Our boys Brigade project ;) Copy right belongs to the Boys Brigade 46th Company, Team 1, John, Nathaniel and Alvin

1. Built across the mouth of the Marina Channel, the Marina Barrage creates Singapore’s 15th reservoir, and the first in the heart of the city. With a catchment area of 10,000 hectares, or one-sixth the size of Singapore, the Marina catchment is the island’s largest and most urbanised catchment. Together with two other new reservoirs, the Marina Reservoir will boost Singapore’s water catchment from half to two-thirds of the country’s land area. The Marina Barrage is the result of Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew’s vision nearly two decades ago when he envisaged damming the mouth of the Marina Channel to create a freshwater reservoir.<br />Water SupplyThe Marina Barrage is a dam built across the 350-metre wide Marina Channel to keep out seawater, forming Singapore's first reservoir in the city and 15th reservoir. Marina Reservoir combines with the future Punggol and Serangoon reservoirs will increase Singapore's water catchment areas from half to two-thirds of Singapore's land areas. On 20 November 2010, the Marina Reservoir was commissioned by Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew as a freshwater reservoir, augmenting Singapore’s water supply for generations to come. Desalting had begun in April 2009 through natural replacement by rainwater. Local catchment water is one of the Four National Taps, with the other three being imported water, NEWater and desalinated water. As one of the pillars of local water supply, Marina Reservoir will meet more than 10% of Singapore's current water demand. <br />Flood ControlThe Marina Barrage is part of a comprehensive flood control scheme to alleviate flooding in the low-lying areas in the city such as Chinatown, Boat Quay, Jalan Besar and Geylang. During heavy rain, the series of nine crest gates at the dam will be activated to release excess storm water into the sea when the tide is low. In the case of high tide, giant pumps which are capable of pumping an Olympics-size swimming pool per minute will drain excess storm water into the sea. <br />Marina Barrage is a showpiece of environmental sustainability, and won the Green Mark Platinum Infrastructure Award, the top award at the BCA Awards organised by the Building and Construction Authority in May 2009. Green principles were applied in all aspects of the design, construction and operation of the barrage, to utilise energy and water efficiently and to minimise waste generated. The following are some of the key green features:<br />Green Roof The iconic Green Roof uses 100% recycled plastics and eco-friendly drainage cells. This large rooftop garden also provides natural heat insulation for the building. The grass and the soil shields the building from the sun and reduces maximum surface temperature by 19˚C.<br />Double-Glazed Panels Double-glazed glass panels also reduce heat penetration, minimising the electricity that the air-conditioning system needs to use. Solar Park The Solar Park is one of the largest collections of solar panels in Singapore. The 405 panels generate about 50% of the daytime electricity needed for indoor lighting and power points at the barrage. Natural Lighting and VentilationThe Pump House at Marina Barrage uses glass and louvers for its external walls so that the interior is lit by natural lighting. This also eliminates the need for air-conditioning and reduces electricity consumption and operation costs. Rainwater CollectionRainwater is collected to meet irrigation requirements. Water-Efficient FixturesMarina Barrage uses waterless urinals and water-efficient taps in its restrooms. The non-flushing urinals do not need a water connection and flush valve. Sustainable Singapore GalleryThe facility houses a gallery highlighting Singapore’s efforts and achievements in maintaining a sustainable environment. Through interactive multi-media displays, exhibits and games, it educates the public about important environmental and water issues.<br />The Marina Reservoir is now ready to be used as a freshwater reservoir, augmenting Singapore’s water supply for generations to come. The Marina Reservoir can meet about 10% of Singapore’s water needs. Desalting had begun in April 2009 through natural replacement by rainwater. Water from local catchments is a pillar of Singapore’s water sustainability strategy, along with imported water, ultra-clean, high-grade reclaimed water branded as NEWater in Singapore, and desalinated water. Collectively, these four sources of water are known as the 'Four National Taps', a long-term water supply strategy to ensure a diversified and sustainable water supply for Singapore in the years to come.<br />Urban stormwater collectionSingapore has two separate systems to collect rainwater and used water. Rainwater is collected through a comprehensive network of drains, canals, rivers, stormwater collection ponds and reservoirs before it is treated for drinking water supply. This makes Singapore one of the few countries in the world to harvest urban stormwater on a large-scale for its water supply. Why it is important to keep the drains, canals and waterways clean?Marina Barrage has been PUB's most challenging reservoir project to date as it is fed by five rivers that run through the heart of Singapore. It is a reservoir in the city. This makes the reservoir much more susceptible to pollution. Moreover, it is located in the heart of downtown Singapore close to the Central Business District and many key attractions. Therefore, any pollution will therefore be highly visible. With those considerations in mind, many pollution control and mitigation measures were put in place prior to the completion of Marina Reservoir. With the creation of Marina Reservoir and two other upcoming reservoirs,<br />Singapore’s water catchment area will increase from half to two-thirds of Singapore’s land area by 2011. The Marina Barrage project is an example of how a water project has been integrated not just within the water cycle, but has been planned and executed as an architectural icon and a community project for the city.<br />