WHY DO WE TREAT SEWAGE?

The main reason that we developed the sewerage system was to protect human health. We did this by ensuring that our sewage and water supply were kept apart.

Originally wastewater was collected into sewers and discharged into the nearest waterway. This improved our health but it caused environmental problems. Our rivers were suffering because natural processes were too slow to keep up with the impact of our waste.

Various methods were introduced to clean the sewage before disposing of it. The technology available to do this has become more efficient and effective over the years and new methods are still being found today.

Modern technology allows us to recycle water - NEWater in Singapore is used for microchip production and to replenish reservoirs.