In Singapore, water discharge from construction activities and cleaning operations is a major concern for environmental regulators. Improper discharge of wastewater into drains or onto surrounding land is not only harmful to the environment but is also a punishable offence under Singapore’s strict environmental laws.

According to the Sewerage and Drainage Act (SDA) 1999, offenders can be fined up to $15,000—or even face a three-month jail term—for unauthorized discharge of wastewater into public sewers or drains. The Sewerage and Drainage Act (SDA) 1999 further imposes fines of up to $15,000—or even a three-month jail term—for failing to keep sanitary systems in proper working order. As NEA (National Environment Agency) and PUB (Singapore’s National Water Agency) conduct regular inspections, non-compliance can result in severe penalties.

In this blog, we will explore practical steps that construction contractors and industrial operators in Singapore can implement to ensure compliance with water discharge regulations, avoid fines, and protect the environment.

Water discharge regulations in Singapore

What is considered water discharge?

Most likely, water discharge refers to the release of wastewater or water from washings—such as those from portable toilets, temporary toilets, vehicle washing bays, and construction activities—into public drains or surrounding land areas without proper treatment.

Why is it a problem?

Improper water discharge can lead to:

Pollution of waterways, including rivers and reservoirs.
Contamination of soil, harming local ecosystems.
Public health hazards, particularly when sewage and contaminated water enter the drainage system.
These issues have led Singapore to enforce strict compliance standards, holding contractors accountable for their discharge practices.

Best practices to prevent illegal water discharge

Proper management of portable and temporary toilets

Do NOT allow wastewater and water from washings to flow out from portable toilets and their connecting pipes.
Water from cleaning portable toilets should be contained within their holding tanks and collected by licensed Class C General Waste Collectors.
Regular inspections (at least monthly) should be conducted to ensure toilets are in good working order, with no leaks or odors.

Containment of washing activities at construction sites

All water from vehicle washing bays must be directed to a holding pond or a silty water treatment plant before being discharged.
Silty water, if left untreated, carries sediment and contaminants that can clog drains and pollute water bodies.

Routine maintenance of sanitary systems

Keep the entire sanitary system free of leaks, chokes, and defects.
If issues are identified, engage licensed plumbers promptly to avoid non-compliance with the SDA.

Advanced solutions on the earth control measures

At Absolute Instruments, we offer a reliable solution for managing silty water discharge: the Earth Control Measures (ECM) Silty Water Treatment System.

Key features of the silty water treatment system:

Automated sedimentation process that separates silt and suspended solids from wastewater.
Real-time monitoring of Total Suspended Solids (TSS) levels to ensure compliance with PUB discharge limits.
Easy integration with holding ponds and washing bays, making it perfect for construction and mining operations.
Compact and modular design, allowing for flexible installation at different site sizes.

How it supports compliance:

By using the ECM Silty Water Treatment System, contractors can:

Ensure that water discharge meets Singapore’s environmental regulations.
Reduce the risk of fines from NEA and PUB inspections.
Minimize environmental impact by preventing sediment and pollutants from entering public drains and waterways.

For more information about the Earth Control Measures Silty Water Treatment System, click here.

Conclusion

Singapore’s strict enforcement of water discharge regulations makes it clear: compliance is not optional. Contractors and site operators must implement effective wastewater management practices and leverage advanced treatment solutions to avoid fines and protect the environment.

The Earth Control Measures Silty Water Treatment System from Absolute Instruments offers a proven, compliant solution to manage silty wastewater at your site.

Contact Absolute Instruments today to explore how our products can help your business stay compliant and environmentally responsible.