World’s First Chemical Free Rainwater Harvesting System Used in a Green Mark Property Development Project

SIF Technologies’ proprietary DPA water technology is utilized for the very first chemical free rainwater harvesting system in Treelodge@Punggol – Singapore’s first green mark platinum award public housing project developed by the Housing Development Board of Singapore (HDB).

The Green Mark Scheme was started by the Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) to encourage Singapore's construction industry to develop environment-friendly buildings. Under the scheme, projects which have been assessed and deemed to have met the stipulated criteria are given the award of Green Mark. Buildings are awarded Platinum, GoldPLUS, Gold or Certified ratings which are determined by the points scored in the initial assessment.

Harvesting rainwater is an important part of determining the environmental friendliness of the building as it can help to increase the water and energy efficiency of the building. In a typical harvesting system, rainwater is collected in a tank but when rainwater stays stagnant for too long, undesirable effects would occur, such as algae buildup, bacteria growth and stench.

With the commissioning of the DPA system, substantial improvements in water quality have been observed without the use of artificial elements or chemicals. Test results have indicated inhibition in bacteria growth, increase in dissolved oxygen, reduction in excessive algae growth and containment of stench. Employing eco-friendly practices and systems would enhance the developer’s corporate image and leasing and resale value of buildings. It will also help in reducing water and energy bills and improve indoor environmental quality for a healthy and productive workplace.

For more details, please refer to “World’s First Chemical Free Rainwater Harvesting System” under
Case Studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is rain water harvesting?
A1. Rainwater harvesting is the gathering, or accumulating and storing of rainwater.

Q2. Why harvest rainwater?
A2. There is great potential for rainwater to be channeled for useful purposes. The benefits of rainwater harvesting can include:
Relief of strain on other water supply
Cleaner water
Increased independence and water security
Lower water supply cost
Improved plant growth
Greater sensitivity to and connection with natural cycles

Q3. Why is there a need for rainwater harvesting in Singapore?
A3. Singapore is constantly looking for means to manage water resources. Water is precious in Singapore’s context. Therefore we need to ensure a diversified and sustainable water supply.

We need to conserve water and take ownership of water resources. To work alongside with Singapore’s goal to achieve a sustainable water supply, SIF Agrotechnology Asia has engineered a chemical free water treatment system to treat rain water.

Q4. What would it mean to implement a Chemical Free Rainwater Harvesting System?
A4. By implementing a Chemical Free Rainwater Harvesting System, you are promoting Green Technologies that promote best practices in environmental design and performance in property development. It is also an important part in determining the environmental friendliness of the building.

Q5. How does that benefit the end user?
A5. This would result in lower water and energy bills for the end user and would result in a quality experience for a healthy and productive residential life.

Q6. Why can’t the rainwater be stored and used without treating?
Q6. When rainwater stays stagnant too long, undesirable effects would occur. Negative effects such as algae build up, bacteria growth and stench would be present.

Q7. What makes SIF’s Rainwater Harvesting System different from the current ones in the market?
A7. SIF Technologies’ proprietary technology, DPA system is developed on the principles of Cavitation and is totally chemical free. This is the world’s first rainwater harvesting system in a platinum award green mark property development project.

Q8. What are the benefits of using the DPA system in rainwater harvesting?
A8. Substantial water improvements have been seen using the DPA system:
Inhibits bacteria growth
Increases dissolved oxygen
Reduces excessive algae growth
Stench containment

Q9. Where would the treated rainwater, be used? The treated rainwater would be used for:
Irrigating rooftop gardens and plants
Cleaning common areas
Possible portable use

Q10. What is BCA Green Mark?
A10. BCA stands for Singapore Building and Construction Authority. The Green Mark scheme was started by BCA to encourage Singapore's construction industry to develop environment-friendly buildings.
Under the scheme, projects which have been assessed and deemed to have met the stipulated criteria are given the award of Green Mark. Buildings are awarded different statuses, namely Platinum, GoldPLUS, Gold or Certified ratings which are determined by the points scored in the initial assessment.