Singapore's First Underground Service Reservoir Built On Low Ground
Beneath Bidadari housing estate in Toa Payoh, hidden from view, lies an engineering marvel that could be the future of supplying water to Singaporeans.
A collaborative effort between our National water agency PUB, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Housing & Development Board, and National Parks Board, the Bidadari Underground Service Reservoir (USR) is the first of its kind built on low ground in Singapore.
It was proposed by PUB during the estate’s planning stages to integrate the facility with the estate’s infrastructure without having to construct new water pipelines.
The pumping station above ground. | IMAGE: PUB
The first USR
Land is precious on our Little Red Dot. The Bidadari USR is an ingenious solution to this problem. By going underground, this facility has saved about 1,500sqm of surface space – roughly the size of two basketball courts. Only the pumping station, which occupies about 700sqm, is above ground.
Interior of one of the underground water tanks. | IMAGE: PUB
Massive capacity
Comprising a pumping station and two water tanks, the Bidadari USR boasts a capacity equivalent to three Olympic-sized swimming pools. Like our other service reservoirs, this USR is controlled by a centralised system, reducing the need for manual operations.
The underground water pumps. | IMAGE: PUB
Five centrally operated pumps
Existing service reservoirs are built on high ground so that water flows to you via gravity. As the Bidadari USR is, well, underground, it features five centrally operated pumps that kick in when demand for water is highest. During off-peak hours, the USR is refilled with potable water from other high-ground service reservoirs, ensuring it’s ready for the next peak hour.
IMAGE: PUB
Future-proofing our water supply
With water demand projected to nearly double by 2065, the Bidadari USR is a step towards future-proofing Singapore's water supply. Forward-thinking infrastructure + solution for our growing needs + efficient use of limited space = win for everyone.
More hidden wonders in Singapore
Underground Ammunition Facility (UAF)
In 2008, Singapore unveiled its first UAF. As with Bidadari USR, it was built to free up land space and saved 300 hectares of land (the equivalent of 400 football fields or half of Pasir Ris town). It is several storeys underground and linked by a warren of subterranean road tunnels – large enough for container trucks to drive through.
Jurong Rock Caverns (JRC)
Another underground project, the JRC is the first commercial underground rock caverns facility for the storage of liquid hydrocarbons in Southeast Asia. It is 150m below the ground and freed up 60 hectares of land (or 70 football fields).
Hampstead Wetlands Park
Nestled within the Seletar Aerospace Park, Hampstead Wetlands Park is a serene oasis brimming with biodiversity. This hidden gem offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers and bird watchers. Click here for more hidden parks you should explore.
IMAGE: NG KAI
Bowyer Block
Not many know about the historical Bowyer Block unless they visit Singapore General Hospital (SGH). This national monument is the only remaining structure from the original group of hospital buildings built in the compound of what is now SGH. It's not exactly hidden, but if you've never been to SGH, you know it exists meh? Read all about it here.
Hidden wartime bunkers
Singapore has several hidden bunkers scattered across our island, many built during World War II. One of the most notable is the Battlebox, a former British underground command centre in Fort Canning Park that has been turned into a museum. These remnants from our past are intriguing pieces of history, and it’s an adventure just to get to some of these bunkers.
For the latest updates on Wonderwall.sg, be sure to follow us on TikTok, Telegram, Instagram, and Facebook. If you have a story idea for us, email us at [email protected].
