Brief Introduction of Our Group

Hi, we are Secondary 2 students from Anglican High School. Our class, 2D, visited Lower Seletar Reservoir. We were divided into groups and our group consists of Jing Hang(our leader), Marcus, Zann, Denise, Nicholas and Alexia. We felt that we have learnt a lot about the Singapore Water Story and we would like to share all of it in this blog.

Introduction to Lower Seletar Reservoir

Lower Seletar Reservoir was opened in June 2010 and it was made by building a dam across Sungei Seletar. A series of drains and canals would channel rainwater that has fallen in parts of Yishun and Ang Mo Kio to this reservoir. Singapore has 4 national taps namely the local catchment water, imported water, NEWater and desalinated water and these national taps play a major role in ensuring that Singapore get enough supply of drinking water. These are part of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme which aims to create clean streams, rivers and lakes which are well integrated with surrounding parts and green space, bringing people closer to nature.

Group Reflections of the Stations

We went to different stations namely the Heritage Panels, Viewing Gallery, Fishing Jetty, Litter Trap, Rain Garden and the Bioretention Swales. Through these stations we learnt a lot about how the government handles the water bodies in Singapore and the origins of Lower Seletar Reservoir.

Station 1- Heritage Panels 

At our first station, the Heritage Panels, we gained insight about the past of Lower Seletar Reservoir and what it was like before it became a reservoir. The earlier names of Seletar was Srí Lohíta (meaning straits) and in the 19th century people used to grow crops such as pineapple and rubber which they would use to trade for other items such as herbs, tobacco and kerosene along the Seletar River. In the 1920, the Seletar Reservoir was built so as to increase the supply of drinking water to support Singapore’s increasing population and industralisation. As a result of expansion in the 1940 and 1967, the Seletar reservoir ‘s size was greatly increased and it became Singapore’s largest reservoir and also a popular leisure spot. The earlier name of Lower Seletar Reservoir is Sungei Seletar Reservoir which was built in 1986 to further ensure that Seletar Reservoir could hold sufficient water. However in 1992 Seletar Reservoir was renamed Upper Seletar Reservoir and Sungei Seletar Reservoir became what we come to know today as Lower Seletar Reservoir. In 2010, the ABC Waters Programme had changed Lower Seletar Reservoir with the aim of turning Singapore into a city of Gardens and Waters.

Station 2- Viewing Gallery 

At our second station, the Viewing Gallery, we were met by a beautiful structure where we were briefed about later on. The canopies of the viewing gallery are inspired by the fishing nets our ancestors used and the design of this structure was meant to retain the historical value of what our ancestors did and use. As we took a look across the landscape, we saw a lot of people doing various activities such as canoeing, fishing and jogging.

Station 3- Fishing Jetty

At our third station, the Fishing Jetty, we assessed the water quality at Lower Seletar Reservoir and we tested it to see if it could be healthy to the ecosystem and whether it was safe for human consumption. Firstly, we observed and smelled the water as the smell can give a rough indication of pollution sources and give the basic information about the water quality. We observed that there were no particles in the water and no debris on the surface, there was also no odour so therefore our analysis was that it was clean. After that, we observed the colour of the water as it could give a clue on whether there are any dissolved pollutants or bacteria in the water. We observed that the water was greenish yellow in colour and our analysis was that there was algae suspended in the water, which indicates an algal bloom usually caused by high nutrients in the water, fertilisers or organic matter. Later, we tested the turbidity, which is the level of “murkiness”, of the water, this means that there are particles in the water like soil, sediments, algae or other organic matter suspended in the water that affects the amount of light that can penetrate through the water, which can then in turn affect the aquatic plant life. We could observe that the number on the turbidity disc was 40 Jta and we can analyse that the water was slightly turbid. We also measured the temperature of the water which affects the amount of dissolved oxygen, during the time of our reading it was 30-32 degrees celsius and can analyze that it was in the acceptable range. Then, we measured the dissolved oxygen, which is the amount of oxygen dissolved in a given volume of water, the reading was 4ppm (parts per million) and so our analysis was that the amount of oxygen was acceptable. Lastly, we measured the pH level of the water and we got 7-8 pH and we can analyze that the pH level of the water is neutral. In the end, we concluded that the overall quality of the water is clean but we still cannot drink the water from this reservoir as there are other minerals present, like algae and because the water in Lower Seletar Reservoir comes from drains, which affects the water quality.

Station 4- Litter Trap

At our fourth station, the Litter Trap, we observed and studied how this structure helps to reduce the amount of pollution in water collected from water catchment areas going into the reservoir. Simple activities such as cycling and jogging might even cause these waters to be pollution as sometimes we want convenience and would just throw any litter that we have into the reservoir or oceans. This litter trap is placed at the mouth of the canal and it is to ensure that not too much of the polluted river flows into the reservoir. The pollutants such as plastic bags, plastic bottles and sticks will do quite an impact as these pollutant will affect the water quality and might kill marine life. Also, two-thirds of Singapore is now water catchments and the rain falling on these areas are used to supply water for Singapore and we think that everyone should do their part in keeping our drains,ponds and canals clean and unpolluted so that we can get a clean supply of drinking water much easily.

Station 5- Rain Garden

Reaching the final destination of the journey, the Rain Garden , also it is called the bio retention basin, the rain garden here collects, retains and treats rainwater runoff that flows from the park. The filtered rainwater is then further treated and reused in the water play area and wading stream. Approximately 80 square meters in size, the rain garden not only enhances the quality of rainwater runoff, but also promotes biodiversity. About 10 species of plants have been planted here.We made careful observations to the cross section of the rain too.The rain garden is a habit for mostly insects such as butterflies and birds also.Rain gardens provide plants with excessive nutrients and thus as a filter for the water before it is released, this will stop algae growth.

E Postcard

Hi Jacob,

How have you been? It has been such a long time since we last met, maybe we can meet up someday. I recently went to the Lower Seletar Reservoir to learn more about the Singapore Water Story and I would like to share my thoughts about the place

I was awestruck by the breathtaking view of the place and its beautiful crystal clear waters reflecting the glow of the sunlight. There were people of all age groups participating in a array of activities such as canoeing, golfing and jogging.

The place was so vibrant and bursting with life. It warmed my heart just seeing countless people just enjoying their time and the scenery of the reservoir. The place was just so lovely and picturesque with a beautiful horizon and tall plants all planted to retain precious drops of water.

I was simply amazed by how beautiful the reservoir was and I really hope that we can someday visit this place together so that you may be able to enjoy all that I have said. Hope to hear from you soon!

Love,
Joseph

Individual Reflections from the Group

During our short trip to Lower Seletar Reservoir,I had learnt about how Singapore can cope with water shortage.I found out that there are four national taps which consists of water from local catchment areas,imported water,NEWater and desalinated water are basically the main sources of water that Singapore has,so if one of the taps stopped working,there will still be the other taps supporting the water.One of the taps is local catchment areas which also includes Lower Seletar Reservoir.The ABC(Active,Beautiful,Clean) water programme with Lower Seletar Reservoir had started in 2010 that had make design structures including that of rain gardens and bioretention swales with new community spaces being created to allow people to get closer to water and nature.I now know that the ABC plan is slowly getting more and more successful as the general public are now going to reservoirs and are getting more interested in nature,so I believe that Lower Seletar is a meaningful place for outdoor learning as it had also taught me how precious water really is.

-Alexia Lin




ABC Waters Program educates students about the functions of the Lower Seletar Reservior. It also teaches us about useful information about ecology and hydrology which is what the Lower Seletar Reservoir works on. Singapore's vision to be a thriving Garden and Water City will succeed with the way our country is constantly holding talks about our water system to educate the citizens. Singapore also has New Water which is waste water that has been recycled in to drinking water through high-tech methods. Singapore also has many Reservoirs that we can tap water from and this being a Garden and Water city. I will share the information that I have acquired at Lower Seletar will my friends and family. I
will also use that knowledge to volunteer to be a guide at Lower Seletar so I can spread the water resource knowledge and educate visitors about the water bodies in Singapore.

-Denise Ho



I can volunteer in road shows educating the public about water and conservation of our water bodies. I can share my experience at the lower Seletar reservoir. I would explain to them about the importance of the water bodies and how we need to protect, conserve, care and not litter in the water bodies. ABC Waters Programme teaches students about the Lower Seletar reservoir and information about the functions, information and fun facts about ecology and hydrology. The Lower Seletar reservoir and other reservoirs are able to provide us with water due to these factors. Singapore's vision to be a Garden and Water city may succeed. Singapore has been constantly hosting road shows and educational tv advertistments, about how Singapore's new water is collected, recycled and then given to us to drink to allow a consistant and substantial drinking water for our citizens. Hopefully, by the time our water providing contract with Malaysia ends, Singapore would be able to recycle water from water reservoirs such as Lower Seletar Reservoir. Thus being a Garden and waters city

-Nicholas Quah



I know that the ABC Waters programme engages students in learning about Lower Seletar Reservoir and it's great functions that provide us with information and interesting facts about ecology, community and hydrology. These factors lead to a sustainable urban environment that the programme wishes to bring across to us to help preserve the beautiful reservoirs and nature reserves around Singapore. I have observed that this vision could indeed be reality. Singapore has been educating citizens about the effort that has been put in to provide for the residences in Singapore by collecting rainwater, building waterways and reservoirs that help recycle the water used. Hopefully, by the time out water providing contract with Malaysia ends, Singapore would progress into a city of gardens and water. I can share about the importance of water and my experience at the Lower Seletar reservoir, hence educate visitors based on what I've learned. I can also start by putting my water resourceful knowledge into use and influence others so as to encourage visitors to care for Lower Seletar Reservoir and other water bodies.

-Zann Chiam



The ABC waters programme which stands for active, beautiful and clear water programme was launched in 2006 and it aims to improve Singapore's quality of water and life by harnessing the full potential of Singapore's water bodies using drains, reservoirs and canals. This trail has helped me to understand how Singapore intends to develop the water bodies beyond their functional use as resources for water collection and drainage into clean and vibrant lifestyle attractions where recreational activities can take place. This trail has also allowed me to understand more about how the government is able to use eco friendly methods and technology to increase the country's water supply and keeping Singapore a clean and wonderful place to live in. I think that we can all do our part in by not polluting the rivers and oceans and also urging one another to do the same so that everyone would be enjoy a fresh excess of drinking water

-Marcus Chua



During the Lower Seletar Reservoir trip, i learnt a lot of The trail has helped me to understand more about the water resources in Singapore from the ABC Programme. I have learnt that Singapore is now finding ways and techniques in order to have sufficient water for the citizens living on this island. I’ve learnt the difference between the past and present of lower seletar reservoir the water cycle from lower seletar reservoir and the water quality of the reservoir. I’ve also understand how the litter trap that’s set up help trap litter and keep the reservoir free of litter and how the rain garden enhance the quality of rainwater.The community should take responsibilities in keeping the reservoir safe as it directly affects their water resources, the reservoir. Also, It would not be a good sight if the reservoir were to be polluted and littered when people come here for their leisure and recreational activities. We could encourage more people to visit the reservoir or participate in the trail by advertising about the reservoir and increasing the facilities of the lower seletar reservoir park.

-Lim Jing Hang

Ode to Lower Seletar Reservoir

To Lower Seletar,
the beautiful place
that no other can replace
with sparkling water,so crystal clear
and with peace and quiet so near.
From the bottom of our hearts this ode we share
to compliment this reservoir that we care

From, the people that were there.

Message to Convey

All in all, the trail has helped us understand more about the ABC programme initiated by PUB. It aims to integrate Singapore’s parks, reservoirs and waterways and the community. We feel that the reservoir is a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy and we should all do our part and taking care of it by not polluting it.

The government builds catchment areas and thinks of many other ways such as importing water and building desalination plants to help increase the water supply of Singapore and we should at least contribute to this by not polluting the rivers and oceans as all this will eventually become the water that we drink.

Water is a very important natural resource as no living thing can survive without water. It is everyone’s obligation to preserve the cleanliness of our water bodies to ensure clean, drinkable and inexpensive water for all as if we face a water shortage, water would become much more expensive and lesser people would be able to afford it.

We feel that everyone should in their free time, visit the reservoir to enjoy its beauty and participate in the trail too so as to learn more about the ABC programme and also do their part in contributing to the world by disposing of any litter we see and also urging others to do the same. We should treasure what we have and not take things for granted as behind the beauty and cleanliness, there is bound to be people who are putting in the hard work and thus making it happen.