Deep Tunnel Sewerage System wins Global Water Award

Singapore's Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) is fast gaining recognition on the global water stage with its second international award in less than a year. Crowned 'Water Project of the Year' at the Global Water Awards 2009 in Zurich (Switzerland), the DTSS was selected as the water project with the most significant contribution to water technology and environmental protection.

The annual Global Water Awards, organised by the Global Water Intelligence, is widely recognised as one of the most prestigious symbol of achievement in the global water industry.

The USD3.65 billion (EUR1.86 billion) DTSS is Singapore's superhighway to meet its used water needs for the next 100 years. Conceptualised and managed by Singapore's national water agency, PUB, it was conceived as a cost-effective and sustainable solution to meet Singapore's long-term used water needs. The mammoth DTSS conveys used water from homes and industries through a 48-km long deep tunnel sewer that runs 20 to 55 metres below ground to a centralised water reclamation plant for treatment.

The heart of the DTSS, the Changi Water Reclamation Plant is a state-of-the-art used water plant capable of treating 800,000 cubic metres (176 million gallons) of used water a day to international standards. The treated used water is then discharged into the sea through deep sea outfalls or channelled to the Changi NEWater factory on the rooftop of the reclamation plant where it is further purified through advanced membrane technologies into NEWater, Singapore's own brand of reclaimed water.

In clinching the 'Water Project of the Year' award, the DTSS beat competition from Jordan's As Samra Waste Water Treatment Plant, Geneva Water Treatment Facility in Illinois as well as the Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant in San Diego. This is the second international award for DTSS. Last year, it emerged as the global winner in the Planning Projects category of the International Water Association (IWA) Project Innovation Awards last year.

Besides the DTSS, PUB's water management strategy also has been making waves internationally in the last few years. The 'Water Project of the Year' award is the third award that PUB has received at the annual Global Water Awards. PUB was named

'Water Agency of the Year' at the 2006 Global Water Awards while NEWater, Singapore's own brand of reclaimed water garnered the 'Environmental Contribution of the Year' award last year. Topping off the honours, PUB won the Stockholm Industry Water Award in 2007, one of the highest accolades in the international water sector.

Giving a major boost to Singapore's global hydrohub aspirations is the Singapore International Water Week, the global platform for water solutions. Come 22 to 26 June, close to 10,000 delegates and trade visitors are expected to gather in Singapore to address challenges, showcase technologies, discover opportunities and celebrate achievements at the second Water Week this year. The Changi Water Reclamation Plant will be the star of this year's Water Week where it will officially be opened by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.