Marina Reservoir, Singapore
The Marina Reservoir is one of Singapore’s most prominent freshwater reservoirs, located at the heart of the city centre. Formed by the completion of the Marina Barrage in 2008, it transformed the previously saline waters of the Marina Channel and Marina Bay into a large freshwater catchment area. Today, Marina Reservoir not only supplies water but also helps control flooding in low-lying city areas and provides a scenic venue for recreation and tourism.
Quick Facts
- Location: Central Singapore, encompassing Marina Bay and Marina Channel
- Opened: 2008
- Formed by: Marina Barrage
- Type: Freshwater reservoir
- Catchment area: 10,000 hectares (about one-sixth of Singapore’s total land area)
- Main purposes: Water supply, flood control, recreation
- Managing agency: Public Utilities Board (PUB)
Formation and Function
Marina Reservoir was formed when the Marina Barrage closed off the Marina Channel from the sea. The damming of the channel allowed the freshwater from five rivers—the Singapore River, Rochor River, Geylang River, Kallang River, and Stamford Canal—to accumulate and create a vast reservoir. It is Singapore’s first and only reservoir located within the city centre, serving multiple urban and environmental roles.
One of its key purposes is water supply. By capturing stormwater from the surrounding catchment, Marina Reservoir contributes significantly to Singapore’s “Four National Taps” strategy for water sustainability1. It is also essential for flood control—by regulating tidal inflows and outflows through the barrage gates, it prevents flooding in low-lying city areas like Chinatown, Boat Quay, and Jalan Besar.
Marina Reservoir and Marina Bay
Marina Reservoir and Marina Bay are contiguous and effectively form a single water body. While “Marina Bay” refers to the iconic waterfront area that includes landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, and the Singapore Flyer, the entire bay area now holds freshwater due to the barrage. In essence, Marina Bay is the visible upper section of the Marina Reservoir, seamlessly blending water utility with tourism and urban development.
Recreational Use
Beyond its practical functions, Marina Reservoir is a major site for water sports and leisure activities. The calm, non-tidal waters make it suitable for kayaking, dragon boating, sailing, and open-water swimming. It frequently hosts major events such as the DBS Marina Regatta and the Singapore Dragon Boat Festival2. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views from Marina Barrage, which offers a panoramic perspective of both the city skyline and the reservoir itself.
In addition to sports, the surrounding area has become a lifestyle destination. The Marina Bay waterfront promenade, Gardens by the Bay, and Marina Barrage Green Roof attract thousands of visitors each week, turning the reservoir’s edge into a vibrant mix of nature and city life.
Environmental and Engineering Achievement
The transformation of a tidal bay into a freshwater reservoir in a dense urban setting was a significant engineering feat. The process required careful management of water quality, especially in the early years when saline water was gradually flushed out. Today, the reservoir’s ecosystem supports freshwater fish and aquatic plants, symbolising Singapore’s success in balancing urbanisation with environmental sustainability3.
The project has received international recognition for sustainable urban water management. Marina Reservoir’s design, together with the Marina Barrage, represents Singapore’s approach to integrating water infrastructure with recreation and urban landscape design.
Access and Surroundings
Marina Reservoir is easily accessible via several MRT stations, including Bayfront, Marina Bay, and Downtown. Major attractions along its perimeter include Gardens by the Bay, the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, the Helix Bridge, and Marina Bay Sands. The area is a favourite spot for walking, jogging, and photography, especially at sunset when the city’s lights reflect on the calm reservoir waters.
Conclusion
The Marina Reservoir is a vital element in Singapore’s water management and urban landscape. By merging function and aesthetics, it has become both an essential freshwater source and a defining feature of modern Singapore. As the nation continues its efforts toward water sustainability, the Marina Reservoir stands as a shining example of innovation, adaptability, and harmony between nature and city.
Marina Reservoir is 
on the Map of Reservoirs in Singapore
References
- Public Utilities Board (PUB) – About Marina Barrage
- VisitSingapore – Marina Barrage
- Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) – Marina Bay
Page Details
This page was created on 5 October 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.List of Reservoirs in Singapore
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