Sustaining our future with water treatment technologies

THE United Nations predicts that by 2030, there will be another billion people on our planet, which will increase pressure on our finite natural resources - perhaps most importantly, water. Currently, 84 per cent of the rural populations and 96 per cent of urban populations in Asean countries have access to clean drinking water, though the level of wastewater treated varies from 100 per cent in Singapore to less than 15 per cent in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Given the significant population growth projected in the region, it is apparent that unless there is more investment in water and wastewater treatment technologies, these statistics will not improve - and could even deteriorate.

While Singapore has access to a safe and secure water supply (much of which is derived from neighbouring countries) and wastewater treatment standards are high, the country is exposed to pollution from its neighbours and must confront the fact that a regional policy approach needs to be adopted.