Reservoirs are in the limelight these days.

Weddings, water activities, TV drama filming and more... reservoirs are fast becoming a hotspot for the public.

This is a result of more recreational activities introduced at reservoirs and the launch of the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters programme.

Financial services manager Jamson Chia and teacher Angela Yong, both 29, had a memorable wedding party at Bedok Reservoir on 9 December 2006. Instead of arriving in a limousine, Angela and her entourage made a grand entrance on an electric boat, decked with pretty ribbons, flanked by two dragon boats and their rousing drum beats.

The couple took Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's suggestion that the reservoir is an ideal location for weddings.

"We wanted a unique wedding, and saying our wedding vows by the waters is pretty romantic," said Angela.

In the last few years, these traditional water storage areas have become popular for recreational and community activities. In 2006, over 50 water-based activities were organised in reservoirs and waterways throughout the country, from wakeboarding and dragon-boat competitions to cycling expeditions, canoeing, and fishing.

WATER HEROES

Besides encouraging activities at the reservoirs, PUB is also widening its circle of friends who share the same passion for water. In recognition of their contributions towards making water a part of their daily lives, PUB launched the Friends of Water programme in March 2006.

Currently, there are more than 750 Friends of Water. These include individuals who regularly report leaks in public places to PUB, volunteers promoting the water cause, as well as organisations that adopt best water practices, help to raise awareness on the importance of water, and bring people closer to water through water activities.

At the inaugural Watermark Award this year, PUB gave nine Friends of Water a pat on their back for their extraordinary contributions towards the water cause.

"Having a reservoir next to our campus is a wonderful asset. It not only reminds us of the importance of water as a precious resource but also helps our students to appreciate and value the cleanliness of this beautiful pool of water," said Edmond Khoo, Deputy Principal of Temasek Polytechnic, one of the Watermark Award winners.

Nominations for Friends of Water are open throughout the year. For more information, please visit www.pub.gov.sg/FOW/index.html