Latest Press Releases > July 2008

2 July 2008

SDWA LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVE FOR RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND OUTREACH IN AQUATIC SCIENCES

The Singapore-Delft Water Alliance (SDWA), a joint research initiative formed in February 2007 between the National University of Singapore (NUS), PUB and Delft Hydraulics (now part of Deltares), has launched a new initiative to set up environmental observatories deployed at critical locations to cover a range of scales, environmental conditions and land uses.  SDWA’s vision of environmental observatories includes three Aquatic Science Centres (ASCs) encompassing both human-dominated and natural environments. The three envisaged ASCs are to be developed on: urban canal, reservoir/lake and in a marine setting.

At the ASCs, environmental scientists, social scientists, engineers and policy makers will be brought together to develop integrated approaches to addressing water problems.  In addition to serving as research hubs, this network of ASCs will also be open for public and in this fashion play an educational, outreach and PPP (Public Private Partnership) role. Aquatic Science Centres will contribute to wider public appreciation of scientific and engineering efforts required to maintain clean water bodies and promote appreciation of water and its conservation.

To kick-start the initiative, SDWA will be setting up a new Aquatic Science Centre at Sungei Ulu Pandan (ASC@Sg Ulu Pandan) to carry out in-depth studies on urban freshwater management and to translate research activities into real-world applications. Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, officiated at the launch of concept plan for the proposed ASC@Sg Ulu Pandan today. Jointly funded by NUS, PUB and the Environment & Water Initiative of the National Research Foundation (NRF), the proposed ASC facility will also include an interactive showcase of urban freshwater research projects and technologies for public education.

Professor Barry Halliwell, NUS Deputy President (Research and Technology) and Chairman, Board of Trustees of SDWA, said, “How we use and reuse water in the city will become increasingly critical as we expect two-third of the world’s population will be living in cities by 2050. The research activities at the ASC will help us understand the fundamental processes so as to develop sustainable solutions to further enhance the quality and supply of freshwater in Singapore. The ASC is a testimony to the commitment of SDWA and its partners in studying water-related issues that will lead to improved supply, international collaboration and commercialization possibilities.”

The proposed ASC@Sg Ulu Pandan will look into low energy-requiring and environmentally-friendly approaches to improve water flow and quality based on its test-bedding research facilities to be developed.

“The centre is part of PUB’s continuous investments in R&D to ensure a sustainable water supply for all Singaporeans. Research carried out by the centre on understanding and managing water quality and flow at waterways will have direct applications for PUB’s Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Programme,” said Mr Tan Nguan Sen, PUB’s director of Catchment & Waterways. The Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters ( ABC Waters) Programme aims to transform Singapore’s drains, canals and rivers into vibrant, clean and aesthetically pleasing streams, rivers and lakes where the public can enjoy recreational and communual bonding activities. 

The proposed ASC, which is designed in collaboration with Surbana International Consultants, is scheduled to complete by the end of 2009. Covering approximately 1,800 square metres of gross floor area along Sungei Ulu Pandan, the facility will comprise field research areas, laboratories and separate walking areas for researchers and visitors to allow visitors to appreciate water-based R&D in progress. 

Research on Urban Freshwater Water Management

Nearly 20 researchers from various disciplines ranging from biology (ecology, biodiversity, physiology and biochemistry) and engineering (river engineering and flood control) to hydrodynamics, hydroinformatics and water chemistry will carry out joint research at the ASC.

The ASC will focus on research activities targeted at enhancing the quality and supply of freshwater. Scientists will conduct studies in three broad areas – (i) to improve water quality and supply using cost-effective methods such as vegetated roofs and micro-organisms to treat urban runoffs; (ii) to mitigate flooding risk by integrating knowledge from (i) with flooding risk potential of methods adopted; and (iii) to understand the bio-, geo- and physico-chemical processes in soil-water and root-water interfaces. The knowledge generated will allow us to better understand the factors affecting water flow, supply and quality, and provide means to manipulate them for better water management.

Research work at the ASC will complement other SDWA water-related research projects in areas such as “Building with Nature” for sustainable marine and inland water construction, integrated maritime forecast and smart sensing of water systems.  

Training and Public Education

When completed, the ASC will host visitors, schools and organised groups to raise awareness of urban freshwater management in Singapore and other major cities. In addition, activities and exhibits will be specially designed to promote an appreciation of the current level of technologies and the gaps that need to be filled by R&D. There are also plans to include water artworks by award-winning artists that reflect technology, culture and creativity. Training of tertiary, junior college and secondary school students through attachments is being explored.