POTABLE WATER SUPPLY IN JURONG (Discolouration)

Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Finance if he will ascertain from the Jurong Town Corporation what measures are being taken to minimise the discolouration of potable water supplied to Jurong residents and when those measures will be effected.

Mr Goh Chok Tong (for the Minister for Finance): Sir, the Jurong Town Corporation has informed me that when the discolouration of water was first detected, extensive tests and investigations were conducted immediately to ascertain the causes of the discolouration. It was found that discolouration was due to the high saline content of water from the Kranji-Pandan reservoirs which causes rapid erosion and deterioration of the cast-iron pipes and the water tanks.

It was decided to replace the cast-iron pipes with cement-lined pipes for about 118 apartment blocks affected by the discolouration. At the same time, it was decided to repaint about 330 water tanks with anti-corrosive paint. Replacement and repainting work began in October 1977 and will be completed by September 1978. It will cost altogether $1.4 million. The replacement of cast-iron pipes has already been completed in 47 apartment blocks with replacement works in another 16 blocks nearing completion. The remaining apartment blocks will be completed by June 1978. When these remedial measures are completed, discolouration of potable water supplied to Jurong residents should be eliminated.