Reflections- Ng Yong Kang

At the first station i went to, i learnt that the water there is not polluted and can be drunk. It has a pH of 9 which is neutral and can support marine life.



Two thirds of Singapore are water catchment areas. I learnt from station two that this water comes from housing estates and rainwater in drains. Water skiing, canoeing and fishing can affect the water quality of the reservoir as waste products will dirty the water and the bait used for fishing will pollute the water.There was also a little trap in the canal which is used to prevent litter from entering the reservoir to minimize the area of litter collected in the resevoir. Pollutants like plastic bottles, leaves, branches and plastic bags also pollute the water and can endanger the survival of marine life.




The third station I went to was the rain garden which helps to prevent algae bloom. It is also a habitat for insects and bird. The rain garden contains phosphorus and nitrates. Plants there take up nutrients from fertilisers and filters water before it enters the reservoir, thus preventing algae bloom.




At the fourth station, i also learnt about the history of Seletar reservoir. One of the earlier names of Seletar resevoir is Selita Reservoir which means Straits in Malay. The people there trade for tobacco and kerosene  and grow crops like pineapple and rubber.




Lastly, I learnt about the similarities and differences of the past and present of seletar reservoir. The similarities are that is still used as a water catchment area  and physical activities are still conducted here. The differences are the Seletar reservoir was small, held industrial activities and used to have transport like canoes. Now, it is big, there are water activities and use of boats.




In all , I ejoyed the trip to Seletar Reservoir and have learnt a lot about it. I will also tell others not to pollute the waters in Singapore.