Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to Singapore's water saving efforts, said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean on Saturday at a community event to mark World Water Day.

He said the current dry spell is a stark reminder that Singaporeans need to play their part to cut down water usage. They can do this by taking shorter showers, washing clothes on a full load in washing machines and brushing their teeth with a mug instead of using running water.

"When added up, these savings will help stretch our water resources further," he said. The event, held at the Marina Barrage, drew more than 10,000 participants who took part in activities such as Zumba and hip hop dance sessions.

The month of February has set a record for being the driest month in Singapore since 1869. Only 0.2mm of rain was recorded at the National Environment Agency's Changi climate station. It was also the windiest month in the last 30 years.

There has been barely any rain since as far back as mid-January. Though local meteorologists expect the rain to return towards the end of this month as the inter-monsoon season kicks in, American forecasters have warned that this year may see the return of the El Nino weather phenomenon.