Quest for water security in Singapore

Abstract

For decades, the main goal of Singapore in terms of water resources has been to become water-secure. As a result, water availability, accessibility, and affordability have traditionally been decided at the highest political level. Singapore’s overall development is linked to a great extent to ‘blue development’, the amount of water available in sufficient quantity and quality and at affordable prices for the growing number of uses and users in every sector. The city–state aims to be water-secure, self-sufficient, and resilient by 2060, when water consumption will be twice today’s level. An important global city, Singapore will continue improving its economic and social conditions to match both local expectations and global prospects. Trends indicate that it will become more urban, more industrialised, and more competitive, which will result in higher water demand. Known for its key policies and innovations, Singapore will have to continue planning within a long-term framework to become water-secure and achieve its overall development goals.