SINGAPORE - National water agency PUB has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Grundfos, the world's top pump manufacturer, to tap digital technologies for the Republic's water supply.

The Danish company was the first to introduce electronics in pumps in the 1990s. It later developed technologies that allow, among other things, for text messages to be sent directly from its pumps to pump owners and separately, preventive and predictive maintenance.

The three-year agreement, signed on Tuesday evening (July 10) on the sidelines of Singapore International Water Week, will see PUB and the firm build on a previous collaboration inked in 2014.

It involves research and development projects in the areas of water treatment and water quality monitoring technologies, digital water solutions, as well as applications of high-efficiency pump solutions in water treatment.

PUB's assistant chief executive for future systems and technology, Mr Harry Seah, said: "Water demand is rising across homes and businesses, and it is set to double by 2060.

"To meet this demand efficiently, it is imperative for Singapore to continue investing in research and development to secure our water supply for future generations."

The new MOU will be wider in scope and will incorporate Grundfos' latest technologies.

It will see the creation of intelligent products and solutions for Singapore that are more intuitive, connected and efficient, said PUB in a statement.

Among other things, Grundfos is working on technologies that will see pumps ordering their own spare parts.

Mr Kim Jensen, the firm's regional managing director for Asia-Pacific, said: "This strategic agreement aligns to both PUB and Grundfos' agenda on developing sustainable water supply solutions.

"We realise that this collaborative partnership can lead to potential solutions that will support not only Singapore's efforts in ensuring a sustainable water supply, but can become a case study for other countries and cities as well."

The MOU signing was witnessed by PUB chief executive Ng Joo Hee and Ambassador of Denmark to Singapore, Ms Dorte Bech Vizard.

Correction note: The photo caption in an earlier version of this story wrongly identified PUB's assistant chief executive Harry Seah. We are sorry for the error.