This project explored how water management strategies and the public responses to those efforts are effectively undertaken in a large, water-scarce urban context. Focusing on the case of Singapore, a Southeast Asian island city-state, independent in 1965, that has no natural aquifers, and a growing urban population, it examined the impact of culture on infrastructural decisions and water management strategies by studying state policy and popular water use in this water-scarce context. The research focused on Singapore's shifts from colonial era dependence on imported water from neighboring Malaysia, and rain water, to independence era new technological solutions including adding NEWater (recycled sewer water) and desalinated water to the public water supply. Through participant-observation and interviewing, research addressed (1) state water management policy, including national media campaigns to make recycled NEWater acceptable, (2) popular responses to state initiatives and (3) everyday engagements with drinking water.  Carried out during the multi-year public celebration of the fiftieth year of independence, the research was well-timed to note the ongoing significance of water management in Singapore's national policy, and the expression of national policy in water management.  The research found a shift in governmental messaging over the fifty years of independence from promoting an ideal of sacrifice and restriction of water for the good of the nation to promoting water enjoyment (for example, public parks surrounding reservoirs) with the goal of creating a population of self-motivated water stewards.  Findings concerning popular response found water choices influenced by and relating to national water imperatives, but also found unexpected water practices which derived from household and kinship practices.  In a forthcoming book, Water Cultures:  Fiji, New York, Singapore, these Singapore findings will provide a comparative case. Theoretically, the research has generated a case study that can advance knowledge in cultural anthropology and environmental and water studies by demonstrating the relevance of culture to understanding environmental policies and practices.  In broader impacts, accessible examples of plural forms of water management can enable citizens and planners in any society to make better choices in their everyday water practices, and better inform effective public policy efforts. 

Additionally, the project provided research experience for eight Vassar College undergraduates through the REU program, including training in research ethics, ethnographic research methods, project design, and scientific communication through dissemination of results.  A non-student research assistant received research training and professional development through publication and in mentoring undergraduates and the PI developed a new undergraduate course on Anthropology of Water.

Last Modified: 06/27/2019
Modified by: Martha Kaplan