<TABLE border=0 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR>July 18, 2009
WATER PIPES
</TR><!-- headline one : start --><TR>They're safe, replies PUB
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->NATIONAL water agency PUB thanks Mr John Kreamer for his letter, 'Tap water's clean, but are the pipes?' on Wednesday.
The PUB has a stringent water quality monitoring programme in place to assess and ensure that our water meets the World Health Organisation's (WHO) guidelines. Over 80,000 tests are conducted monthly, based on more than 290 parameters, surpassing about 130 specified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the WHO.
They include the testing of representative water samples taken daily from the distribution network and customers' taps at different locations throughout Singapore.
Apart from independent checks by the Director General (Public Health), National Environment Agency, PUB's management of water quality is reviewed twice a year by an independent external audit panel comprising foreign and local experts.
Corrosion-resistant materials such as lined ductile iron and steel pipes with a lifespan of 50 to 70 years are used for PUB's water supply network. PUB requires building owners conducting works on pipes to engage licensed water service plumbers who must ensure that the water supply system is sterilised before being put back into service.
Management corporations and town councils must engage a licensed water service plumber at least once a year to inspect and, where necessary, clean and disinfect their water tanks and certify that the tanks are fit for drinking water storage. The plumber must submit his certification and water sample test reports to PUB. In addition, the PUB conducts spot checks and water sample testing to ensure that the tanks are properly maintained.
The discolouration of water filters is caused by the accumulation of minerals, including iron, over time. Although the iron content in PUB water is almost negligible, the discolouration will eventually be noticeable when large quantities of water pass through the filter. PUB water naturally contains a small amount of minerals and their concentrations are monitored and kept well within WHO guidelines.
Over time, sediment can also accumulate, especially on older premises which use iron pipes and fittings. If this is disturbed, it can be picked up as water flows through. Discoloured water caused by sedimentation is not a health hazard.
Customers are advised to let the tap run until the water is clear should they encounter discoloured water from their taps. However, if the discolouration persists, customers can call PUB on 1800-2846600 for assistance.
Chong Hou Chun
Director, Water Supply Network
PUB
WATER PIPES
</TR><!-- headline one : start --><TR>They're safe, replies PUB
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->NATIONAL water agency PUB thanks Mr John Kreamer for his letter, 'Tap water's clean, but are the pipes?' on Wednesday.
The PUB has a stringent water quality monitoring programme in place to assess and ensure that our water meets the World Health Organisation's (WHO) guidelines. Over 80,000 tests are conducted monthly, based on more than 290 parameters, surpassing about 130 specified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the WHO.
They include the testing of representative water samples taken daily from the distribution network and customers' taps at different locations throughout Singapore.
Apart from independent checks by the Director General (Public Health), National Environment Agency, PUB's management of water quality is reviewed twice a year by an independent external audit panel comprising foreign and local experts.
Corrosion-resistant materials such as lined ductile iron and steel pipes with a lifespan of 50 to 70 years are used for PUB's water supply network. PUB requires building owners conducting works on pipes to engage licensed water service plumbers who must ensure that the water supply system is sterilised before being put back into service.
Management corporations and town councils must engage a licensed water service plumber at least once a year to inspect and, where necessary, clean and disinfect their water tanks and certify that the tanks are fit for drinking water storage. The plumber must submit his certification and water sample test reports to PUB. In addition, the PUB conducts spot checks and water sample testing to ensure that the tanks are properly maintained.
The discolouration of water filters is caused by the accumulation of minerals, including iron, over time. Although the iron content in PUB water is almost negligible, the discolouration will eventually be noticeable when large quantities of water pass through the filter. PUB water naturally contains a small amount of minerals and their concentrations are monitored and kept well within WHO guidelines.
Over time, sediment can also accumulate, especially on older premises which use iron pipes and fittings. If this is disturbed, it can be picked up as water flows through. Discoloured water caused by sedimentation is not a health hazard.
Customers are advised to let the tap run until the water is clear should they encounter discoloured water from their taps. However, if the discolouration persists, customers can call PUB on 1800-2846600 for assistance.
Chong Hou Chun
Director, Water Supply Network
PUB
