Singapore's national water agency PUB has clinched three awards at the International Water Association 2014 Asia Pacific Regional Project Innovations Awards.

The awards, which were announced by the agency on Friday morning, were issued for applied research, marketing and communications.

In applied research, PUB clinched two Honour Awards for its Microbial Electrochemical Sensor and Smart Water Grid. The Microbial Electrochemical Sensor, for instance, is the first sensor of its kind in the world that can detect the presence of toxic compounds, such as heavy metals, in the used water network.

Its Smart Water Grid, too, comprises a series of sensors that can can monitor - in real-time - water quality and detect leaks.

Under the marketing and communications category, the agency was given an Honour Award for its Water Conservation Awareness Programme.

Through initiatives such as the Water Efficient Building Certification, which encourages building owners to include water efficient measures in their premises and operations, PUB aims to encourage the people, public and private sectors to value and conserve water.

Mr Chew Men Leong, chief executive of PUB, said: "We look forward to collaborating with more water companies and research institutions as well as partnering more schools, businesses and community groups to ensure long-term water sustainability."