As Singapore’s water demand is projected to nearly double by 2065, continual investment and expansion of the nation’s water supply infrastructure, including treatment plants, service reservoirs, and supply pipelines, is imperative. Given the land constraints in Singapore, innovative planning approaches are essential to ensure the resilience and efficiency of the water system.
The new Bidadari estate is home to Singapore’s first underground service reservoir (USR) built on low ground. The Bidadari USR was conceived as a pilot project to enhance water pressure within the pipeline network and manage peak-hour water demand efficiently within a new housing estate.
The facility includes a pumping station and two water tanks, together capable of holding a volume equivalent to three Olympic-sized swimming pools of potable water. The idea for the Bidadari USR was proposed by PUB during the master planning of the Bidadari estate. This innovative approach integrates the water facility within the estate’s infrastructure without requiring new water pipelines amidst other competing utilities and services. This project exemplifies collaborative planning involving multiple agencies: the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), Housing & Development Board (HDB), and the National Parks Board (NParks).
The surface footprint of the Bidadari USR is about one-third that of a typical service reservoir of similar capacity. The facility is constructed almost entirely underground, with only the pumping station occupying approximately 700 square meters of land within the Bidadari estate. This approach has saved about 1,500 square meters of land, allowing the space above the water tanks to integrate seamlessly with the adjacent Bidadari Park.
Service reservoirs play a crucial role in storing drinking water from PUB’s treatment plants before it is piped to consumers, acting as a buffer against daily fluctuations in water demand. Traditionally, these reservoirs are built on high ground to maintain stable and consistent water pressure through gravity. PUB currently operates over 10 such service reservoirs, including NEWater reservoirs for industrial customers.
In contrast, the Bidadari USR, constructed alongside a new estate, boosts water pressure in the network by supplying water to homes through up to five centrally operated pumps. These pumps operate during peak usage hours to maintain optimal water pressure, ensuring a robust water supply to customers in the new estate. During off-peak hours, the USR is replenished with potable water from other high-ground service reservoirs to prepare for subsequent peak hour demands.
Operations of the USR are controlled by a centralised system, minimising the need for manual operation. This system is similar to those used in other service reservoirs.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology was employed for the 3D modeling and construction of the USR. Compared to conventional 2D models, this technology enabled PUB to efficiently visualize the USR’s layout, particularly the complex layers of pipeworks within the structure.