Singapore’s Water: Myth vs Reality

Singapore imports many things. Great water is not one of them.

Singapore ranked first in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index category for sanitation and drinking water (EPI) by Yale and Partners. Yet myths persist, from imported water being seen as superior, to misconceptions about treated water, to the rise of highly alkaline claims.

Let’s unpack the myths surrounding water – and why what flows from Singapore’s taps deserves far more credit than it gets.

Myth #1: Imported water is superior.

Reality: Distance does not guarantee quality. .

There is a lingering perception that water must travel far to be considered higher quality – from glaciers and hidden springs “untouched” by human activity.

In reality, imported bottled water is exposed to multiple stages of handling, storage and transport. Along the way, it can be exposed to factors that affect quality and consistency, including::

• Microplastics from packaging
• Chemical contamination from excessive heat

The shorter the journey, the less there is to compromise what ends up in your glass. Water treatment, when done right, is not about stripping nature away. It is about refining it. Which brings us to the next myth.

Myth #2: Singapore’s water is man-made, it must be harsh and unnatural.

Reality: Singapore’s water is carefully treated, and that is what makes it consistent and reliable

Rather than being “harsh”, Singapore’s water is a precise masterpiece – engineered for reliability and everyday excellence. Backed by one of the world’s most rigorous water management systems, Singapore’s national water agency ensures that local drinking water meets, and often exceeds, the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Here is the part few people realise: many commercially sold bottled water begin life as filtered tap water. So the question is not really about safety, but perception.

Are we choosing better water, or simply choosing convenience?

Myth #3: Highly alkaline water brings better health benefits.

Reality: Balance matters more than excess.

In the pursuit of “better” water, extremes have become fashionable. Highly alkaline, mineral-heavy waters make promises of enhanced wellness. But more is not always better.

Water that is too alkaline or high in total dissolved solids (TDS) can:

• Affect taste, often resulting in a saltier profile
• Feel heavier on the palate, making it less enjoyable to drink
• Place stress on the body, as excess minerals must be filtered out

Singapore’s water strikes a natural balance:

• Lightly alkaline
• Soft and smooth
• Suitable for everyday hydration, and also for producing high-quality still and sparkling water without needing heavy modification

This balance is what allows Singapore’s water to shine, whether enjoyed straight from the tap or elevated through thoughtful, minimal intervention.

The Reality Check

As guests become more conscious about quality and impact, the future of water is not about chasing far-flung origins. It is about recognising excellence at home.

By bottling locally, BE WTR reduces carbon footprint, protects freshness, and ensures the “last mile” travelled by your bottle of water maintains its world-class standard.

If your water could speak, would it tell a better story or simply a longer one?