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David L
Apr 24, 20204 min read

Water Crisis in Two Developed Nations.

Updated: Apr 26, 2020

Raindrops strummed incessantly on my window on this wet monsoon afternoon. Living in tropical Singapore, it is difficult to fathom the nations’ never-ending uphill battle to ensure sufficient safe water - to supply a thriving population and burgeoning industries.


Water scarcity is the lack of fresh water resources to meet water demand. Affecting 1 in 9 people in all continents of the world, it was listed in 2019 by the World Economic Forum as the fourth most significant risk to global societies. Whilst 785 million people lack access to safe water, 1 million die annually from water, sanitation and hygiene related diseases.


CANADA - First Nations' Water Conundrum

Canada is one of the most water-abundant countries in the world. Ironically, it faces a water crisis. Being the second largest country in the world (by surface area), accessibility to portable and safe water is expectedly difficult. Many indigenous communities, called the First Nations, face tainted water and defective water systems. 73% of First Nations’ water systems, which are usually reserve water, are at medium to high risk of contamination. Traditional indigenous activities like water ceremonies, fishing, and hunting are adversely affected too.


First Nation communities in Ontario are in particular affected. The Shoal Lake 40, for example, has had advisories on its water since 1997. Many of its population have been on bottled water for over 20 years. A water treatment plant was planned and schedule for completion by December 2020.


By mid 2018, there were reportedly 173 advisories regarding water use within Canada. Their water source has become affected by issues like:

  • Escherichia coli (a bacteria that can cause diarrhoea),

  • Trihalomethane (an undesired by-product of chlorination that is possibly carcinogenic),

  • Uranium (overloads the kidneys and possibly carcinogenic), and

  • Murky water from metallic sediments in taps and water systems.

  • Zebra mussels, an invasive species in water bodies that clog up water pipes.


Many advocacy bodies like the Human Rights Watch have urged the Canadian government to prioritise improving water quality for First Nations. Whilst tight regulations uphold water quality in major Canadian cities, there is reportedly “no binding regulation to ensure quality of water in reserve areas”. Funding the building of water treatment plants and upkeep of current water systems are likely the key to curb the Canadian water crisis. Hence, advocacy bodies have suggested that a minor increase of 0.5% corporate tax would suffice this financial endeavour.


SINGAPORE - Hope for an everlasting fountain from the Merlion's mouth. Singapore is 13,883 times smaller than Canada. Our water issues stem from different geo-political background. Despite having a dense population, rapid urbanisation has enabled water accessibility. As of 24 April 2020, Singapore’s population is 5,841,750. By 2060, our population rises to 6,265,076, but our water demand doubles. This is largely driven by our non-domestic sector, where it will account for 70% of water use. In 2014, a prolonged dry spell depleted Linggiu Reservoir in Johor to a historic low of 54.5% its full capacity. Singapore had to stop water extraction from its neighbour 77 times that year to prevent intrusion of sea water which can contaminate the water system. This was, however, far from the worst.



The last major water rationing in Singapore occurred in 1963, where tap water was cut for six hours, four days a week. This lasted for 10 months as supplies were constantly low. Even then, our forefathers counted their blessings - water quality was not compromised despite reduced quantity. This was two years after the island secured the 1961 Water Agreement with Johor. On hindsight would have been disastrous without pressing on with the Agreement then.


Singapore’s current water strategies include:

  • Collect every drop of water

  • Reuse water endlessly

  • Desalinate seawater.







Singapore’s water supplies comes from our Four National Taps:

  1. Water for Local Catchments - this will increase to account for two-thirds of our total land area

  2. Imported Water - under the 1962 Water Agreement, Singapore is allowed to draw up to 250 million gallons er day of water from Johor River until 2061

  3. NEWater - involves high-grade reclaimed water (see Picture) from the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS), a 48km long used water highway.

  4. Desalinated Water - Desalination plants treat sea water, and will contribute to 30% of the island’s water needs by 2060.


WHAT NEXT?

Given the geo-political differences, Canada and Singapore face different challenges. Below is a quick summary of the obstacles faced.


What should we do? Everyone can play a part. Why not let's try PUB's 7 water saving habits for a start?


References:

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