Singapore’s national water agency, PUB, confirmed on Monday (June 17) that the country’s water supply remains unaffected by the recent oil spill at Pasir Panjang Terminal. Water quality readings continue to be normal, and no oil has been detected near the seawater intake at the Jurong Island Desalination Plant.
Isolation of Oil Spill
PUB clarified that there is no impact on freshwater reservoirs because the oil spill has been confined to coastal areas and certain coastal drains. These drains are designed to convey and discharge stormwater directly to the sea and are not connected to the reservoirs that supply drinking water.
Ongoing Cleanup Efforts
Since the incident on Friday afternoon, when a dredger collided with a bunker vessel at Pasir Panjang Terminal, extensive cleaning and containment operations have been in progress.
Environmental Impact
By Saturday, oil had begun to wash up along the coast of several beaches in Singapore, including Sentosa Island and East Coast Park. The spill has stained the sand black and filled the air with the stench of petrochemicals, prompting swift action to mitigate environmental damage.
Also learn about Wildlife Largely Unharmed Following Oil Spill on St John’s and Lazarus Islands.
