Buying into Water: Giving Water Worth Through Community Engagement in

A critical look at the ABC Waters Program

1. Bishan Park 2. Lorong Halus Wetland 3. Marina Barrage

Jessica Pace . Urban Natures . Fall 2013 How can we affect mass change in how we approach water management at the How do we bridgescale of the theindividual? gap This between paper establishes the the individual crucial role of community and the global? involvement in bridging the gap between the larger global “water crisis” and the individual

ABSTRACT: Water resources are becoming scarce. The pending “Water Crisis” is a global issue that has increasingly more complex political ramifications each year. How can we affect mass change in how we approach water management at the scale of the individual? This paper establishes the crucial role of community involvement in bridging the gap between the larger global “water crisis” and the individual by analyzing Singapore’s numerous water programs designed to engage, educate and inspire the public. In spite of its complex political climate and problematic geographical characteristics, Singapore has become a very successful testing ground for new and better approaches to water management. By looking specifically at how three ABC Waters projects engage the public while simultaneously managing water, analysis will be made on how Sin- gapore is effectively “marketing” water to the community. This paper seeks to further explore the question of how Singapore is successful at managing their water and whether their method can viably be applied in other cities. What can we learn from Singapore?

1 Is Water a basic human right or an economic good that should be charged at a cost that reflects its true worth? TABLE OF CONTENTS

How many times a day do you turn on your faucet? Of these times, 1. GLOBAL WATER how often do you reflect on where your water is coming from and where the unused water is going? How often do you think about Is There a Crisis? 3 what life would be like if water was not so readily available to you? Unequal Distribution of Water 4 Water Wars 5 A large percentage of the world’s population has never had to grap- ple with these thoughts, but this is not indicative of an attitude that 2. REGIONAL WATER we can afford to maintain in our future. Water resources are be- coming scarce. South East Asia: The Issues 6 3. SINGAPORE WATER If you are a resident of Singapore you are incredibly aware of these issues. You know where your water has come from, where it is Singapore: An Island City State 7 going and you care about what happens to it along the way. Sin- The National Challenge 8 gapore has successfully raised awareness for water management Urbanization 8 to an unprecedented degree. How have they been so successful? Supply 10 Demand: Singapore Over Time 11 This paper argues that their success is the direct result of their ability to engage the community through projects that embed water 4. THE ABC WATERS PROJECTS value within their culture. By building a culture around water, they have changed how the public views and uses water for the better. What is it? 13 Why ABC Waters? 14 Central Watershed and Bishan Park 15 As a result, in Singapore, water is not a basic human right but a Lorong Halus Wetland 21 valued economic good that is paid for and treated as a precious Marina Reservoir 25 commodity. 5. CONCLUSION 30

2 Global Water: Is There a CRISIS?

To understand Singapore’s unique stance on water, the first step must be to put water in a global context. Is there really a “Water Crisis?” At first glace our blue planet looks to have an abundance of water with 70% percent of the planet covered in oceans; according to NASA this equals about 326 million trillion gallons. However, of those 326 million trillion gallons only 2.5 % is fresh water and 70% of that is frozen in ice caps (UN Water Statistics). According to the United Nations, this 2.5% is enough water for 7 billion people, however 1.2 billion people live in areas of physical scarcity due to the uneven distribution of water. This is roughly one fifth of the world’s current population. Five hundred million people live in areas approaching physical scarcity and 1.6 billion people lack the economic ability to manage their water (Water Scarcity, Unit- ed Nations). In addition, according to a UN report, statistics show that our population is expected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050. Further more, climate change is expected to drastically alter the distribution of water with rising temperatures affect- ing the severity of flooding and droughts. According to an MIT study done in 2008, analysis showed that in some cases just a 20 percent decrease in rainfall could lead to a 70 percent UNITED NATIONS on Water Scarcity: decrease in the recharging of local aquifers. To make matters worse, according to the UN, water use is increasing at more 1.2 Billion People (1/5) population live in areas of physical scarcity than twice the rate of population. As a result, while we theo- 500 Million are approaching physical scacity retically have enough water for earths current population, the 1.6 Billion (almost 1/4) economic water shortage future of water is in crisis due to the rapid increase in popula- tion, rise in temperature due to global warming, and skyrock- Water Use is increasing at more than twice the rate of eting demand for water. population increase

3 Water: Where is it and What is it used for? The World Population Prospects: the 2012 Revision states that the 49 least developed countries are expected to double in population by 2050 while the more developed countries remain about the same. “Rapid growth is ex- pected to continue over the next few decades in countries with high levels of fertility such as Nigeria, Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Uganda but also Afghani- stan and Timor-Leste, where there are more than five children per woman.” (World Popula- tion Projection) All of these nations are already suffering from water scarcity. http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/scarcity.shtml The map above from the United Nations website depicts the uneven dis- Why is the amount of water we use increasing tribution of water. As clearly illustrated, water scarcity is most prevalent so dramatically? Water is one of the most es- in lesser-developed countries and is concentrated around the equator. sential requirements for life. The human body These areas are predicted to be both most intensely affected by climate is made up of 70% water and can only survive change and increase in population. unevenly distributed about 3 days without it. However, water has many uses besides just for drinking. Water is used for sanitation, farming, and energy pro- duction, all of which are predicted to increase dramatically by 2050. United Nations Website 85% of the world population lives in the driest half of the planet 783 million people do not have access to clean water 2.5 Billion do not have access to adequate sanitation 70% increase in food demand by 2050 1 kg of rice requires ~3,500 L of water, 1 kg of beef ~15,000 L 1 cup of coffee ~140 L 60% increase in water as an energy source http://www.unwater.org/water-cooperation-2013/water-cooperation/facts-and-figures/

4 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Water Wars? A Resource Without Borders Water Disputes in 2012 : Syria Libya Afghanistan India Pakistan Brazil Peru Egypt Somalia Kenya Tajikitstan Uzbekistan Sudan South Sudan Ethiopia Mali Mauritania Uganda Tanzania South Africa Indonesia

With this dramatic increase in demand of a scarce re- just in 2012. For example, in water strapped countries like source, are Water Wars in our future? While it is difficult Syria, pipelines used to import water from surrounding re- to imagine entire wars being waged over water, we have gions become military targets. In 2012 a pipeline delivering already seen disputes that include the resource as either a water to the city of Allepo was badly damaged resulting in factor or a means of control. Due to the fact that water does 3 million people suffering from severe shortages of drinking not adhere to political borders and is becoming increas- water(Water Conflict Chronology List). Anytime a country ingly more scarce, the resource has been involved in politi- relies on water sources outside of its political borders, there cal disputes for thousands of years. The map above shows is potential for violent dispute. the countries that experienced violence in relation to water

5 Regional Issues: Southeast Asia The tropical region of Southeast Asia has a high average rainfall, with high temperatures and hu- midity year round. The region ex- periences wet and dry seasons caused by cyclic shifts in winds, Japan: also known as monsoons. Mon- Narrow surface area Rapid runoff soon season brings with it ad- High Population Density ditional rainfall causing floods. (Walsh,Chintraruck)

Japan’s narrow surface area leads to rapid runoff and a lack of area to hold rainwater. High population density increasingly Thailand: puts pressure on un-urbanized Tropical monsoon region Flooding areas to catch and hold water. Rabid modernization, urban- (Walsh,Chintraruck pg 223) ization and industrialization

Thailand also suffers from high Singapore: Small Land area levels of urbanization, industrial- Tropical Climate ization and modernization. Flood- ing as a result of monsoon season is a main issue for water manage- ment. (Walsh,Chintraruck pg 225) Austrialia: Driest continent (after Anarctica) Australia on the other hand is the Highly Variable Flows (floods/ droughts) second driest continent in the Inefficient Water Use (Main prob- world and is subject to highly vari- lem) able flow and very inefficient wa- ter usage. (Walsh,Chintraruck pg 222)

6 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Singapore, An Island City-State Singapore

While technically considered a tropical rain- forest, receiving and average of 92 inches of rainfall a year, Singapore is considered a water stressed nation because of its size. Having an area of only 270 square miles, it is roughly the size of three Washington DC’s. This severely limits the amount of rainwater that can be stored on the island, creating mas- sive amounts of runoff. Drainage systems and reservoirs become incredibly important to the management of water resulting in over 4,970 miles of drains, 32 rivers and 17 reservoirs. google maps This dramatically increases the risk of runoff contamination and makes water pollution a top concern for Singapore. In fact, According to Singapore’s Water Agency (PUB), Protect- ing Water Resources is listed at the top of the 5 key challenges to water management. Sin- gapore has rallied around sustainable water management as a nation and listed the chal- lenges that it must tackle.

“We harvest rain water at a scale no other city has done” -Chew Men Leong CE, PUB PUB Website

Google maps

7 Water Sustainability is a National Challenge

AREA: 270 Sq Miles (3.5 Washington DCs) POP: 5.5 Million GOVERNMENT: Parlimentary Republic Port City, International Trade, High GDP CIA World Fact Book

5 Key Challenges:

1. Protecting Water Resources 2. Processing 3. Minimizing waste 4. Conservation 5. Closing the loop wikimedia Singapore’s Water STory, PUB Website Urbanization and Green Coverage

Another challenge faced by Singapore is its high pop- ulation and extreme density. With 5.5 million people, Singapore contradicts the traditional idea that urban- ization occurs at the expense of nature. Below, imag- es show that instead, through smart planning, green coverage exits on 50% of Singapore’s land, roughly equal to coverage of urbanized land. (A+U pg 22) This allows for a balance between spaces to store runoff water (catchments) and dense urban areas. A+U No. 501 . pg 22 A+U No. 501. pg 22 The intense limitation/competition for space forces 1986 2007 each urban project to address the issue of density.

8 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion 9 Where does Singapore get its Singapore’s 4 National Taps: SUPPLY water? Currently, Singapore’s water is sup- plied by four different means or “taps” 1. Imported as the country has branded them: 1. Imported water currently accounts 2. Desalination for about half of Singapore’s water 3. Catchments with a goal of dramatically reducing this over the coming years. A treaty 4. NEWater with Johor expires in 2061, by which time Singapore is aiming to be com- pletely independent. (PUB)

2. Desalination began in 2005 with 1. Imported (Half of water) the opening of the SingSpring Desal- ination Plant in which currently produces 30 million gallons of water 3. Catchments (2/3rds of Singapore) a day. By 2060, Singapore hopes to account for 25% of its supply with Desalinated water. (PUB) 3. Catchments in the form of Sin- gapore’s 17 reservoirs cover two thirds of Singapore’s land area with the goal of increasing this to 90% by 2060. (PUB) 4. Reused or “NEWater” currently accounts for 30% of Singapore’s http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2010/06/newater-to- http://www.water-technology.net/features/fea- water supply and is used mainly for meet-half-of-.html#.UrQ21aUzwwc ture2026/feature2026-4.html industrial purposes. By 2060, Singa- NEWater is a process of cleaning collect- pore plans to triple the current NE- ed water to point where it is clean enough Water capacity so that NEWater can to drink. This image shows a marketing campaing for “New” drinking water making meet up to 55% of the future water it appealing and removing the stigma of demand. (PUB) “reused water” 10 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion DEMAND: Singapore Over Time This poster is an ex- This vision was of a Singapore that was indepen- ample of the printed dent from Malaysian water, which required an in- media encouraging Singaporeans to keep crease in internal water supply and a decrease in their environment overall demand. To reduce demand, Singapore clean by making them quickly realized this required a change in how peo- aware that “every bit adds up.” ple viewed water. The first of many campaigns be- gan in 1972 entitled “Water is Precious” and pushed the importance of water conservation. It succeeded 1977. Upper Pierce Resevoir in reducing consumption by 4.9% but more was still 1976. “Dont wait till the last needed. (Tortajada 2013) DROP” 1978. “Adapt, Innovate and Prosper” 1973. Water Tariffs School Programs 1981. “Lets Not Waste Precious Water” 1986. Emergency Water Exercise 1972. “Water is Precious” 1983. “Lets Not Waste Precious Water” Part 2 1987. School Kits Distributed PUB Website 1971. Drought 1990. Media Coverage of Drought 1965. Inependence 1991. Water Conservation Tax 1962. Import Aggreement Signed 1992. Singapore Green Plan

1920. Water Limit Reached 1995.Water Rationing Campaign 1819. Founding of Singapore 1997. Water Tarrifs raised

Singapore was founded as a British Colony in 1819, became part of Malaysia in 2003. NEWater launched 1963 and an independent city-state in 1965. By 1920 the population had grown 2004. 3P Approach to 400,000 reaching Singapore’s official water capacity thus forcing them to find other ways to meet the needs of their growing population. In 1927 the first of 4 2006. ABC Waters Program water treaties with Malaysia were signed allowing for the importation of water 10 L Challenge from Johor. After Singapore’s Independence in 1965, the increasing water de- mand was viewed as a positive sign of economic growth. Not until the drought of 1971 did Singapore realize the necessity for water independence and formulated “Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy” a new vision for long term planning of water management and diversifying of in- ternal water resources. (Tortajada 2013)

PUB Website

11 In 1981, “lets Not Waste Precious Water” was geared to- In 1986 an “Emergency Water Exercise” was staged which targeted wards businesses such as hotels and launder mats which the population born after independence that had never experienced were identified as industries having high water consumption. water crisis. Thirty-five thousand households participated in the ex- 1980 also marked the first time that the Singapore Govern- ercise where water was limited. In 1995 an even larger exercise ment Ministries of Environments worked with the education was run in which 30,000 households participated in a 6-day event system to develop a better understanding of environmental that interrupted water supply for 14 hours a day raising awareness issues among students. Singapore’s attack on water demand for the importance of water. The year of 2004 marked a defined

1977. Upper Pierce Resevoir was slowly evolving from strictly signs and advertisements shift in that for the first time water awareness took on the form of and becoming more sophisticated. (Tortajada 2013) a physical place. Several reservoirs were opened for recreational 1976. “Dont wait till the last DROP” facilities and became places of enjoyment for people as part of the 1978. “Adapt, Innovate and Prosper” “Conserve Value Enjoy” campaign. In 2006, ABC Waters Program 1973. Water Tariffs Launched and became the new vision framework for giving value to School Programs 1981. “Lets Not Waste Precious Water” water, raising water awareness and reducing water demand. (Tor- 1986. Emergency Water Exercise tajada 2013) 1972. “Water is Precious” 1983. “Lets Not Waste Precious Water” Part 2 1987. School Kits Distributed 1971. Drought 1990. Media Coverage of Drought 1965. Inependence 1991. Water Conservation Tax 1962. Import Aggreement Signed 1992. Singapore Green Plan

1920. Water Limit Reached 1995.Water Rationing Campaign 1819. Founding of Singapore 1997. Water Tarrifs raised

2003. NEWater launched

2004. 3P Approach 2006. ABC Waters Program 10 L Challenge

“Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy”

PUB Website

12 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion http://www.pub.gov.sg/abcwaters/Pages/default.aspx ` What Are The ABC Waters Projects? Strategy: The ABC Waters Projects, standing for Ac- 1. Master Plan tive Beautiful Clean Waters, is a master 2. Pilot projects through plan for a series of projects that engage Public sector and educate Singaporeans about water. 3. Devlop Design Guide- By creating places for people around wa- lines ter, single solutions tackle multiple issues including water management, urban public http://www.pub.gov.sg/abcwaters/abcwaters- space, public involvement, and water edu- designguidelines/Pages/ABCDesignGuide- lines.aspx cation. Phase one of the master plan con- http://www.pub.gov.sg/abcwaters/Pages/default.aspx sists of 25 projects over the first 5 years, 20 of which have been constructed. Over 150 sites have been identified as potential proj- ects over the next 20 years. The important components of this strategy consist of the initial master plan, pilot projects located in key places that demonstrate the success of the concept and the Design Guidelines that set up a basis for future projects to be developed. (PUB) Phase 1: 25 Projects over 5 Years

150 over 20 year period http://www.pub.gov.sg/abcwaters/Pages/default.aspx

13 Why ABC Waters? “PUB felt that the best way to get people to Internalize these Values was for them to enjoy and appreciate water bodies and waterways. With more opportunities for interaction, people will hopefully develop a sense of ownership and build a closer people-water relationship. “

ABC Waters Entry, Global Water Awards 2013

Does the discussion of “beauty” trivialize landscape architecture as ornamentation? Meyer, Sustaining Beauty

http://www.siww.com.sg/sites/default/files/2013_ “Beauty Performs” “The combination of physical characteristics and sensory qualities alter one’s mental and psychological state.

“Transformative power of the aesthetic experience” Olmsted

“The ABC Waters Programme is a platform for people to look at water in a different way” http://www.siww.com.sg/sites/default/files/2013_Mar_ABC3.html Yap Kheng Guan

“We transformed our utilitarian drains and canals into beautiful waterfront places. By creating Community spaces near water, we encourage people to value water and keep it clean.” CHew Men Leong, CE PUB

“Our waterways and reservoirs should do more than meet our water needs. They should also enhance our living environment and lifestyle.” Lee Hsein Loong, Prime Minister

http://www.siww.com.sg/sites/default/files/2013_Mar_ABC3.html

14 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Central Watershed and Bishan Park

15 Central Watershed and Bishan Park

A+U no. 501 Recent Waterscapes, Dreiseitl Grau

Why does a canal have to be just a canal?

This question was the catalyst for the Central Wa- tershed Bishan Park project located in the heart of Singapore (seen in figure on pg 15). Before the proj- ects’ conception, the central watershed consisted of un-urbanized land and a simple concrete canal, Kal- lang River, which functions as a conduit for water from which is upstream to Marina Reservoir at the mouth of the river. The area, as seen in the image above, was fenced off and not designed for people. This made it the perfect spot for high school students to secretly occupy at night. In times of flood, the area became quite dangerous with water moving very rapidly. (Recent Waterscapes) The Central Watershed A+U no. 501

16 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Central Watershed and Bishan Park

A+U no. 501 pg 71

With the help of Atlier Dreiseitl, Singapore envisioned a new solution for the Central Watershed; one that tackled the issues of water management but also cre- ated a space for people to enjoy and interact with wa- ter, thus the new Bishan Park was born. The proposal ripped up the existing canal and in its place construct- ed a naturalized river with bioengineered riverbanks flanked by park space. (Recent waterscapes)

Recent Waterscapes, Dreiseitl Grau

17 Central Watershed and Bishan Park The park space was packed with activities to encourage its use by the Singapore people it was de- signed for. Playgrounds, gardens, galleries, dog parks and fitness stations ensure that there is an activity for every one of all ages. (Full list Below) Children can now safely play in the shallow water that moves slowly downstream due to the designed meandering path. The water is cleaned and filtered of its pollutants due to the carefully chosen plans that con- struct and hold the banks. (Eco- Efficient) These plants create a thriving ecosystem for wildlife such as birds, wild flowers and dragonflies, which provide much entertainment, and enjoyment for the people. What was once a fenced off concrete drain is now a thriving cultural destination as well as functioning water management project.

Activities/Facilities: Carpark, Toilets, Event lawn, Children’s playground, Health & fitness activities, Playground, Foot reflexology footpath, Fitness corner/ stations & fitness equip- ment/ exercise station, Food & beverage area/ restaurant/ cafe, Dog run corner Topos, New Waters for Singapore 18 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Central Watershed and Bishan Park It is interesting to note that the images of these projects all depict highly used and occupied spaces. The design does not purely exist in theory or on paper but actually functions to attract and educate the people of Singapore.

A+U No. 501

“A lot of these kids have never touched a stream before” Herbert Dreiseitl A+U no. 501. pg 68 One interesting example of how Bishan Park directly engaged the community was through a student art project. Students were asked to draw, paint and sculpt wildlife that they saw in the park. This was then incor- porated into the playgrounds so that the children had all physically contributed to the making of the place.

A+U No. 501 19 Central Watershed and Bishan Park Completed in 2012, the project gar- nered much respect achieving sev- eral big awards:

-Landscape of the Year in October 2012 (World Architecture Festival) -Environmental Award 2012 (2012 Wa- terfront Center) -President’s Design Award (Singapore) 2012

What are some of the key features that made the project so success- ful? Singapore asked the canal to be more than just a functional portion of the system. The result is a place that functions as an important water quality treatment zone but also be- comes a place for people to interact and celebrate water. This interaction encourages a sense of ownership of the environment and a responsibility to keep it clean.

Key Factors:

A larger scale project that is centrally located Easily accessible by car, bus and trol- ley Made something beautiful out of a previous eyesore Activities to promote occupation Addressed different age groups

A+U No. 501

20 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Lorong Halus Wetland

21 Lorong Halus Wetland

The Image to the left was taken from the Lorong Halus learning trails website and is a graphic used at the wetland to orient visitors within the site. The nature of the map is simi- lar to that of a theme park as if listing attractions to see.

ABC Waters Learning Trails, http://www.abcwaterslearningtrails.sg/web/lorong-halus.php

What else can a landfill be? Historically, Lorong Halus served as Singapore’s solid waste landfill from 1970 to1999 and is the size of about 100 football fields. As part of the ABC projects goal to create urban space that celebrates water, a portion was transformed into a reclaimed wetland, educa- tional site and sanctuary for plants, birds and other wildlife. Located on the Reservoir it features educational kiosks, equal- ization tanks, aeration lagoons, sedimentation tanks, gravel reed beds, and polishing ponds. (Learning Trails) Phytoremediation is used to neutralize contaminants in the water. The plants used to clean the water also provide a new ecosystem for plants and animals that can be enjoyed by people. (“ABC Waters” Entry) The Site also provides recreational space to bring people to the site. Singapore has capitalized on this as the perfect opportunity to educate people about water treatment, supply and quality creating a large adoption program for schools to help educate the public.

22 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Lorong Halus Wetland Bioremediation: This image shows the plantlife used for bioreme- This image taken from a families blog is an excellent example of who is at- diation. These clean the water and provide habitat for animals. tracted to sites like these. The bridge that connects the site to the neighbor- hoods across the river can also be seen

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/large/49556097.jpg

Adoption Program: Singapore hosts an involved “adoption program” where indivduals, private companies and schools can adopt a reservoir. This further fosters community involvement and stewardship of the environment http://thelittlethingsyjdo.blogspot.com/2011/07/lazy-saturday-9am-hus-woke-me-up-and.html Example Adopters: Secondary School has taken on the job of be- Seng Kang Secondary School used Lorong Halus as the prem- coming nature guides. Student volunteers were trained ise for a science project in which the students were to develop to lead guided tours in which people learn about the learning trails geared toward younger students, brochures about flora and fauna as well as Lorong’s role in Singapore’s the wetlands, and design a visitor’s center for the Wetlands. water management system. (Learning Trails Website)

Greendale Secondary is in charge of bike patrol pro- The Nature Society Singapore provides training for students gram that promotes road safety as well as discourages from adopter schools on bird watching, educating them about littering and illegal fishing. (Learning Trails Website) the relationship between clean water and wildlife as well as or- ganizing bird watching and nature walks for the public.

23 Below is an example of the signage that one This image, taken from the same blog, shows a mother This image, taken from a photogra- would encounter to clearly mark site as part of and daughter posing in front of a educational sign similar phers website, shows a family protrait the ABC Waters Program to how tourists pose in front of attractions. made in the wetland, underscoring the aesthetic nature of the place.

http://thelittlethingsyjdo.blogspot.com/2011/07/lazy-satur- http://thelittlethingsyjdo.blogspot.com/2011/07/lazy-saturday-9am-hus- http://www.cinography.com/wp-content/up- day-9am-hus-woke-me-up-and.html woke-me-up-and.html loads/2012/11/pace-03.jpg

Key Features: What are some of the key features that made the project so successful? Small Project This project is smaller in scale and shows that a lot can be achieved with just a por- Educational tion of a larger problematic site. The whole landfill has not become a new wetland, School Adoption Program but the small area that has is celebrated and taken advantage of. They have used Recreational Space every opportunity to involve students and children in an effort to educate them about Easily accessible (Located near the importance of water. This gets them out of the classroom and into nature where Residential Areas and is connect- they get hands on experience testing water quality and teaching others about water. ed via pedestrian bridge) The once landfill has become an exciting destination.

24 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Marina Reservoir

25 Marina Reservoir What else can a water treatment plant do besides treat water?

Singapore has made it a “Water Piazza in the City.”(Our Water our Future) The Marina Res- ervoir is contained by Dam and is the first reservoir in the city as well as the largest and most urbanized catchment in Sin- gapore. Approximately one sixth of the county’s storm water is collected here. The Marina Bay is the most iconic city center of Singapore and functions as a large tourist center and business district, making the Marina Barrage a high pro- file project. The Pump station and water treat- ment plant are important for keeping salt water from entering the reservoirs large water supply as well as alleviating floods. More than just a water treatment plant, The Marina Barrage has become a major attraction. Its iconic shape ABC Waters Learning Trails, http://www.abcwaterslearningtrails.sg/web/marina-reservoir.php , and green roof create many opportunities for people to enjoy the spaces created. Activities and uses listed include kite flying, picnicking, installation art, wedding shoots, and movie sets. The treatment plant shares the whirlpool like building with the Sustainable Singapore Key Features: Gallery where interactive multi-media displays, exhibits and games educate the public about Scale important environmental and water issues and Location touts over 4million visitors since its opening in Tourist Attraction 2008. (A+U no 501 pg 50) Public Park Space Festivals and Events

26 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Marina Barrage

The Marina Barrage is incredibly suc- cessful because of its public use and the range of types of people it attracts. By programming the space for recreation such as kite flying, the site attracts casual everyday occupants who want to spend an afternoon outdoors. The space can be used like a park for picnicking and such casual events, but also for large festivals. The scale adequately responds to its prominent location making a tourist des- tination aided by a large museum galley space. People who are just visiting the area want to visit the museum/art walk A+U No. 501 making it an attraction. The educational component ensures its draw for school aged children and teachers as well as people in the community interested in learning about water. However, one could argue that water education occurs re- gardless of whether or not intended due to encouraging public interaction with a water treatment facility. By making a fa- cility that is typically isolated from public view aesthetically and recreationally ap- pealing to people, you are embedding that understanding of a water treatment facility into a culture. Singapore has tak- en maximum advantage of a new project to get the most for their investment.

A+U No. 501

27 Marina Reservoir

This image shows a huge water festival held at the Marian Barrage for World Water Day. Activities are centered around the protection and management of Singapore’s water. The large green space is also used for many other events through out the year continuously encouraging people to interact with water. See Calendar of Events at: http://www.pub.gov.sg/Marina/Pages/Calendar-of- Events.aspx This image also sends an important message. Singapore’s issue of water man- agement is everyone’s issue and must be addressed by involving each indi- vidual to achieve complete water sustainability.

https://www.challenge.gov.sg/2013/04/news-service-2013/

28 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Wet News, Singapore

Water Makes the News Singapore has made water front and center in the minds of its people. These news ar- ticles exemplify Singapore’s act of celebrat- ing these issues in the media. But they have gone so much farther than merely bringing awareness to the issue of water scarcity through printed material. They have created spaces that affect change within the culture. Through the design of the ABC Waters Proj- ects, people think differently about water. They are personally involved and emotional- ly tied to the success or failure of water man- agement. Singapore values water, which is the key to bridging the gap between the indi- vidual and global issue.

http://www.siww.com.sg/media/pub’s-active-beautiful-clean-waters-abc-waters-programme-wins-global-water-awards-2013

29 Conclusion: Lessons from Singapore Do More Every time we build a water treatment plant without asking what else it could do for people, we have done our community a disservice. As designers and planners it is our responsibility to look at problems of all scales as possibilities for new and better futures. One solu- tion should address as many problems as possible and maintain both a responsibility to the environment and the community. We have to be ambitious in our project goals. We must use the problems we are faced with as opportunities to ask exciting questions like “What else can it do?” and “What else can it be?”

Involve People We must create places for water AND people. By creating inviting places centered around water, people will inherently value water. These places must celebrate water as a precious resource but also provide enjoyment and education to the people who use the space.

Involve schools By involving schools in the process, the projects are educational from the start. For example, St. Andrew’s Secondary School adopted River in 2005 and has since conducted river studies where students study the changes in the river’s environment. (Learning Trails) These students will forever understand the direct relationship between themselves and their river. Students develop a sense of stewardship of the environment.

Involve private sector By involving the private sector, we gain the financial ability to execute our goals. Singapore’s adoption program provides an excellent way for the private sector to get involved in the cause by also providing them the opportunity to advertise for themselves. One of many example of this is of Sony Electronics Asia Pacific joining with school students to create floating wetlands to improve water quality at .

In the End We Must Create Culture How can we affect mass change in how we approach water management at the scale of the individual? By creating a culture around water in which people are invested in the cause and tied to its success. The places that we create as designers and planners must do more. They must be places for water and people; places for people to celebrate, enjoy, experience, and learn about water. They must be embedded in everyday life and take on functions that encourage daily interaction with the environment. These places should be thought of as destinations and treated as places to spend time and take pleasure in. To make long lasting change, we must embed the value of water within a culture.

30 Global Water Regional Water Singapore Water ABC Water Conclusion Sources:

Dreiseitl, Herbert. 2007. “New waterscapes for Singapore.” Topos: The International Review Of Landscape Architecture & Urban Design no. 59: 24-30. Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals, EBSCOhost (accessed November 19, 2013).

“What is the ABC Waters programme?.” A + U: Architecture & Urbanism 501, (June 2012): 64-65. Art Full Text (H.W. Wilson), EBSCOhost (accessed November 19, 2013).

Tortajada, C., and Y.K. Joshi. “Water Demand Management in Singapore: Involving the Public.” Water Resources Management 27, no. 8 (June 1, 2013): 2729-2746. Inspec, EBSCOhost (ac- cessed November 19, 2013).

Bloomberg, Michael R., et al. “Singapore: capital city for vertical green.” A & U: Architecture & Urbanism no. 6 (June 2012): Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals, EBSCOhost (accessed November 19, 2013).

Bhullar, Lovleen. “Climate Change Adaptation and Water Policy: Lessons from Singapore.” Sus- tainable Development 21, no. 3 (May 2013): 152-159. Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 19, 2013).

Chintraruck, Alin, and John Walsh. “Contemporary Water Management Issues in Thailand in Comparative Perspective.” Journal Of Social & Development Sciences 4, no. 5 (May 2013): 218. Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost (accessed November 19, 2013).

“Singapore reservoir: a sporting triumph. (cover story).” WET News: Water & Effluent Treatment News 16, no. 8 (August 2010): 1. Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 19, 2013).

Hilger, Tim. “The Importance Of Institutions For Water Sector Performance: A Comparative Analy- sis Of India And Singapore.” Asian Journal Of Public Affairs 4, no. 2 (October 2012): 53-73. Politi- cal Science Complete, EBSCOhost (accessed November 19, 2013).

Meyer, Elizabeth K. “Sustaining beauty, the performance of appearance: a manifesto in three parts.” Journal Of Landscape Architecture: Jola (Spring 2008): 6-23. Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals, EBSCOhost (accessed October 16, 2013).

31 Website Links

ABC Waters Learning Trails http://www.abcwaterslearningtrails.sg/web/about-us.php

ABC Waters Program Fact Sheet http://app.mewr.gov.sg/data/ImgCont/1386/9.%20Factsheet-%20ABC%20Waters%20[web].pdf

Eco-efficient and Sustainable urban infrastructure Development inAsia and Latin America http://www.unescap.org/esd/environment/infra/suncheon/documents/Case_studies/SINGAPORE-ABC- Waters-Programme.pdf

ABC: A Sustainable Approach to Water REsource Management in Singapore. PUB Presentation http://www.cbd.int/doc/meetings/nbsap/nbsapcbw-seasi-01/other/nbsapcbw-seasi-01-sg-water-en.pdf

UN- Water Scarcity http://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/scarcity.shtml

Water Conflict Chronology List http://www.worldwater.org/conflict/list/

Bringing Into Bishan Park-PRess Release Oct. 2009 http://www.news.gov.sg/public/sgpc/en/media_releases/agencies/pub/press_release/P-20091002-1

CIA Wolrd Factbook-SIngapore https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sn.html

World population projected to reach 9.6 billion by 2050 – UN report http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45165#.UqoFjKUzwwc

PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme wins at Global Water Awards 2013 http://www.siww.com.sg/media/pub’s-active-beautiful-clean-waters-abc-waters-programme- wins-global-water-awards-2013

“ABC Waters” Entry For The Global Awards 2013 http://www.siww.com.sg/2014/sites/default/files/ABC_Waters_entry_forGWA2013.pdf

ABC Waters Design Guidelines http://www.pub.gov.sg/abcwaters/abcwatersdesignguidelines/Pages/ABCDesignGuidelines.aspx

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