Upper Peirce Reservoir

Infobox lake
lake_name = Upper Peirce Reservoir
image_lake = Quincey's shot in 2007.jpg
caption_lake =
image_bathymetry =
caption_bathymetry =
location =
coords = coord|1|22|03|N|103|48|07|E|region:SG_type:waterbody|display=inline,title
type = reservoir
inflow = Kalang River
outflow = Kalang River
catchment =
basin_countries = Singapore
length =
width =
area = 6 ha
depth =
max-depth =
volume =
residence_time =
shore =
elevation =
islands =
cities =

Upper Peirce Reservoir (Chinese: 贝雅士蓄水池上段) is Singapore's second reservoir. The 6-hectare Upper Peirce Reservoir Park overlooks the Upper Peirce Reservoir.

History

Originally known as the Kalang River Reservoir, Singapore's second reservoir was impounded across the lower reaches of the Kalang River in 1910. In 1922, it was renamed Peirce Reservoir in commendation of the services of Robert Peirce, who was the municipal engineer of Singapore from 1901 to 1916.

In late 1960s, due to increasing demand for water and the need to increase the capacity of Peirce Reservoir, a higher dam was constructed upstream of the existing dam at Peirce Reservoir in 1970.

In 1975, a major water supply project to develop new water resources was undertaken to support Singapore's rapid housing and industrialisation programmes. A dam was constructed at the upper reaches of the Peirce Reservoir, forming the Upper and Lower Peirce Reservoirs.

Upper Peirce Reservoir was officially opened by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on 27 February 1977. The second and largest reservoir of Singapore has a capacity of 27.8 million of water over 304 hectares of water surface.

Today

Today the Upper Peirce Reservoir Park is a popular retreat with visitors who enjoy its unique pleasant setting and tranquillity. Adding to its scenic beauty is the surrounding secondary forest which was protected as a water catchment area when the reservoir was built.

External links

* [http://www.nparks.gov.sg/nparks_cms/display_level2.asp?parkid=8&catid=2 National Parks Board website]
* [http://infopedia.nlb.gov.sg/articles/SIP_704_2005-01-03.html Infopedia, Peirce Reservoir] (National Library Board)