New water innovation research facility launched

Singapore

FROM a water-scarce nation to one which has four sources of water, Singapore has made great strides in its quest for water security. But the Republic is not resting on its laurels.

National water agency PUB on Tuesday took steps to beef up research into water supply and innovation, with the launch of a new water research facility, and the inking of two agreements with other countries to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise in the water sector.

The new research facility, which will open in Jurong in January 2018, will be run by Japanese firm Kurita Water Industries and supported by PUB and Singapore's Economic Development Board.

It is the firm's first research facility in Asia outside of Japan, and will focus on developing technologies for desalination and the recycling of waste water. These are areas relevant for Singapore, which counts among its four water sources desalination (the process of converting sea water to potable water), Newater (treated used water), water from its …