Expiry looms for Singapore's water import deals

Its deal with Malaysia is set to expire in 2061.

The development of water utilities will become more important over the coming decades as Singapore's import agreements with Malaysia are set to expire in 2061, BMI Research revealed.

According to a report, even if pipelines and water projects are very much secondary in terms of value, there is more activity in the water utilities sector.

"Water security is a political priority for the Singapore government," BMI Research said.

With Singapore's limited natural water sources, it relies on water imports from Malaysia, desalination plants, and recycling facilities.

As a result, the government has long-term plans to develop desalination, recycling and storage facilities that will support long-term growth in the country's water infrastructure sector.

Specific goals include raising the share of water supply from desalination sources to 30% and recycled sources, branded as NEWater, to 50% by 2060.

Singapore has five NEWater treatment facilities and one operational desalination plant, with plans to construct up to five more desalination plants over the coming years.