RAINWATER falling onto the roofs of HDB flats flow into scupper drains and into rainwater downpipes. These vertical pipes run from the rooftops down to the void deck before discharging into apron drains and subsequently, the public drains.
It is prudent to collect some of this rainwater for the purpose of irrigating our trees, shrubs and other vegetation at HDB estates and parks.
Perhaps the authorities could explore the feasibility of designing and constructing underground reinforced concrete rainwater storage tanks below the common turfed areas.
Some of the rainwater collected from the rainwater downpipes could be channelled and deposited into the underground tanks.
In the event of prolonged dry weather, such as what Singapore experienced last year, rainwater from the underground storage tanks could be pumped upwards to the surface level to water the plants via a system of irrigation pipes and nozzles.
This is so that we don't see a repeat of the parched patches of plants in parks and HDB estates that resulted after last year's severe dry weather.
In this way, we can save the greenery without having to replant the vegetation or deploy mobile water-tank vehicles to water the plants.
Owing to climate change, Singapore could see more of such dry weather in future.
Teo Kok Seah
