~ Newater – Tap 1.

I find this method of increasing their water supply very amusing but very innovative as well. This method is using sewage water into water, able to be consumed. I shall explain this method in detail.

Newater is using sewage water, reclaimed by the Singapore’s public utilities and converting this water into drinkable water. They use unlikely resources such as dirty, down-the-toilet-bowl, water to make into water which is safe for human consumption. It makes the water go through stringent water purification methods to make the water clean and sparkling, ready for human consumption.

The waste water is first treated in the conventional waste water treatment which is the first barrier for removing as much solid content and sludge in the water as possible. Singapore’s six water reclamation plants will do the first stage of the process.

NEWater treatment process.

A percentage of the treated water would be already used by industries. The other percentage of water is then treated to be Newater. This water goes through 3 complex steps to make the water fit for human consumption. These 3 steps are microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet disinfection.

Microfiltration is when the treated water passes through fibres which are filters to block out the tiniest of dirt particles. At this stage, dirt particles are removed to ensure good quality water and to prevent clogging up at the next stage which is reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis is when the microfiltered water is applied pressure to flow through a partially permeable membrane which removes inorganic substances such as chloride and sulfate and organics such as disinfection by-products, pesticides and viruses. This membrane also removes 95 percent of total dissolved solids, which makes the water very clean.
Ultraviolet disinfection is a safety measure to remove the dirt particles which went through the membrane of reverse osmosis to ensure the purity of the water. Alkaline chemicals are also added to balance out the acidity level and Ph balance to ensure and confirm that the water is safe for human consumption.

Ultraviolet Disinfection System.

Newater is able to meet 30% of Singapore’s water requirements. This means that Newater plays a huge role in Singapore’s water supply. This also allows the Singapore government to find a way to use their unlimited supply of sewage water, using undrinkable water, to make water ready for human consumption. Some of the Newater is also blended with raw reservoir water.