PUB suspends Johor River Waterworks operations amid upstream pollution

Singapore’s national water agency, PUB, has temporarily suspended operations at its Johor River Waterworks (JRWW) as a precaution following a pollution incident in the Johor River.

The agency confirmed the move on 1 November, in response to media queries, stating it is closely monitoring the quality of raw water in the river.

PUB said the suspension is temporary and operations will resume once the water quality has returned to normal levels.

Despite the suspension, PUB assured the public that Singapore’s water supply remains unaffected.

Production has been stepped up at local desalination and NEWater plants to meet current demand, which averages 440 million gallons per day.

The pollution has been linked to damage at a bund silt pond believed to be caused by upstream sand dredging.

Malaysia’s Department of Environment confirmed on 31 October that the incident led to silt spilling into the Johor River.

According to a report by Bernama, Johor’s Environment Department director, Dr Mohd Famey Yusoff, stated that the state’s water regulatory body, Badan Kawalselia Air Johor, ordered an immediate halt to the dredging operations.

However, Dr Mohd Famey noted that the released silt could not be fully contained and continues to flow downstream.

The environmental impact has been significant.

Hundreds of dead fish were found in parts of the river, prompting concern from residents and fishermen, particularly in the Kota Tinggi area.

Several residents have filed police reports in response to the incident, citing fears over long-term ecological damage.

The Johor water company, Ranhill SAJ, has also reported temporary shutdowns of water treatment plants along the river due to contamination concerns, Bernama added.

Singapore has long relied on the Johor River for a portion of its water needs.

Under the 1962 Water Agreement between Singapore and Malaysia, Singapore is entitled to draw up to 250 million gallons of water daily from the Johor River.

In return, Singapore supplies Johor with treated water of up to 2 per cent of the water it imports.

The agreement remains in force until 2061.

To ensure reliable water abstraction, PUB constructed the Linggiu Reservoir upstream of the JRWW.

The reservoir releases water into the river to maintain adequate flow levels for treatment operations at the waterworks.

PUB noted that it will continue to monitor developments in Johor closely and work with Malaysian authorities to assess when operations can resume safely.

The agency also reaffirmed that its diversified water supply strategy – which includes imported water, desalinated water, NEWater, and local catchments – ensures resilience against disruptions.