Singapore looking to raise water tariffs

THE Singapore government is looking to raise water tariffs as the cost of producing and supplying water rises.

This comes as the level of water in Linggiu reservoir in Johor remains low, and Singapore ramps up other sources of water supply through desalination and NEWater plants.

"Going forward we are seeing higher costs in producing the water," said Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli on Tuesday. Water pipes now have to be dug deeper due to increasing urbanisation, and older transmission pipes and plants also have to be upgraded, he explained.

These, together with the need to ensure a sustainable supply of water, means "we have to price water right", he added.

Mr Masagos was speaking to reporters during a visit to the Tuas Desalination Plant that is still under construction. The plant, now 60 per cent completed, is expected to be running by the end of this year.

He said that more details on the increase, such as the quantum and when it will be implemented, will be announced by the ministry during the Budget debate.

The last time Singapore raised water tariffs was 17 years ago.