EFFLUENT WATER SUPPLY IN JURONG (Smell nuisance)

Mr Ho Kah Leong asked the Minister for Finance if he will request the Jurong Town Corporation to ensure that the supply of effluent water to Jurong residents for flushing purposes is regular and free from stink.

Mr Goh Chok Tong (for the Minister for Finance): Sir, the supply of industrial water for toilet flushing began as a pilot scheme in 1971 for six blocks of flats at Yuan Ching Road. The supply has been regular and the water is disinfected by chlorination. With the success of the initial scheme, the system was then extended to eight blocks in Teban Garden. It is true that there were some isolated interruptions to the supply during the initial teething period of commissioning of the pumping equipment at the flats, but the Jurong Town Corporation has since rectified the problem.

There is no major odour problem in the use of industrial water produced by the Ministry of the Environment. The JTC flushes and washes the effluent water tanks regularly. However, it is important that residents should also ensure that the water is not left stagnant in their toilets over prolonged periods as it could develop some odour.