National water agency PUB adopts a proactive approach to manage pipelines within Singapore’s water supply network, which ensures a robust and efficient potable water distribution system. Potable water is supplied daily to 1.7 million households and businesses via a 6,000km-long pipeline network. To maintain this critical infrastructure, PUB has in place a comprehensive pipe maintenance and renewal programme. Leaks or burst pipes that occur within the network are mainly due to pipe deterioration, while a minority of the cases are caused by damage to pipes arising from construction activities. 

2      In the last three years (2022-2024), the number of pipe leak incidents has remained stable. In 2024, PUB repaired 267 pipe leaks, which translates to approximately 4.5 leaks per 100km of water pipes every year – an improvement from 5.7 leaks per 100km in 2014. Internationally, this ranks PUB among the top performing utilities in the world, together with utilities in countries such as Japan, Germany and the Netherlands.

3      Less than 10% of pipe leak incidents result in water supply interruptions to households and businesses. In such cases, PUB will isolate the affected section of the pipe to stop the leak before proceeding with repair works. To minimise disturbance to the public, PUB will avoid repair works at night where possible. During a supply disruption, there will be timely notifications, including updates on the repair works and estimated water supply restoration times. Temporary water supply will be provided in the form of mobile water wagons and water bags. On average, PUB can restore water supply within four hours once the leak is isolated, and complete repairs on the affected pipe in a day. For instance, a burst pipe which occurred near a HDB block in French Road at 9.10pm on 1 Feb 2025 led to poor water pressure and supply disruption to some HDB households in the area. PUB responded swiftly to isolate the leak at 10.15pm and restored water supply by 2.45am. A water wagon was deployed during the disruption for affected residents to collect water.

4      For leaks on privately-owned water pipes, the owner or managing agent is responsible for isolating the leak, carrying out repairs, and providing temporary water supply to affected premises. Where needed, PUB will assist to shut off water supply to facilitate repair works, as well as provide technical advice and temporary water supply.

Using technology to monitor pipe conditions and leak detection

The smartphone sensor (left) picks up sounds and vibrations on smaller pipes. The noise correlator (right) is deployed on pipe fittings and enables our officers to detect and pinpoint leaks.

5      With most water pipes located underground, small leaks often go unnoticed and eventually develop into bigger leaks. As part of our leak management strategy, PUB employs data analytics and condition assessment of pipes to identify at-risk water pipes for renewal. This ongoing effort enables PUB to optimise the lifespan of pipes and carry out renewal works in a targeted and cost-effective manner. Since 2016, PUB has renewed more than 330km of pipes.

6      In addition, PUB’s leak detection survey programme employs acoustic data loggers and smartphone-based acoustic devices to locate and repair leaks in a timely manner. A total of 1,500 permanent leak detection sensors have also been installed across our pipe network.

Minimising pipe damage from construction activities

7      Agencies, developers, qualified persons (QP) and contractors looking to carry out works within PUB’s water pipe corridor¹ are required to seek approval before commencing work and to reduce the risk of pipe damage. To monitor works near PUB’s pipelines, PUB deploys technology including CCTV cameras and GPS tagging.

8      Despite our surveillance efforts, pipe damage may still occur occasionally when a contractor fails to properly protect the water pipes on site and damages them during construction works. For example, construction activities caused damage to a NEWater pipe at Orchard Road on 11 April 2024. Investigations revealed that the contractor, Kian Hup Construction, had conducted hacking works near the exposed pipe without providing adequate protection. The incident resulted in a loss of about 2.1 million litres of NEWater. The contractor was eventually fined $40,000 under the Public Utilities Act for failing to take reasonable precautions and exercise due diligence.

9      PUB regularly shares best practices on water pipe protection with industry stakeholders. PUB takes a serious view of damage to water pipes that lead to significant water wastage and will take enforcement action against errant contractors. In 2024, 6 contractors were prosecuted in court for damaging PUB’s water pipes.

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