Educate public, conserve water until dry spell ends

I refer to the report “Climate change forces S’pore to look at 5th desalination plant, in Jurong” (April 13).

In the wake of the current dry weather in Singapore and Malaysia, it is time to kick-start water conservation to raise public awareness of the problem.

Many Singaporeans, especially the younger generation, have no idea what water rationing is.

They assume that water is abundant and that Johor can and will supply it to us indefinitely. Water is taken for granted.

If the dry weather continues and Linggiu Reservoir’s water levels fall below 20 per cent, the supply to Singapore could be disrupted.

We must educate the public on water consumption and take steps now to reinforce the importance of water to our survival and the need for every citizen to save water.

Until the dry spell is over, we could stop car wash services and public fountain displays to save water and convey a sign of shortage.

Rather than wait and hope for the hot spell to blow over — when that will be is uncertain — it would be sagacious to start a campaign now to save water at all levels.