Threefold Benefits

Water Supply
Creates a freshwater lake to boost Singapore’s water supply
Marina Barrage is a dam built across the 350-metre wide Marina Channel to keep out seawater. On 20 November 2010, Marina Reservoir was commissioned by the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew (the First Prime Minister of Singapore) as a freshwater reservoir, augmenting Singapore’s water supply for generations to come. Local catchment water is one of the Four National Taps, with the other three being imported water, NEWater and desalinated water.
Flood Control
Acts as a tidal barrier to prevent flooding in low-lying city areas
Marina Barrage is part of a comprehensive flood control scheme to alleviate flooding in the low-lying areas in the city such as Chinatown, Boat Quay, Jalan Besar and Geylang. During heavy rain, the series of nine crest gates at the dam will be activated to release excess storm water into the sea when the tide is low. In the case of high tide, giant pumps will drain excess storm water into the sea.
Lifestyle Attraction
Offers a venue for water-based activities in the heart of the city
Unaffected by the tides, the water level in Marina Barrage will be kept constant all year round. This is ideal for all kinds of recreational activities such as boating, kayaking and dragonboating.