At the Water Quality Testing station, I learnt that the water in our reservoirs are rather clean and would be suitable for consumption after further treatment. The waters in our reservoir are also conducive for fishes to live in it as the pH level is not too high.
At the litter trap station, I learnt about the litter trap positioned at the mouth of the reservoir. It will trap any litter before they even flow into the reservoir and dirty it.
At the ABC Waters Design Features station, I learnt about the Rain Garden and the Bioretention Swales which treat the rainwater and then it can be re-used again.
At the heritage panels, I got to learn about the history of Seletar Reservoir and the difference between the past and present Seletar. I learnt the difference of their size to their purpose.
At the English station, I learnt new words of describing the scenery of Lower Seletar Reservoir.
Through this trail, I have understood the more about the ABC programme, which stands for Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters Programme. After this learning trail, I have learnt about the concept and design features of the ABC programme. I realised that this programme will transform Singapore's drains, canals and reservoirs into beautiful and clean waters combined with green scenery bring people closer to nature. This plan has been carried out in many reservoirs throughout the island. Some design features that I saw at Lower Seletar Reservoir include The Rain Garden, which collects rainwater, and then filters it, so that the water can be reused in the water play area.
Singapore currently still has one water agreement with Malaysia to buy water from them. Also, Singapore has started NEWater to recycle used water. By doing these, it will increase our supply of water to meet with our water constraints.
I think that we can design posters to encourage the community to participate in the trail or visit the reservoir. We can also recommend our relatives and friends to take a stroll there to enjoy the scenery and at the same time, learn more about Lower Seletar and the ABC waters programme.
I think everyone is responsible for keeping Singapore clean and green, and they can do that by simply not littering. Everybody should play their part to keep the place clean so that we have a picturesque scenery to admire and not a smelly and unsightly environment. A simple act can go a long way.
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Reflections-Tan Xuan Wei
I feel that the trail to Lower Seletar Resevoir is a rare opportunity for me to learn more about Singapore's water catchment areas and its functions. I also think that the trail is a chance for me to learn more about water resources and the process of treatment of water through hands-on activities. I have learnt more about Singapore's heritage and the history of the reservoir, through this trail.
This trip to Lower Seletar Reservoir had also led me to understand how important water, which is taken for granted by the majority of the people, is to us.
Station 1: The Fishing Jetty
The water quality test that we did there taught us a lot more about the condition of reservoir water in Singapore, and what kind of marine life it could support.
Station 2: Litter Trap
I learnt more about the functions of the litter trap, and how solid waste was removed before the water from various sources such as rivers, canals and drains in Singapore entered the reservoir. I also understood why the litter trap was positioned before the mouth of the reservoir and why was it is important to prevent solid waste from entering the reservoir.
Station 3: Rain Garden
At this station, I learnt about the function of the rain garden, which played an important role in filtering the water and prevention of algae growth. I have learnt that the rain garden filters the water before it is allowed to go into the river, thus reducing the cost of treating the water, and the plants in the rain garden helps absorb excess chemicals, which discourages algae growth in the reservoir.
I feel that the rain garden is a very useful place that both beautifies and contributes to the environment in Lower Seletar Reservoir.
Station 4: Heritage Panel
I've learnt more about the history of Singapore, and its reservoirs. I have also learnt more about how Lower Seletar Reservoir changed from being an industrial area to a recreational area today, with many water activities that can be conducted on the reservoir.
Station 5: Heritage Deck
I feel that the heritage deck encourages Singaporeans to remember and preserve our heritage for the future generations to learn more about. At this station, I also learnt how to observe the environment and describe it in detail through writing a postcard.
Unfortunately, we did not get to spend much time at this station as it soon rained and we had to set off.
All in all, I feel that Lower Seletar Reservoir is the most recommended place to conduct a trail to learn more about water and its resources. It also taught me not to take water for granted, and some of the many ways we can contribute to water conservation by simple things we can do in daily life such as turning off taps when it is not in use.
This trip to Lower Seletar Reservoir had also led me to understand how important water, which is taken for granted by the majority of the people, is to us.
Station 1: The Fishing Jetty
The water quality test that we did there taught us a lot more about the condition of reservoir water in Singapore, and what kind of marine life it could support.
Station 2: Litter Trap
I learnt more about the functions of the litter trap, and how solid waste was removed before the water from various sources such as rivers, canals and drains in Singapore entered the reservoir. I also understood why the litter trap was positioned before the mouth of the reservoir and why was it is important to prevent solid waste from entering the reservoir.
Station 3: Rain Garden
At this station, I learnt about the function of the rain garden, which played an important role in filtering the water and prevention of algae growth. I have learnt that the rain garden filters the water before it is allowed to go into the river, thus reducing the cost of treating the water, and the plants in the rain garden helps absorb excess chemicals, which discourages algae growth in the reservoir.
I feel that the rain garden is a very useful place that both beautifies and contributes to the environment in Lower Seletar Reservoir.
Station 4: Heritage Panel
I've learnt more about the history of Singapore, and its reservoirs. I have also learnt more about how Lower Seletar Reservoir changed from being an industrial area to a recreational area today, with many water activities that can be conducted on the reservoir.
Station 5: Heritage Deck
I feel that the heritage deck encourages Singaporeans to remember and preserve our heritage for the future generations to learn more about. At this station, I also learnt how to observe the environment and describe it in detail through writing a postcard.
Unfortunately, we did not get to spend much time at this station as it soon rained and we had to set off.
All in all, I feel that Lower Seletar Reservoir is the most recommended place to conduct a trail to learn more about water and its resources. It also taught me not to take water for granted, and some of the many ways we can contribute to water conservation by simple things we can do in daily life such as turning off taps when it is not in use.
Monday, 2 April 2012
E-postcard
Dear Lennox,
I went to the Lower Seletar Reservoir today, and it had such a magnificent view that captivated me! It was rather breezy there, and the air there was fresh and clean, unlike those of the city. It felt so good to be away from the bustle of the city once in a while, and come to such a relaxing place with a picturesque view.
There was a fishing jetty, where people could fish, and a heritage deck and panel, which reminds Singaporeans of their heritage, and to preserve it. A small rain garden which was located near it, had taught me so much about how water was filter through this seemingly small, but yet had great usefulness, rain garden.
In fact, the view and the time I spent at Lower Seletar Reservoir had left such a lasting impression on me that I even wrote a short ode to it!
Here it is:
The gorgeous view at Lower Seletar takes my breath away
Ever since I first visited it
The picturesque view imprinted deep within
The very corners of my mind
The fun I had at Lower Selatar,
Letting me relax and let my mind go
Oh Lower Seletar!
The very thought of it made me long,
Long to revisit the place where I love
Lower Seletar!
I hope that the next time you visit Singapore, we will be able to go to Lower Seletar Reservoir together to enjoy the mesmerizing view together.
Yours Sincerely,
Ann
I went to the Lower Seletar Reservoir today, and it had such a magnificent view that captivated me! It was rather breezy there, and the air there was fresh and clean, unlike those of the city. It felt so good to be away from the bustle of the city once in a while, and come to such a relaxing place with a picturesque view.
There was a fishing jetty, where people could fish, and a heritage deck and panel, which reminds Singaporeans of their heritage, and to preserve it. A small rain garden which was located near it, had taught me so much about how water was filter through this seemingly small, but yet had great usefulness, rain garden.
In fact, the view and the time I spent at Lower Seletar Reservoir had left such a lasting impression on me that I even wrote a short ode to it!
Here it is:
The gorgeous view at Lower Seletar takes my breath away
Ever since I first visited it
The picturesque view imprinted deep within
The very corners of my mind
The fun I had at Lower Selatar,
Letting me relax and let my mind go
Oh Lower Seletar!
The very thought of it made me long,
Long to revisit the place where I love
Lower Seletar!
I hope that the next time you visit Singapore, we will be able to go to Lower Seletar Reservoir together to enjoy the mesmerizing view together.
Yours Sincerely,
Ann
Reflections- Li Yi Lin
Station 1 : At this station, we learnt about the history of Lower Seletar reservoir. Teachers and station master explained to us about the history of it. The word "seletar" is in Malay which means strait and the people trade for herbs on Seletar river. People living there usually grow gambier, pepper, pineapple and rubber along Seletar river. The Seletar reservoir was built to support Singapore's increasing population and industrialization. In 1986, a dam was constructed across the mouth of Seletar river to collect rainwater from upstream areas. In 2004, Lower Seletar Reservoir was opened for water activities. ABC programme was set up in 2006.
At this station, we also learnt about what did the people do in the past at Seletar river and I noticed that the activities in the past were really different from now.This station allowed me understand more about Lower Seletar Reservoir, by learning all the history and past activities carried out along or on seletar river.
Station 2 : At this station, we learnt about the ABC Water Programme. The ABC Programme aims to integrate Singapore's parks, reservoirs and waterways and the community. The programme helps to keep our water clean by using the natural systems such as rain gardens and bioretention swales, this features will treat rainwater on site before allowing it to flow naturally into the reservoirs. At this station, we also observed the beauty of Lower Seletar Reservoir. We tried to described the scene we saw there using a lot of descriptive language, it was very fun and we learn quite many new words there. It also provide us an opportunity to touch, feel and see the natural environment in the Lower Seletar Reservoir.
Station 3 : We were guided by the station master to observe the environment of the reservoir I noticed many small little beautiful things that I have not noticed before
Station 4 : Never go due to the heavy rain.
Station 5 : At this station, we learnt about the effect of rain garden. The rain garden, which is included in the ABC Programme, have played a very important role in the filtration of rainwater. The rain garden collects, detain and treats rainwater runoff that flows from the park. The plants grow in the rain garden absorb the chemical in the use water, which help to filtered the water before allows it go into the reservoir. We also saw many different kinds of insects and animals living there, such as butterflies, dragonflies and crickets.
I think the rain garden system is really useful as it naturally filter the used water or rain water, thus, it reduces the outfits of buying chemicals to filter the water and it is much more naturally than using chemicals.
Overall reflection : I think this trip to Lower Seletar Reservoir is really useful and fun. I learnt a lot of things there including how Singapore treats the water and make it more suitable for people. This trip also taught me that water is very precious so it is important for us to save water and do not just take it for granted. It also taught me some ways that we can do in daily life so we can conserve water. We also discovered a lot of interesting facts along the roads and saw a lot of plants, animals and insects that we do not often see in daily life.
Station 2 : At this station, we learnt about the ABC Water Programme. The ABC Programme aims to integrate Singapore's parks, reservoirs and waterways and the community. The programme helps to keep our water clean by using the natural systems such as rain gardens and bioretention swales, this features will treat rainwater on site before allowing it to flow naturally into the reservoirs. At this station, we also observed the beauty of Lower Seletar Reservoir. We tried to described the scene we saw there using a lot of descriptive language, it was very fun and we learn quite many new words there. It also provide us an opportunity to touch, feel and see the natural environment in the Lower Seletar Reservoir.
Station 3 : We were guided by the station master to observe the environment of the reservoir I noticed many small little beautiful things that I have not noticed before
Station 4 : Never go due to the heavy rain.
Station 5 : At this station, we learnt about the effect of rain garden. The rain garden, which is included in the ABC Programme, have played a very important role in the filtration of rainwater. The rain garden collects, detain and treats rainwater runoff that flows from the park. The plants grow in the rain garden absorb the chemical in the use water, which help to filtered the water before allows it go into the reservoir. We also saw many different kinds of insects and animals living there, such as butterflies, dragonflies and crickets.
I think the rain garden system is really useful as it naturally filter the used water or rain water, thus, it reduces the outfits of buying chemicals to filter the water and it is much more naturally than using chemicals.
Overall reflection : I think this trip to Lower Seletar Reservoir is really useful and fun. I learnt a lot of things there including how Singapore treats the water and make it more suitable for people. This trip also taught me that water is very precious so it is important for us to save water and do not just take it for granted. It also taught me some ways that we can do in daily life so we can conserve water. We also discovered a lot of interesting facts along the roads and saw a lot of plants, animals and insects that we do not often see in daily life.
Reflections- Sun Ming Yue
The first station we went is the rain garden. The station master thought us about how rain garden had help to filter waste water and the different types of insects and animals we can see there. I think it is really amazing that a small rain garden can actually help to filter water and cut down the cost of using chemicals to purify water.The second station we went was about the history of lower seletar.According to the station master, lower seletar reservoir used to be used for agriculture and primary activities like fishing. Although we still see people fishing in Lower Seletar reservoir today, but it serves as a kind of entertainment now as compared to in the past,people in the past fish for food.The third station we went was the station that thought us to observe the reservoir. Third station is my favourite station as the station master guide us to observe what we usually don't , it is a different view from what we thought of and through small details we can actually infer how much change had the reservoir gone through.It provides us an opportunity to feel the nature and enjoy a moment of peace.The fourth station is a station on water test and we learnt how had algae boom cause harm to the water. Although we did not get to go to the fifth station due to the heavy rain, but we had a special experience as the view was really good in a rainy day. I think that trip to lower seletar reservoir is really meaningful. It was my first time doing the water test and it is really an amazing experience. As it was raining when we went on the trail, we saw many things that we are unable to on normal days. Not only did the rain ruined the trail, but it made it more special and interesting.The scenery there is really special and was something I had never experience before. This trail really provide a opportunity for me to observe the nature. I discovered quite a lot of interesting facts while on the trail.This trail also taught me the importance of water and all the process that it must go through before served. We really have to treasure water and not just take it for granted.This trail is much related to our daily life and it teaches us what we can do to conserve water .After the rain, it is very clear that there were many algae in the reservoir. I think that we should increase the number of rain gardens to prevent the algae bloom. Before the rain, we could actually hear the sound made by quite a lot of insects living there which we do not get to see everyday. I really enjoyed the views there. This trail is not just a trail where you can have fun, but also learn and discover interesting facts about nature and how are all this related to water. It is a memorable trip which provides you a opportunity to know about the environment we are living in.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Overview of What We Did There
Long story cut short, we were supposed to go to different stations set up by our seniors and teachers. It was an "Amazing Race", where we have to run from station to station, one after another, and try our best at each station and receive points. Also, the first three teams to complete all the stations and return to the starting point would get bonus points!
Introduction- Overview
Lower Seletar Reservoir is located on the North-Eastern part of Singapore. It is one of the 17 reservoirs in Singapore. It's a water cathment area, which is one of our Four National Taps. The reservoir is 3.6 kilometres squared.
In 1924, to support the Growing population and industralisation, Lower Seletar Reservoir was built, following MacRitchie and Pierce Reservoirs.In 1969, as a result of expansion in 1940 and 1967 respectively, it became Singapore's largest reservoir at that time. It was also a popular leisure spot. In 1986, a dam was constructed across the mouth of Seletar River from the upstream areas to further ensure it could hold sufficient water. In 1992, Seletar Resevoir was renamed Upper Seletar Reservoir, while Sungei Seletar Reservoir was renamed Lower Seletar Reservoir.In 2004, reservoirs in Singapore were opened for water activities to let people recognise that water is a shared resource.In 2010, the makeover of Lower Seletar Reservoir under the ABC Waters Programme has been completed.
In 1924, to support the Growing population and industralisation, Lower Seletar Reservoir was built, following MacRitchie and Pierce Reservoirs.In 1969, as a result of expansion in 1940 and 1967 respectively, it became Singapore's largest reservoir at that time. It was also a popular leisure spot. In 1986, a dam was constructed across the mouth of Seletar River from the upstream areas to further ensure it could hold sufficient water. In 1992, Seletar Resevoir was renamed Upper Seletar Reservoir, while Sungei Seletar Reservoir was renamed Lower Seletar Reservoir.In 2004, reservoirs in Singapore were opened for water activities to let people recognise that water is a shared resource.In 2010, the makeover of Lower Seletar Reservoir under the ABC Waters Programme has been completed.
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