Lower Seletar Reservoir

Gazing across Lower Seletar Reservoir, can you sense the echoes of its past? Lower Seletar Reservoir sits serenely in northern Singapore. It’s a vital part of Singapore’s water supply. It also offers a space for recreation and reflection. Lower Seletar Reservoir wasn’t always so tranquil. It was created in 1986 as part of the Sungei Seletar/Bedok Water Scheme. This ambitious project involved damming Sungei Seletar. It also included creating Bedok Reservoir from a sand quarry. An innovative feature was the construction of nine stormwater collection stations. These stations capture rainwater runoff from the surrounding urban areas. Eight of these stations are ponds scattered across Yishun, Tampines, Bedok, and Yan Kit. Lower Seletar Reservoir showcases Singapore’s commitment to clean water. It demonstrates how even stormwater can be harnessed and purified. Today, Lower Seletar Reservoir is more than just a water source. It’s a popular spot for sailing. In 2004, sailing was introduced to the reservoir in partnership with the Singapore Sports Council and Seletar Country Club. This marked the first time sailing was permitted in a local reservoir. Anglers can also cast their lines in designated fishing areas. Even amidst this recreational haven, nature reminds us of its presence. In 2024, a viral video captured an estuarine crocodile swimming near the dam of Lower Seletar Reservoir, a startling reminder of the wildness that coexists with urban development.