Singapore says tap water stayed safe as haze darkened rainwater
What's new: PUB tests found no unusual change in treated water, even after Oct. 17 haze pushed the PSI to 193.
Singapore’s tap water remains safe to drink despite social media videos showing blackish rainwater during the recent haze, Environment Minister Grace Fu said after reviewing tests by national water agency PUB. Samples collected on Oct. 17, when the Pollutant Standards Index hit 193, showed rainwater during hazy conditions could be slightly more acidic and carry more particles and organic matter. PUB said treated water showed no unusual changes because reservoir water goes through multiple treatment stages that remove dirt and very fine particles, including PM2.5. Fu also warned that collected rainwater should not be used for drinking, cooking or personal hygiene, whether or not haze is present.