Sewage helps Singapore shake off water shackles

When Singapore said it would not renew a water-supply pact with Malaysia the news hardly caused a ripple in a nation where technology is now flowing through the taps.

In the past, the idea would have seemed dangerous in a resource-starved island that bought almost all its water from its bigger neighbor.

But with Singapore steadily approaching self-sufficiency and exporting technology to recycle sewage into drinking water, there is a growing sense of confidence that it is less vulnerable to Malaysian water pressure.

''This could mean that the Singapore public is no longer as exercised by water security,'' the pro-government Straits Times said in an editorial after the April announcement.

''Gradually shedding dependence on Malaysia is high on Singaporeans' wish list, if only to eliminate a source of neighborly conflict.''

Singapore has two accords to buy raw water from Malaysia, which evicted the island from a federation in 1965. The first will expire next year – and will not be renewed – and the second will lapse in 2061.

Singapore is confident that by then it will be able to supply all of its water needs if necessary – a major boost to its strategic security.