Reservoirs in Singapore
Reservoirs in Singapore form an integral part of the country’s sustainable water management strategy. These freshwater bodies are not natural lakes but man-made storage systems designed to collect and store rainwater for the nation’s use. Each reservoir plays a key role in Singapore’s Four National Taps water strategy — the framework that ensures a diversified, resilient and sustainable water supply. Managed primarily by PUB, Singapore’s national water agency, the reservoirs also serve as multi-purpose spaces for ecology, flood control, and recreation. 1
How Singapore’s Reservoirs Work
Singapore’s reservoirs collect and store rainwater from urban and forested catchments. As rain falls, it flows into a system of canals, drains and rivers before entering the reservoirs. The stored freshwater is then treated and distributed for domestic and industrial use. This approach allows Singapore to harness every drop of rainfall and reduce dependence on imported water. Reservoirs are therefore the backbone of Singapore’s local catchment system, converting the island’s heavy rainfall into a sustainable resource. 2
Evolution of Reservoir Development
The first reservoirs in Singapore were built during the British colonial period, beginning with the MacRitchie Reservoir in 1868 (then known as the Impounding Reservoir). As the population grew, new reservoirs were constructed to meet increasing water demands. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Singapore began transforming its coastal estuaries into reservoirs through the construction of barrages. These projects — such as the Marina Barrage and Punggol–Serangoon Reservoir Scheme — marked a major leap in water sustainability by increasing the local catchment area to two-thirds of Singapore’s land surface. 3
Reservoirs as Part of the Four National Taps
The Four National Taps is Singapore’s integrated water strategy consisting of:
- Local water catchment (reservoirs)
- Imported water from Malaysia
- NEWater (high-grade reclaimed water)
- Desalinated water
Reservoirs form the first “tap” and provide a renewable, climate-dependent source. The system is strengthened by the use of NEWater and desalination, ensuring that Singapore remains water-secure even during dry seasons. 4
Reservoirs and Environmental Design
Singapore’s reservoirs are designed to integrate both engineering and ecological principles. Beyond storing water, they provide flood protection, habitats for wildlife, and leisure areas for residents. PUB has adopted an Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) approach, turning utilitarian water bodies into scenic public spaces. Many reservoirs feature landscaped promenades, wetlands, and park connectors that support biodiversity while offering recreational amenities. 5
Map of Reservoirs in Singapore
Major Reservoirs in Singapore
There are currently 17 freshwater reservoirs in Singapore, varying in size, catchment type and purpose. Below is a list of some of the most notable ones, along with brief descriptions:
- MacRitchie Reservoir
– The oldest reservoir in Singapore, located within the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. It is a popular spot for nature walks, kayaking and hiking. - Upper Peirce Reservoir
– Surrounded by forest, it forms part of Singapore’s largest catchment area and provides high-quality raw water with minimal pollution. - Lower Peirce Reservoir
– Known for its tranquil setting, it serves as both a heritage site and an ecological habitat for freshwater species. - Upper Seletar Reservoir
– Established in 1920, it features the iconic rocket-shaped tower and scenic views of surrounding forests. - Lower Seletar Reservoir
– Offers recreational activities like kayaking and fishing, and is linked to the park connector network. - Bedok Reservoir
– Created from a former sand quarry, it now supports water sports, jogging, and community events. - Kranji Reservoir
– A smaller reservoir located upstream of Bedok Reservoir, contributing to the eastern catchment system. - Pandan Reservoir
– An industrial-use reservoir serving the western region, known for its long, straight embankment popular among joggers. - Jurong Lake (Jurong Reservoir)
– Functions as both a reservoir and a leisure destination, forming the heart of the Jurong Lake District redevelopment zone. - Marina Reservoir
– Created by damming the mouth of the Singapore River at Marina Barrage, it turned Marina Bay into a freshwater reservoir. It is one of the most recognisable examples of urban water integration in the world. - Punggol Reservoir
– Formed from the Punggol River, it supports community recreation and contributes to the northeastern catchment system. - Serangoon Reservoir
– Created by damming the Serangoon River, it supports water supply, flood control and wetland habitats such as Lorong Halus Wetland. - Kallang Basin
– While not officially classified as a reservoir, it is hydrologically connected to Marina Reservoir and forms part of the same managed freshwater system. - Sarimbun Reservoir
– Reservoir within the SAFTI Live Firing Area in the north. - Tengeh Reservoir
– Also known as Poyan Reservoir. - Pulau Tekong Reservoir
– A smaller catchment within the island of Pulau Tekong. - Murai Reservoir
- Dammed portion of Sungei Murai.
Are Marina Bay and Marina Reservoir the Same?
Strictly speaking, Marina Bay is the area of reclaimed land and waterfront development in central Singapore, while Marina Reservoir refers to the freshwater body created when the Marina Barrage was completed in 2008. When the barrage closed the mouth of the Singapore River, seawater was gradually replaced with rainwater, transforming the entire Marina Bay basin into a reservoir. Thus, Marina Bay is also a functioning reservoir in hydrological terms, even though it is better known as a business and leisure district. 6
Recreation and Public Access
Many of Singapore’s reservoirs double as public parks and recreational spaces. Facilities such as boardwalks, pavilions, cycling paths and water-sport centres encourage community engagement while protecting the water environment. Common activities include dragon boating, kayaking, fishing (in designated areas), and birdwatching. The integration of greenery and water promotes both mental wellness and environmental awareness among residents. 5
Reservoirs and Sustainability
In recent years, PUB has invested in smart water management systems that monitor water quality, rainfall, and inflow patterns in real time. Reservoir management now includes automated gates, aeration systems and nature-based purification through wetlands and reedbeds. These initiatives ensure that reservoirs remain clean and functional while supporting Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 goals. 7
Future Reservoir Development
As land is scarce, Singapore is unlikely to build entirely new reservoirs in the near term. Instead, efforts are focused on improving the efficiency and resilience of existing catchments. Climate change adaptation plans include raising barrage gates, improving pumping capacity and restoring mangrove buffers around coastal reservoirs. Meanwhile, community stewardship programmes, such as Friends of Our Waters, continue to educate the public about reservoir conservation. 8
References
- PUB – Water from Local Catchment
- PUB – The Four National Taps
- URA – Punggol–Serangoon Reservoir Scheme
- PUB – History of Singapore’s Water Supply
- PUB – Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Programme
- PUB – Marina Barrage and Marina Reservoir
- Singapore Green Plan 2030
- PUB – Sustainability and Climate Resilience
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This page was created on 10 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.Want to share your Singapore travel experiences or get tips from fellow travellers?
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