PUB keeping close watch on midge population

PUB, the national water agency, thanks Mr Cheang Peng Wah for his letter ("Update residents on progress in midge control"; Monday).

Although midges do not bite or carry/spread diseases as they do not have proboscis (piercing mouth parts), we fully understand that they still pose a nuisance to residents and park users.

We assure Mr Cheang that the PUB has been keeping a close watch on the midge population at Pandan Reservoir.

To keep the midge population in check, the PUB regularly monitors and takes control measures such as using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (a larvicide) and fogging.

The PUB also works closely with the National Environment Agency and West Coast Town Council to coordinate our control measures and to keep residents informed. We had earlier distributed a booklet providing information on midges, their life cycle and the measures residents can take during midge emergence, and will be happy to extend a copy to Mr Cheang.

Midges are a part of the aquatic ecosystem and there are periods when there could be increased numbers. The PUB's ecology study will shed light on the biological interactions of the aquatic organisms in the reservoirs, including Pandan Reservoir. This study will help us identify new ways to improve the midge situation.

We welcome public feedback via the PUB 24-hour call centre on 1800-284-6600 or e-mail (PUB_One@pub.gov.sg).

Ridzuan Ismail

Director, Catchment & Waterways Department

PUB, the national water agency

This article was first published on Dec 10, 2014.
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