Assessing Need for Sixth Desalination Plant

Ms Hazlina Abdul Halim asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) what factors are being considered in determining the need for a sixth desalination plant; (b) how will projected water demand and climate risks affect this assessment; (c) what are the estimated capital and operating costs; and (d) how are operating costs likely to affect water tariffs for households and businesses.

The Public Utilities Board (PUB) plans ahead and invests in water infrastructure to meet Singapore's growing water needs from its population and economic activities. This includes building up our weather-resilient sources, such as desalinated water. PUB is thus carrying out a feasibility study for a potential new desalination plant, the costs of which will be determined only after the study.

PUB will continue to price water to reflect the cost of supplying the next drop of water. This allows PUB to finance its long-term investments sustainably to meet future water demand and safeguard Singapore's water security.