sundays, including public holidays)

Booking
To ensure a pleasant visit, visitors are strongly encouraged to book a tour in advance. Click here
to book a tour.

Address
NEWater Visitor Centre
20 Koh Sek Lim Road
Singapore 486593
Enquiries
E-mail: pub_newatervc@pub.gov.sg
Phone: 6546 7874

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