contents JAN-MAR 2011 - PUB

WATER WALLYSOFT TOYSUpcloscontentsJAN-MAR 2011JAN-MAR 201110342 MAILBAGReaders share what they thinkabout PURE3 WATER, WALLY & ME!Eye-opening water conservationinitiatives for all at the Clean &Green Singapore 2011 exhibition4 IT’S AS SIMPLE AS A-B-CTake a tip from actor ZhangZhen Huan and head outdoors8 MISTER AQUARIUSThis hunk is the star of his sign10 LAKE IN THE CITYCheck out the buzz atSingapore’s first reservoir inthe city14 RESERVOIR WILD!It’s Nat Geo Singapore!16 ON THE WINGFind out what you havebeen missing; go ona Kranji Nature Walk18 FLOWING WATERSA facelift turns St George’sLane and Sungei Whampoacanal into a charming haven20 UP THE CREEKCheck out Berlayer Creek21 A TOAST TO WATERA sneak peek at activities forWorld Water Day 201123 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIALFour food personalitiesreveal their secrets to asmaller water bill24 MAKING A SPLASHWater, water everywhere –especially at the movies26 FRESHWATERBEAUTIESPlanning a vacation? Why notmake it a lake adventure28 ON THE WATERFRONTUpdates on the latesthappenings in the worldof water30 COVER ME!Check out the creative winnersof the drain cover competition31 PROMOTIONSDiscounts and freebies not tobe missed!Cert no. DNV-COC-000014You can also download e-PURE by being a fan of PURE Facebook atwww.facebook.com/pure.magazine.sg.TAPSECRETTop chefs sharewater-saving tipsGO ON,SPLASH OUT!Where to go to getwet and wildWIN!10WATERActor ZhangZhen Huan takesa breather atPandan ReservoirBOYINSIDE Upclose with nature All abuzz at Marina Reservoir World Water Dayon the coverPhotography: Ealbert HoFeaturing: Zhang Zhen Huan,shot on location at Pandan ReservoirAll apparel from Uniqlo.Styling by Vik Lim.advisersGeorge Madhavan, Irene KangeditorsJoy Tan, Dilys Quekpublishing consultantMediaCorp Pte Ltdsenior editorAgatha Koh BrazileditorRonald Rajansenior art directorJustin Cheongsenior designerJohnson Limassistant vice presidentPhyllis Cheahaccount managerMichele KhocontributorsNellie Tay, Gene Khor,Rosa Atan, Elaine Ng,Tina Wang, Rufus Lee,Ealbert Ho, Eliza Phua,Vik Lim, Evande Loh, Shirley LiPURE is a quarterly publication byPUB, the national water agency.Published by MediaCorp Pte Ltd,Caldecott Broadcast CentreAndrew Road, Singapore 299939.All rights reserved. Reproductionin whole or in part is prohibited.Copyright © is held by the publishers.Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd.pure 1

Last year’s Clean & Green Singapore2011 highlighted how importantwater sustainability is, and how youtoo can play a part.He’s a hit wherever he goes. And Water Wally certainlydrew the crowds at last year’s Clean & Green Singapore They simply love him!2011 exhibition.Water Wally makes it fun tolearn about conserving water.There to teach visitors simple ways to conserve,value and enjoy our waters, he certainly enlivenedthe message at PUB’s three segments – “Live”,“Play” and “Community”.“Live’ featureddifferent water savinghabits Singaporeanscan adopt, like the10-Litre Challengewhich aims to getevery individual toWSN officer, Ms Jasmine Ng, getsthe interest of visitors at the "Live"segment with her water saving tips.reduce daily waterconsumption at homeby 10 litres.“Play” featured the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters(ABC Waters) programme which plans to revitalise andintegrate our waterways with parks and gardens, andcreate new community spaces for residents of all ages tomeet and have fun.Keep our waters clean, andone day, little ones, youcan go kayaking too! The"Community" segmentshowed how our waterwayscan be shared by all."Play" was exactly that, with gamescreated by Watermark Award 2007recipient, Dunman High School.The “Community” segment recognised the efforts ofindividuals and organisations who work to raise publicawareness of water in ensuring a sustainable Singapore.Programmes such as PUB’s Our Waters, Friends of Waterand the Watermark Award showed how everyone can beinvolved in the water call.Besides Water Wally, Dunman High School, recipientsof the award in 2007, were also on hand to engagevisitors in water-related games they had created. Thegames showed them how they can value and enjoyour waterways.Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was the Guest ofHonour at the launch ceremony.pure3

Take a leaf out of actorZhang Zhen Huan’s bookand head to our reservoirsfor fun in the sun. Or takecover under a tree andsimply enjoy the view!TEXT BY NELLIE TAY PHOTOS BY EALBERT HOLOCATION PANDAN RESERVOIR4 pureStyling: Vik Lim; Hair: Evande Loh from Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio using Aveda products; Make-up: Shirley Li (8111 9500)All apparel from Uniqlo. Thanks to Mr Tay Kuan Kiat for the use of his electric model boat.

Fresh air. Tranquillity. Peace and quiet.That’s what Zhang Zhen Huan likes about ourreservoirs. The 26-year-old MediaCorp artiste, whocame to Singapore from China nine years ago tofurther his education, heads to MacRitchie Reservoirwhenever he can to unwind after a busy day at work.“I used to live in Upper Thomson, so I would jogat the reservoir at least once a week. I like the quiettranquility there. It isn’t crowded at night and the air isvery fresh,” says Zhen Huan who now lives in Bishan.“The reservoirs in Singapore are very clean unlikethe lakes around my hometown in Sichuan. There,industrial pollution is such a problem that the naturalstate of the water has been destroyed."Zhen Huan is particularly impressed with theimprovements at Pandan Reservoir. Completed in Julylast year, it is the first Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters(ABC Waters) project in the west of Singapore. PandanReservoir now boasts lush landscaped gardens anda new amenities centre with changing rooms andrestroom facilities. The amenities centre also housesthe offices of the National Sports Associations forcanoeing, sailing and rowing, making it a centre forwater sports in the west.Residents and visitors now flock there for wateractivities, recreational fishing, radio-controlledsailing and electric boating. Nonparticipantsare not left out ofthe action either, as speciallybuilt platforms enable them toview the activities.As Zhen Huan says: “Thereservoirs in Singapore are apleasant place for people toexercise and meet up.”A Date with NatureGet upclose with flora and fauna at: Bedok Reservoir,MacRitchie Reservoir, Kranji ReservoirNature walks are a great way to take a break fromthe stresses of urban life. Sign up for a free nature walkto Kranji Reservoir Marsh, which is held at the end ofeach month. (See pages 16 & 17)Organised by the Nature Society of Singapore,these walks are a great opportunity to learn aboutthe ecological system and wildlife at the freshwaterwetland. If you’re lucky, you might even spot theresident crocodile basking in the sun on the PUB bund!For a bird’s eye view of flora and fauna, head forthe TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir. There, youwalk on a suspension bridge which links two of thehighest points (Bukit Peirce and Bukit Kalang) at thereservoir. The bridge is 250m long and 25m high at itshighest point.From the bridge, you get a panoramic view ofUpper Peirce Reservoir. Keep an eye out for the drongocuckoo or Asian fairy bluebird or catch flying lemursand long-tailed macaques in action among the trees.Thrillseekers looking for an exhilarating experienceshould make tracks for Forest Adventure at BedokReservoir. The aerial course is built throughout partof the forest canopy and comprises ladders, bridges,swings, nets and giant zip lines.For an adrenaline rush, get into a harness and enjoythe thrill of swinging from tree to tree. The largest zipline is 200 metres long.TreeTop Walk MacRitchie Reservoirwww.nparks.gov.sgForest Adventure @ Bedok ReservoirBook online at www.forestadventure.com.sgNature Society of Singaporewww.nss.org.sgpure 5

6 pure“I LIKE THE QUIETTRANQUILITY OFTHE RESERVOIR. ITISN’T CROWDEDAT NIGHT AND THEAIR IS VERY FRESH.”

As his star sign suggests,actor Zhang Zhen Huan lovesbeing around water and alsodoes his best to conservethis precious resource.TEXT BY NELLIE TAYPHOTOS BY EALBERT HO8 pure

Styling: Vik Lim; Hair: Evande Loh from Shunji Matsuo Hair Studio using Aveda products; Make-up: Shirley Li (8111 9500). All apparel from Uniqlo.Squinting in the glare of the blazing sun, Zhang ZhenHuan spots a group of teenage kayakers rowing past thejetty at Pandan Reservoir.While the China-born MediaCorp artiste has neverkayaked before, the 26-year-old, 1.84m tall hunk revealsthat he once tried his hand at something conceivablymore macho – dragon boating.Alas, that had disastrous results. The flirtation withthe sport, which was when he was a civil engineeringstudent at the National University of Singapore (NUS),lasted only two painful weeks.“We trained twice a week. We ran, swam and didpush ups. I actually sprained my wrist while we weretraining on land. I didn’t even get to row on the water!”he recalls with a laugh. The injury put him off the sport,though Zhen Huan says he loves any place with water; beit a river, a lake or the sea.Jogging at night, especially at MacRitchie Reservoir, is agreat way to beat the heat, he declares. He prefers the coolweather we’ve been getting of late, and appears to be nomatch for the sweltering heat on this particular day .He is in the process of working up a tan that he wasn’tlooking to get, but ever the consummate showman, theex-model, who audiences will recognise from local dramasTogether and Mrs P.I, bears with the glare and flashes hispearly whites readily for the camera.Perhaps our hardworking hunk is looking forwardto his upcoming return to his decidedly more temperatehometown of Sichuan to celebrate the Lunar New Year.But whatever the reason, Zhen Huan has much to smileabout. The actor stars in the movie It's a Great GreatWorld which opened on 27 January this year.A change of outfit sees him in a sleeveless blue top,which reveals a tattoo of his zodiac sign – Aquarius – onthe upper left arm. The pair of wave-like lines, the symbolof the water bearer, seems rather apt for someone wholoves being around water and nature. An Aquarian is saidto enjoy places with plenty of open space and fresh air.And this nature lover says he tries his best toconserve our valuable water resources by using theminimal amount necessary.“Water conservation is important and we can all doit in our own little ways. We can turn off the tap whenit is not in use, cut down on long showers, or wash ourlaundry only when we’ve accumulated a full load, so thatwater is used efficiently.”Zhen Huan adds that he washes his toilet with waterpreviously used for washing vegetables. While the softspokenchap sheepishly admits that he isn’t exactly a greatcook, he is part owner of the café Ice Rockz at *SCAPE.The café, opened in July last year, features funky iceblended beverages made with fruit as well as snacks suchas nasi lemak burgers.While it’s no mean feat keeping his body in tip-topcondition given his current hectic schedule, Zhen Huantries his best. He hits the gym thrice a week and playsbasketball weekly with his former NUS classmates.Part of this regime also includes making sure he drinksat least two litres of water a day. “When I stay up late,my face tends to suffer from breakouts. So I try to sleepearly and drink more water. Water is good for the bodyand skin.”Catch this dreamboat in…It’s a Great Great WorldIn this movie which chronicles the lives of those workingat Great World Amusement Park, Zhen Huan and JoannePeh play lovebirds who have to navigate the stormywaters arising from Singapore’s separation from Malaysia.A Tale of Two CitiesZhen Huan plays a chairman of a company who falls inlove with a girl from a different social status. The dramadebuts on Channel 8 on 14 February.pure 9

INTHEBYROSA ATANWATCH the world go byas you laze near a lakegraced by a stunningcityscape. Go kayaking or boatingright in the heart of the city.And you can do all these withouteven jetting out of Singapore! Justpack your picnic bags and head forMarina Reservoir, Singapore’s firstreservoir in the city.For those who can’t tell onereservoir from another, somefast facts about Singapore’s 15threservoir: More than 20 years in themaking, the reservoir was formed byputting a dam — that’s the MarinaBarrage — across the mouth of theMarina Channel to separate the seafrom the reservoir.At 10,000 hectares – one-sixththe size of Singapore – MarinaReservoir has the country’s biggestand most urbanized catchment areaand can supply about 10 per cent ofour water needs.Marina Barrage is not just a meredam. Instead, it has something ofa 3-in-1 function. It stores water,acts as a flood controller and is arecreation centre.And you can bet that therecreational element will turn MarinaReservoir into a vibrant water piazzaright before long. Don’t just take ourword for it. Take a trip to the MarinaBarrage, have a picnic on its grassturfedroof, enjoy the breeze fromthe reservoir, take in the sights – theMarina Bay Sands integrated resort ,Singapore Flyer — and you will knowwhat we mean.Or, if you are in the TanjongRhu area, check out the 12-storeyhigh fountain in the Kallang Basin,which shoots a 36-metre jet of watertowards the sky.10 pure

The water level at Marina Reservoiris consistent, so that means you canindulge in water sports all year round.pure 11

ASIAN TOAD (BLACK-SPINED TOAD)Duttaphrynus melanostictusThe Asian Toad literally puffs up with displeasure. Ormore accurately, when it feels it is under threat, it willinflate its body as a warning. Secretions from its skin areknown to be poisonous.The most common amphibian in Singapore, it canmeasure up to 20cm, and can be identified by its blackcranial crests and the raised ridge behind its eyes. Besidesreservoirs, it can also be found on grass lawns, and onpaths and roads.Can be found at: Bedok Reservoir, Jurong Lake, LowerPeirce Reservoir, LowerSeletar Reservoir, MacRitchieReservoir, Upper SeletarReservoir, Pandan ReservoirSIMPOH AIR (SHRUBBY SIMPOH)Dillenia suffruticosaWhere there is the Simpoh Air, there is water. This isalso the reason for its name ayer which means waterin Malay.Simpoh Air grows up to 6m tall and is identifiedby its glossy green leaves, pinkish-red star-shapedfruits, and big yellow flowers which bloom daily at3am and last just one day.Its large leaves were traditionally used to wraptempeh (fermented soyabean cakes) or to hold rojak.Can be found at: Bedok Reservoir, Jurong Lake, LowerPeirce Reservoir, Lower Seletar Reservoir, MacRitchieReservoir, Upper Seletar Reservoir, Kranji ReservoirCOMMON BLUETAIL (MARSH BLUETAIL)Ischnura senegalensisIt’s pretty, it’s small (adult sizes range from 1 to 3cm, dependingon the species), but the Common Bluetail is a robust damselflythat can withstand disturbance and pollution.The adult damselfly has a veryslender and long body, which can bebright blue on males. Females occurin bright blue, golden orange or olive.Adult damselflies feed on small insectslike mosquitoes, flies and aphids.Can be found at: Bedok Reservoir, Jurong Lake, LowerSeletar Reservoir, Pandan Reservoir, Kranji ReservoirARCHER FISHToxotes chatareusHere’s a fish that has been described as a“submarine water pistol”! The Archer fish canspit out a strong and accurate jet of water.That’s how this omnivorous fish catchesits prey such as insects. The fish can squirtup to seven times in quick succession and itsjet is accurate to about 1.5m although it cansquirt up to about 3m.But the Archer fish, which is camouflagedin sundappled water under vegetation byits bold black and white markings, prefer tosimply leap out of the water to grab the preyin the jaws when it is close enough. It canjump up to 30cm high.Can be found at: Bedok ReservoirWATER SKATERRhagadotarsus kraepeliniThe Water Skater is typically found on the surface ofstill waters. Besides using its elongated legs to move onwater, the surface-dwelling insect with a bright blue tailcreates ripples to send signals to its own species.The long, middle legs move this bug across thesurface on the water like paddles. The long hind legssteer it and act as brakes. The short front legs are used tocatch prey. Measuring about 5mm, it eats small insectsthat fall on the water's surface and also larvae.Can be found at: Bedok Reservoir, Lower Peirce Reservoir,Lower Seletar Reservoir, MacRitchie Reservoir,Upper Peirce Reservoir,Upper Seletar ReservoirWATER GENTIAN(WATER SNOWFLAKE, FLOATING HEARTS)Nymphoides indicaAt first glance, the Water Gentian looks similar to water lilies.But it is nicknamed Water Snowflake and Floating Heartsthanks to its elegant yellow-centred white bloom which —supported by heart-shaped leaves — gracefully floats on thesurface of warm, still or moving water.Can be found at: MacRitchie Reservoir, Upper Peirce Reservoirpure15

Slaty-breasted Rail(Below) AdoptionLaunch with PUB’sMr Chan Yoon KumON THE WINGMost would describe Singapore as a garden city but how many of us areactually aware of its natural heritage? BY ELAINE NGThe monthly Kranji Nature Walkorganised by the Nature Society(Singapore) (NSS), under PUB’sActive, Beautiful and Clean (ABC)Waters Programme, is one wayto appreciate our island’s hiddennatural beauty.Enthusiastic volunteer membersof NSS lead the three-hour walk,held every last weekend of themonth. During the educational walk,participants learn about the differentinhabitants as well as thevegetation of the Kranjimarshland – only recentlyopened to the publicthrough NSS’s guidedwalks.Black-cappedKingfisher“Participants of the walk canexpect to see a different type ofhabitat from the nearby SungeiBuloh Nature Reserve, which is atidal wetland consisting largely ofmangrove and mudflats. It is alsodifferent from Chek Jawa, which is acoastal habitat consisting mainly ofsea-grasses, sand and rocks,” saysGoh Ter Yang, NSS’ outreach officer.The Kranji marshland is afreshwater wetland dominated bygrasses, sedges, ferns and otherplant species thatare adapted to aflooded or waterloggedcondition, fringing the shoreline andthe banks of rivers and streams aswell as the edges of ponds, and isattractive to certain categories ofwildlife such as aquaticreptiles, amphibians, railsand herons.“This walk is quiteunique in that we get to seebirds and other inhabitants of aRed-wattled Lapwingmarshland that is usually closed topublic access. There, it is easier tospot certain birds and we get tosee them closer up than from thebund previously,” says Melvin Lim,38, a NSS member. “We got to seecommon raptors like eagles, andI was pleasantly surprised to spotospreys here as well.”Other birdlife participants mayspot are the Red-wattled Lapwing,

Visitors get to see birdsand other inhabitants of amarshland that is usuallyclosed to public access.Common MoorhenPurple HeronPhotos: Jimmy Chew, David Tan and K C TsangPurple Swamphen, Rusty-breastedCuckoo, White-browed Crake,Changeable Hawk Eagle, CommonMoorhen and various species ofdragonflies.“The Kranji Nature Walk is oneof the few walks (by NSS) that isheld at such an early timing as someinhabitants of the marshland maymove into shelter and hide whenit gets too hot with the sun out,”explains Melvin. “But although wehave to wake up at 6am to make itin time for the Kranji Nature Walk at7.30am, it was definitely worth it.”Rosalind Khoo, who took part inthe walk in November, agrees. “It israre to find a patch of Singapore sonatural and untouched, as comparedto the other sanitised and manicuredareas in the city,” she says.The homemaker and motherof three children encourages allto give the educational walk a go:“Figuratively, you kill two birdswith one stone; you get to see andLittle EgretThere’s no better way tosee and learn aboutinteresting wildlife andnature, and at the sametime do some exercise.learn about interesting wildlife andnature, and at the same time do someexercise. It is a value-added walkeveryone should give a try.”INTERESTED?The Kranji Nature Walk is free andopen to the public but advancebooking is required. The group sizeis capped at 20 persons to ensureeveryone gets a slice of the adventure.For more information and booking ofthe next walk, email NSS atkranji@nss.org.sg.pure17

It's green, clean and utterly charming... so ifyou haven't been to the Sungei Whampoaarea near St George’s Lane recently, whynot drop by to see the results of a 16-monthfacelift? ROSA ATAN takes you on a walkdown the canal.PHOTOS BY ELIZA PHUAwatersWhere is this canal with thenew “face” located?The new landscape covers a 250mstretch of Sungei Whampoa from theCentral Expressway to the St George’sLane HDB estate.What can we find along thecanal now?Three lookout decks, landscaped canalwalls, two rain gardens and planters.What's special about thecanal walls?Gabions — “cages” filled with naturalrocks – replace those upper parts of18 pure

“THERE’S NOTHINGLIKE TAKING ASTROLL ALONGA CANAL THATIS DOTTED WITHGREENERY ANDFILLED WITHCLEAN WATER.”and dry conditions — can be found atthe rain gardens here. They include theumbrella palm, orange jasmine, narrowleafcattail, yellow-walking iris and silverqueen.the concrete canal wall. They providethe ideal texture for new plants togrow, thus giving the canal edge alongSungei Whampoa a green and“soft” look.How about the rain gardens?What are they for?A rain garden — a shallow ditch withsoil and carefully selected plants –helps to filter and purify water. A raingarden also serves to slow down therush of water into the drains duringheavy rain, by allowing rain waterto pond temporarily and slowlysoak into the ground before beingchannelled into the drains.In this case, rain water from thenearby car parks and paved areas inSt George’s Lane get channelled intothe rain gardens. This will improvethe quality of water entering SungeiWhampoa. And rain gardens, withtheir green and floweringplants,certainly make for a pleasant additionto the area.What kind of plants can wefind in the St George’s Lanerain gardens?More than 10 plant species – chosenbecause they are able to survive wetWhy is there a need to “beautify”the canal in thefirst place?There’s nothing like taking a stroll alonga canal that is dotted with greenery andfilled with clean water right? That’s whatthe facelift is all about – to give thoseliving in the Sungei Whampoa area achance to experience the joys of living“near” the water in an urban area.Mind you, Sungei Whampoa isjust one of the many canals, drains andreservoirs that have been or will betransformed into beautiful and cleanstreams, rivers and lakes under the PUB’sABC Waters Programme.That should dispel the notion thatSingapore is a concrete jungle!pure 19

Learning about Berlayer Creek, a saltwater mangrove that fringes Keppel Club's golf course.UP THE CREEKLast year’s Earth Week traced the steps of Singapore’s water conservancyheritage, and looked to its future BY GENE KHOREarth Week was given its due at theKeppel Club in November 2010.Into its third year, the four-day eventhad creative and colourful exhibitsemphasising the importance ofenvironmental conservation.As part of the launch, KeppelClub President Edwin Khew, Headof Nature Society’s Plant GroupMs Angie Ng, and PUB 3PNDepartment Senior ManagerMr Ng Yew Teck also unveiled anelectronic mangrove guidebook ofBerlayer Creek, a saltwater mangrovethat fringes the club’s golf course.St Andrew’s SecondarySchool showcasingBerlayer Creek Guidebook,their GPS mangrove guideThe waterway near LabradorPark was adopted by Keppel Clubin 2006 under PUB’s Our Watersinitiative. With the help of theNature Society, this hi-techendeavour was put together tofacilitate the Club’s outreach andeducational programme on thepreservation of Berlayer Creek.Conservancy efforts by schools,organisations and staff volunteers(From Left) PUB’s Mr Ng Yew Teck,Senior Manager, 3PN; Ms Angie Ng,Head of Nature Society’s Plant Group; andMr Edwin Khiew, President of Keppel Club.were also on display, with a highlightfrom St Andrew’s Secondary School –the GPS (Global Positioning Satellite)charting of Berlayer Creek to createthe mangrove guide.Not stopping there, the schoolalso conducted water testing there,analysing if its conditions are stillsuitable for the mangrove speciesto thrive.20 pureA wetland was re-constructedindoors to educate visitorson the benefits of wetlandplantations, such as cleansingour waters naturally andbeautifying the environment.

Recognising outstandingwater contributionsThe Watermark Award recognisesindividuals and organisations fortheir outstanding contributions andcommitment towards protecting andraising awareness of Singapore’sprecious water resource.If you know of any exemplary individuals or organisations,with extraordinary contributions towards Singapore’s watersustainability, nominate them for the prestigiousWatermark Award 2011.Nominations open 22 March andclose 15 May 2011. For more information, visitwww.pub.gov.sg/watermarkaward

It’s all too easy to use more water thannecessary during the festive season.Four personalities tell PURE how theykeep an eye on their water bills.BY TINA WANGPHOTO OF WILLIN LOW: EALBERT HO, PHOTO OF MDM ASMAH LAILI: STEVE ZHU,PHOTO OF KUMAR: MEDIACORP TV, CH 510'KAYAKING'WATER WALLYSOFT TOYSTO BE WON!WIN A 'KAYAKING'WATER WALLY!Send us your best watersavingtip and a loveableWater Wally soft toy couldbe yours! Email your tip toPUREmail@mediacorp.com.sgby Feb 28, 2011.pure 23

MAKING ASPLASHJust add water for a great movie experienceBY RUFUS LEEINCEPTIONIt singlehandedly bestowed StevenSpielberg with a career (Jaws,1975)and obliterated Kevin Costner’s(Waterworld,1995). Its tremendouspower has mysteriously healedlifelong rifts while cruelly keepinglovers apart. It is a force sobreathtakingly melodramatic, thatin Beaches (1988) Barbara Hersheydied gazing at it while Bette Midlernot-so-softly sang 'Wind BeneathMy Wings'. It is a cinematic force tobehold — and it doesn’t even havean agent.Water is perhaps one of the mostwidely employed tools in moviemakinghistory. Grand rivers, lyricallakes and quaint ponds that sparklein the sunlight aren’t used simplyas attractive set dressing (no, thatwould be Taylor Lautner’s job). Farfrom it, in fact. Water has meaning.It has purpose, mystery, symbolism.It tells stories. And it does so just bysitting there. Water, in short, is theJudi Dench of nature.Early civilisations, from the NativeAmericans to the Chinese, consideredwater to have mystical or spiritualproperties. It was a giver of life; ameans of renewal or rejuvenation —cinematic themes we see as often asJennifer Aniston is unlucky in loveon screen.Dirty DancingTHE LITTLE MERMAIDLADY IN THE WATERIn Dirty Dancing (1987), 'Baby'Jennifer Grey is baptised, so to speak,in the waters of a lake rehearsingthat famous lift with Patrick Swayze,and is reborn a woman. Inception’s(2010) extractors in miraculouslycrease-free tailored suits are savedfrom hostile dream worlds andbrought back to reality by beingplunged into water.

THE NOTEBOOK (2004)Henry Fonda anddaughter Jane reconciledin the company of loonsand Katherine Hepburn inOn Golden Pond (1981).A whole bunch of old folkwere literally given a newlease of life from all thatfrolicking in the water inCocoon (1985). In A RiverRuns Through It (1992),Brad Pitt, his brother CraigSheffer and dad TomSkerritt are given a secondThe African Queenchance at working out theirfamily issues while flyfishingon the streams ofMontana (and it would haveworked, too, if Brad didn’tup and die at the end).On Golden Pond Cocoon A River Runs Through ItIn symbolism, lakesand streams signify ourunconscious, so it’s nosurprise Rachel McAdamsSplashbegins to have someclarity about her chickflicklove for Ryan Goslingonly when they are outon the lake in a canoe —even though it’s painfullyclear to everyone elsemade to sit through TheNotebook (2004).Waterrepresents femininity.Apparently, if a woman isafraid of water, she mayactually have a fear ofmen. So in acts of fiercefemale empowerment inadventure films, MerylStreep saves the day onthe white water rapids inThe River Wild (1994), andKatherine Hepburn blowsa German gunboat tosmithereens while cruisingdown Lake Victoria in TheAfrican Queen (1951).Water hides the unknown,obscuring the strange(The Creature From TheBlack Lagoon, 1954),the mythical (Lady InThe Water, 2006) andthe singing crustaceanunder the sea (TheLittle Mermaid, 1989).Of course, wateralso reveals what waspreviously concealed —like a gleeful assortmentof naked bits as seen (andpaused repeatedly onDVD) in Daryl Hannah’sSplash (1984), BrookeShield’s The Blue Lagoon(1980) and Elle McPhersonin Sirens (1993).So while the drunkpatrons of Coyote Ugly(2000) might chant,“Hell no, H 20!”, the truthis: Not only is water goodfor you — it goes greatwith popcorn.pure 25

FRESHWATERThe world is home to some17 freshwater lakes, most ofwhich lie in the NorthernHemisphere at higher latitudes.We shine the spotlight on fourof the most beautiful.LAKE SUPERIOR, UNITED STATESNamed by French explorers as ‘le lac superieur’ meaning“upper lake”, Lake Superior is located in the city ofDuluth, Minnesota. Said to be the largest freshwater lakein the world, it measures about 563 kms east to west,and 258 kms north to south, and has an average depth of148 m. It holds three quadrillion gallons, or 2,900 cubicmiles, of water and dramatically affects weather patternsin the region.Lake Superior is blessed with huge forests andwilderness areas, rich agricultural land and extensivemineral deposits. These come together to support a wealthof biological diversity, including over 130 rare species andecosystems. Lake Superior contains prairies, savannas,forests, fens, wetlands and other unique landscapes.It is estimated that the water bodies contain 180species of marine life.Duluth receives about 3.5 million tourist visitors peryear. They flock to the lake’s beaches, as well as to itsannual events. Also popular is the Lake Superior DragonBoat Festival, an annual fundraising event featuringtraditional dragon boat races.LAKE VICTORIA, AFRICAThe biggest freshwater lake and most importantfreshwater fishing destination in all of Africa, this majesticbody of water forms a natural boundary between Kenya,Tanzania and Uganda. Spanning over 67,000 sq km ofsurface area, it is the famous source of the mightyRiver Nile in Uganda, which takes the waters ofLake Victoria to the Mediterranean.Lake Victoria is spread over 69,490 sq km and isfed by numerous streams. Here is where you’ll find anabundance of fish life, making it the biggest centre forfreshwater fishing in Africa. Fishing villages and porttowns such as Kisumu (Kenya) and Port Bell (Uganda)boast bustling fish markets along its shores.A tourist attraction is seeing local fishermen in actionas they take traditional row boats — known as Ssesecanoes — out to cast giant nets.LAKE BAIKAL, RUSSIAApparently the world's oldest and deepest lake, LakeBaikal is situated nearly in the center of Asia in a hugestone bowl set 445 m above sea level.It is surrounded by mountain ranges and locatedin the south of Eastern Siberia. The lake covers31,500 sq km of land and is 636 km long – a treasureTHERE ARE NO NATURAL LAKES IN SINGAPORE, BUT...we have 17 reservoirs! These collect rainwater andform part of our water supply and blue spaces foreveryone to enjoy.We are one of the few countries in the worldthat harvests rainwater on a large scale, as twothirdsof Singapore is water catchment.Over 7,000km of drains and canals carry rainwaterto our reservoirs, so it is important not to dirty ourwater. Any rubbish thrown into a drain or canal willend up in the reservoir.Lake Superior26 pure

trove of mineral resources and abundant biodiversity.Animals such as sables, foxes and moose live in thesurrounding mountains and valleys, while birds and fishabound in the forests and rivers of the area. Lake Baikalhas more than 1,000 species of aquatic flora, about 20species of flowering plants and some 56 species of fish.The area's hot springs boast water of excellentquality, and the lake also acts as a powerful generatorand biofilter that produces this water.Tourists head here to enjoy the great Russianoutdoors and natural beauty, including swimming if theyare up for it — the water temperature seldom rises above15º Celsius!.LAKE TITICACA, PERUSituated in the little town of Puno, Lake Titicaca sits at avery high altitude of over 3,800 metres above sea level.Bordered by Peru and Bolivia, it is surrounded by barrenlandscape and is one of 17 remaining ancient lakes inthe world. It is thought to be three million years old.Today, the region is known for its abundant wildlife,huge salt deposits, hot springs and geysers. LakeTiticaca is home to large populations of water birdsand designated as a Ramsar Site (an intergovernmentaltreaty that embodies member countries to plan for thesustainable use of all their wetlands) in 1998.The lake also contains over 30 islands, includingthe famous floating islands (Islas Flotantes) that areconstructed primarily of the lake's totora reeds.The island's 300 inhabitants continue to fashiontotora (a reed-like papyrus) into huts, canoes andvarious souvenirs.Lake VictoriaLake BaikalDid You Know?Freshwater is an important natural resourcenecessary for the survival of all ecosystems. It isdefined as bodies of water with less than 0.5 partsper thousand of dissolved salts, and its ultimatesource is rain and snow.Today, freshwater systems can include rivers,streams, lakes, ponds, springs, floodplains, andwetlands such as bogs, marshes, and swamps.These provide drinking, sanitation, agriculture,transport, electricity generation and recreation.They also support eco-systems by serving ashomes to a diverse range of animals and plants.Lake TiticacaPhoto: Getty Images & istockphotopure27

on the waterfrontRain, rain, go away... Butif it doesn't, Singapore iswell-preparedUmbrellas to the fore!It may be the rainy season, but Singapore is wellprepared. And none more so than residents andshop owners at low-lying areas such as LorongBuangkok, Jalan Seaview, Meyer Road, Lorong101 to Lorong 106 Changi, and Everitt RoadNorth — they have been storing theirbelongings on higher ground or placingsandbags to block potential floodwaters.PUB has been issuing flood advisories andstepping up drain inspections since November2010 as part of efforts to prepare for theNortheast monsoon period.Residents in six areas also now have morepeace of mind during this rainy period. PUB hascompleted flood alleviation projects along JalanBoon Lay, Boon Lay Place, Ghim Moh Road,Jurong West Avenue 2, Newton Road and LengKee Road. Improvement works have also beencarried out at Kelantan Road, Lorong L TelokKurau, Jalan Haji Alias and Jurong Port Road.Similar works have also started at the BukitTimah Canal stretch between Jalan KampongChantek and Maple Avenue. To be completed inDecember 2012, this project is the first stage ofan overall drainage scheme to improve the BukitTimah First Diversion Canal, which stretchesfrom Bukit Timah Road to Clementi Road.For the latest weather reports and heavyrain warnings, tune in to radio broadcasts orcall the National Environment Agency’s (NEA)weather forecast hotline at 6542 7788, click onwww.nea.gov.sg, or access the mobile weatherservice Weather@SG at http://weather.nea.gov.sg. To report drain obstructions or check onflood situations, call PUB’s 24-hour Call Centreat 1800-284 6600 or refer to the PUB website athttp://www.pub.gov.sg/managingflashfloods.At Orchard Road…The project for road raising works alongOrchard Road started in November 2010 andis due to be completed in the second quarterof 2011. But shoppers needn't worry — therewill be minimal disruption to businesses, trafficand pedestrians as PUB and the appointedcontractor is working closely with the relevantagencies and businesses there.Once the project is completed, Orchard Roadis expected to enjoy greater flood protection.Photos: Corbis28 pure

Cover1.indd 17/6/10 6:12:40 PMReservoir ofFamilyFunEdmund Chen andXiang Yun enjoy afun-filled fill family dayat Bedok ReservoirflWINA PAIR OFSPORTLINE M/WDUO 1025WORTH $179!INSIDE Happy Birthday Water Wa lyFamily Bay and Rower’s Bayat the revammped Lower SeletarReservoir offfer two moreways to enjoy and cherishSingapore’s water resources$100 offINSIDERequiredRecognition for PURE in the international arenaPROMOSA Tourspackages!JUDarinFruit FanfareBasking in the sun at Sengkang Floating Wetlandwith TV host Ng HuiINSIDE Celebrating Water Wa ly Drainspo ting Flash Forward!With our mailbox filled with letters of praiseand thanks, as well as a growing fan base onour Facebook page, it’s official – you like PUREfor the bright, breezy way in which it deliversinformation about water-related features.The International Water Association(IWA) felt similarly too. At their MarketingKeepingWet, Wild, WestA water sports havenand more atPandan Reservoirand Jurong Lakeorward!OCT-DEC 201090 days,90 waysSave waterin waysyou’ve neverthought of!WIN!readingSIGGwb waterbottlesand Communications Awards last year, PUREwalked away as the winner of the Best PopularPresentation of a Water Science category.PURE has come a long way since its debut asa free lifestyle street magazine in March 2007.Looking to raise awareness on water issues ina fun and hip manner, it targets young adultsbelow 35 years – a generation which has nevergone through water rationing or prolongeddrought in Singapore.Apart from stories on water activities,water-conscious celebrities and water-savingtips, PURE uses soy-based waterless inks andforest stewardship paper in their bid for a moresustainable planet.Keeping up with the times, PURE alsoreaches out to its fans online via Facebook and adownloadable pdf version.Given out at MRT stations, public libraries,tertiary institutions and schools, browsing copiescan also be found at selected coffee joints,eateries, and health centres.For more information on PURE, visitwww.facebook.com/pure.magazine.sgPUB can now proudly and rightfully call itself thechampion for older workers. In November lastyear, it won the International Innovative EmployerAward for making the working environment moreconducive for workers over 50.A constant innovator of numerousprogrammes and frameworks, PUB’s efforts areapparent in key areas of continuous education,keeping employees fit and healthy, andreemploying mature workers.“PUB values its mature workers as they havevaluable experience and expertise in their areaof work,” says Mr Lawrence Tan, Director,Human Resources.“Besides undertaking their current jobfunctions, we have tapped them to be trainersto our younger officers, so they can pass on theirknowledge and experience. As long as an officeris willing to learn, improve himself and preparedto undertake new tasks, there will be a job forhim at PUB.”Given by the AARP (formerly the AmericanAssociation of Retired Persons). Singapore wasthe only Asian winner out of 15 organisations toget the award.Mr Lim Boon Heng (Minister,Prime Minister's Office)presenting the award toemployees is the Educational Skills UpgradingProgramme, which allows staff to upgradeMr Lawrence Tan, Director,Human Resourcesthemselves though certificate and diplomaprogrammes and various sponsorship schemes.Another effort, Transition TrainingProgramme, is targeted at those due forretirement in 10 to 12 years as they reach theircompulsory retirement age. Jointly developedwith PUB Employees’ Union (PUBEU) andimplemented in 2007, about 1,200 officers haveundergone this programme to date.Another key source of PUB’s recruitment isthe re-employment of those who have reachedthe statutory retirement age of 62. With supportfrom PUBEU, employees may continue in thesame job they had before retirement or beredeployed to a new job.pure 29

CoverMe!PUB’s message “Your Reservoir StartsHere” was reinforced by its drain covercompetition, launched in May last yearas part of a pilot project to encourageSingaporeans to take notice of drain covers.Over 150 entries were received, all ofby public voting and a panel includingrepresentatives from DesignSingaporeCouncil, PUB, and Tokyo-basedphotographer, urban artist and film makerRemo Camerota who is also the author ofDrainspotting, a book documenting manyof the creative drain covers in Japan.The top 10 winners, selected fromthe Open and Student categories, featuredindividuals of various ages and backgrounds,and even nationalities. At an awards ceremonyat Marina Barrage, graced by Dr Amy Khor,Minister of State for the Ministry of theEnvironment and Water Resources, the winnerstook home cash prizes, a plaque featuring theirwinning designs and sponsored prizes fromAdobe Systems and Basheer Graphic Books.Winner of the student category’s Judges’ Choiceaward, Tong Nhat Duong, a student at Anglo-Chinese School, submitted a whimsical interpretationtitled ‘The Realm of Wonder’. His design was basedJudges’ Choice AwardThe Realm of Wonder from Tong Nhat Duongof Anglo-Chinese Schoollike the mermaids in our childhood fairy tales withwater as their vital source of life, like the air is to us.”Meanwhile, Merit Award winner from the OpenCategory Cheah Phei Sang’s depiction featured awater droplet with activities focused around water.Titled ‘Water goes around comes around’, it is“a cartoon depiction of our daily lifein Singapore revolving around water.We are grateful to stay in a city thatis well equipped to overcome thePeople’s Choice AwardProtect your wonderful world of waterfrom Goh Fo Ler of Nanyang PolytechnicThe 10 winning designs will bereplicated and placed on drain coversas Raffles Place.You can see the designs at30 pureMerit AwardsNancy of IndonesiaUnder your Feet from Marilyn Thamof Nanyang Polytechnic

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