Black & Veatch to upgrade largest water treatment plant in Singapore

PUB, the national water agency of Singapore, has selected Black & Veatch to help upgrade Chestnut Avenue Waterworks (CAWW), the largest drinking water plant in the country.

First built in 1975, CAWW treats 6.3 m³ of water per second. Stage 1 and Stage 2 upgrade works will include ozonation and biological activated carbon processes, and replacement of aged plant and equipment - all while attempting to have a minimal effect on the plant’s current water production.

“The exciting challenge from a technical perspective is that we will be upgrading the plant and equipment in parallel with the ongoing water treatment processes,” said Black & Veatch Project Director Desmond Lim. “Not only are we enhancing the treatment facilities, we are also ensuring that the production of drinking water at the plant remains uninterrupted.”

Black & Veatch will provide engineering consultancy services for the upgrade works, including the study, design and supervision of the construction and commissioning of the works. It is not the first time the company has worked on the plant, having been appointed as Owner’s Engineer for Stage 1 and Stage 2 in 1975 and 2001 respectively.

The plant upgrade is part of PUB’s efforts to continually upgrade the water treatment capabilities of its facilities. This is done in anticipation of future water quality trends, especially those related to treatment of water from urban catchment, as well as to bring new cost efficiencies to help manage rising cost pressures.

“When you talk to water utility leaders around the world, often ageing infrastructure is one of the main issues that keeps them up at night,” said Cindy Wallis-Lage, president of Black & Veatch’s water business. “Investing in ageing assets and addressing the issue earlier rather than later helps reduce future risks, improves efficiencies and reduces operational costs.”

The upgrade will be completed by 2020.