Reflections- Hao Jun

The first station we went to was the rain garden station. The station master told us to observe the rain garden while explaining how this rain garden helps to filter the waste in the water. I was really surprised when I was told how much this small little rain garden can cut down the cost of purifying the water with chemicals. 

The Rain Garden

The second station that we went to was the station which taught us about the history of Lower Seletar Reservoir. Through the boards displaying the timeline of the reservoir and the station master, I realised that Lower Seletar Reservoir was used for agricultural activities and other activities such as fishing. Although there are people fishing then, at those older days, and now, their purposes are different. in the past, people fished for a livelihood, but today, people fish there as a recreational activity. In the past, people traveled in the water in "sampans" to go out to fish, but today, people can just fish at the fishing jetty and can travel out to the water in motor boats.

canoes used today

The third station we went to was about appreciating the reservoir. We were guided by the station master to observe the things that we do not usually notice. She also explained to us why certain structures were built that way. I personally feel that the reservoir is a really peaceful place, a place where I can go take a walk at to quieten down my heart and forget about my troubles.

Structure that represents a Fishing Net

The fourth station was the station where we did the water purity test and learn about the forming of algae. We were supposed to collect a bucket of water and the station master did the test with us.

The Fishing Jetty

 Collecting water for the test

Chemicals used for the test

We did not go to the fifth station due to the rain. However, because of the rain, we got to see the view of the reservoir under the shelter at the fishing jetty, where we did the water purity test.

The rainy day view

Overall, I feel that this is a very meaningful trip. Although it was raining before the trip and drizzling during the trip, it made the place cooling and thus I could appreciate it better. The learning journey this time round was an "amazing race", where we went from station to station, one after another, where we tried our best at each station and earn stickers, which represents points. During this learning journey, I have learnt more about a reservoir and come to better appreciate it. I would bring my friends along with me the next time I go to reservoir and hope that they will see what I see and appreciate it too.

A Bird i saw

Of course, only having water catchment areas would not be enough. Singapore still has one more agreement with Malaysia, which expires in 2061, to buy water from Malaysia. Singapore also stared NEwater, where used water is recycled and can be used again. This way, it can help to solve the problem of water constraint, by having fresh water to meet the needs of people.