• The Mandarin term “蓄水池” is a paraphrase of the English term “reservoir”.
• Singapore has a lack of natural water resources. Hence, reservoirs were constructed to collect rainwater that falls on the island. This is one of the crucial strategies for water resource management in Singapore.
• To date, there have been 17 reservoirs built around the island. Through a network of rivers, canals and drains, rain that falls on two-thirds of Singapore’s land area is channelled to these 17 reservoirs. This makes Singapore one of the few countries globally that collects rainwater on a large scale for consumption.
• Singapore’s first reservoir was built in 1867. In 1857, the philanthropist Tan Kim Seng had donated $13,000 to improve the water supply in Singapore; a part of this sum was used for the engineering costs to channel water from the reservoir to the town. In 1922, to commemorate James MacRitchie, the engineer responsible for its construction, the reservoir was renamed MacRitchie Reservoir by the Government.
• MacRitchie Reservoir is located in central Singapore and is one of the four reservoirs in Singapore’s nature reserves. The other three are Lower Peirce Reservoir, Upper Peirce Reservoir and Upper Seletar Reservoir. These reservoirs have been developed into parks where people can jog, engage in water sports, and enjoy nature.
• The reservoirs in Singapore are developed for different purposes. For example, Tengeh Reservoir is equipped with a floating solar photovoltaic system, which allows the reservoir to provide electricity in addition to water.
• In 2006, the Public Utilities Board launched the “Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters” (ABC Waters) programme. This programme has optimised the functions of reservoirs, rivers and canals, and provided more parks for leisure activities. It has turned Singapore into a vibrant garden city, as well as a water city. The programme has cultivated a greater appreciation of water bodies amongst the general public, as well as encouraging people to cherish Singapore’s water resources even more.

During the circuit breaker period, three youths were seen playing by the reservoir without face masks, and even riding their bicycles into the water. Their actions were roundly criticised by netizens. (Lianhe Zaobao, 16/5/2020)

水坝 (Malaysia, Thailand), 水塘 (Malaysia, Hong Kong), 水库 (Mainland China, Taiwan)

Singapore’s water supply comes from four sources, known as the Four National Taps: (1) water from local catchments; (2) desalinated water; (3) NEWater; and (4) imported water.