Singapore’s Tengah service reservoir is set to begin operations this year, marking a major addition to the country’s water infrastructure as the new town continues to grow. Valued at S$120 million, or about US$93 million, the facility is expected to supply treated water to around 42,000 households as well as an industrial precinct. The reservoir was conceived a decade ago, in 2016, and was completed before Tengah town was fully developed, underscoring Singapore’s long-term approach to planning essential utilities ahead of demand.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted the project on Tuesday, June 16, during his opening address at Singapore International Water Week. He said the reservoir reflects more than just capacity expansion. In his remarks, he emphasized that infrastructure planning must also build resilience in advance, align water systems with urban and economic development, and leave future generations with reliable and robust networks.
The Tengah service reservoir is a significant engineering project. It consists of two five-storey-high tanks, with facades designed to reflect Tengah’s “forest” identity. The reservoir can store treated drinking water equivalent to about 22 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Construction took more than three years and was completed in November 2025, according to PUB, Singapore’s national water agency.
A service reservoir is used to store treated drinking water from PUB’s treatment plants before it is distributed to homes and businesses. Singapore already has more than 10 such reservoirs across the island, including NEWater service reservoirs that serve industrial customers.
The Tengah project highlights Singapore’s strategy of building critical infrastructure well before it is urgently needed. Authorities have framed the reservoir as part of broader efforts to support population growth, economic activity, and water security in a city-state with limited land and natural water resources.
As Tengah develops into a new residential and industrial district, the reservoir will play an important role in ensuring a stable water supply for the community. Its completion ahead of full town development also demonstrates the integration of water planning with broader national development goals.
Singapore has long emphasized water resilience as a core part of its national planning, and the Tengah reservoir is the latest example of that approach. By investing early, the country aims to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with future needs while maintaining reliability under changing conditions.
