Currently, there are 2.5 billion people have no improved sanitation and 1.3 billion can’t access electricity.
The “Water for Life” awards, held on March 21 during the UN’s official water day ceremony, recognised projects and practices that promote long-term sustainable management of water resources.
India’s International Water Management Institute-Tata Water Policy Programme was awarded “best water management practices” for its project focused on policy research in co-management of energy and groundwater.
The project hopes to transfer excess water in the north of India to drought-prone areas in the south. The excess water is a result of a flash floods between June and August. Moving the water will prevent floods in the north and allow for possible farming in the south. The project is now waiting for financial support from public and private sectors.
The “NEWater programme” from Singapore was awarded “best participatory, communication, awareness-raising and education practices”. Started in 1998, the project uses recycled water, largely for industrial purposes.
Reclaiming used water isn’t a new concept, but the project won the award for its large-scale implementation and public engagement.
“The only concern was the psychological barrier,” said Chew Men Leong, CEO of Singapore’s Public Utilities Board, the city-state’s national water agency. With NEWater, public misconception that recycled water wasn’t safe was changed by communication through schools and community leaders.
The project now meets 30% of Singapore’s daily water needs.