'Chalky' tap water seen at Punggol Waterway Point likely due to fine air bubbles from maintenance works

Chalky tap water in Waterway Point's basement levels

On Nov. 19, Ealgene Mok, 40, observed that the tap water in the toilets of Waterway Point's basement one and two appeared chalky and cloudy when dispensed.

In the Youtube video, titled "toxic water at Waterway Point", she cups her hand and collects running water from the tap.

Mok claimed in the video that the chalky water was consistent across all taps in both locations.

She added that there was "a slightly powdery after-touch from the water". 

"Apparently it was not soapy hence it gave rise to my suspicion to check all the taps in the washroom at B2.

Wanted to be sure it was [a] piping issue, I then proceeded to the washroom at B1 to verify."

Upon speaking with a staff member from a café at Basement two, who walked into the washroom, the staff said that their café had experienced similar chalky tap water since Nov. 18.

The staff member said that they had not reported the issue to management and reiterated that their outlet typically boils all tap water before use, and said that their tap water appeared normal that day.

However, Mok pointed out that boiling may not be enough to remove impurities and reported the matter to Frasers Property Management. 

Citing the "potential implications for public health and tenant operations", the reader requested for a thorough investigation of the incident.

Milky water may be a result of fine air bubbles

According to PUB, they were alerted to the case on Nov. 19 at around 8pm.

Officers were sent to investigate the matter but no abnormalities were found in the water supply from PUB's water mains.

PUB also stated they were informed of Waterway Point's maintenance works on the mall's East Wing water service system on Nov. 17 and 18.

"If the pipes are not flushed thoroughly after such works, trapped air in the pipes may appear as tiny bubbles which give the water a milky or cloudy appearance." 

PUB added that the dissolved air bubbles should dissipate after a few minutes and remains safe for consumption.

Similarly, the spokesperson for Waterway Point said to Mothership that air bubbles contributed to the water's cloudy appearance.

"Our preliminary assessment indicates that the milky appearance was due to fine air bubbles in the water, which can occur after maintenance works on the service system."

The statement from Waterway Point also highlighted that the "safety and well-being of our shoppers and the community are always our top priority". 

"We have worked closely with national water agency PUB and our contractors to conduct a thorough investigation." 

Both organisations emphasised that the water is safe for consumption.

PUB has referred to a website and video regarding frequently asked questions on water quality.

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Should issues persist, call PUB's toll-free hotline at 1800-2255-782.

Top photo from Ealgene/Youtube and Mohammad Shaifullah/Google Maps