The Public Utilities Board (PUB) was conferred the Utility Performance Initiative of the Year at the Global Water Awards 2013 for its long-term initiative to transform mundane water pathways into beautiful spaces. Global Water Awards 2013 was presented at the Global Water Summit, a major industry conference held in Spain.

PUB won the award for its Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Programme which aims to transform Singapore's utilitarian drains, canals and reservoirs into streams, rivers and lakes that are well-integrated into recreational spaces. The aim is for the community to enjoy these spaces and better appreciate this resource.

"Water sustainability cannot be achieved by increasing water supply alone - it is just as important that the community see themselves as joint stewards of water. This is especially so given that two thirds of Singapore is a water catchment and most people live, work and play near water catchments," said chief executive of PUB, Mr Chew Men Leong in a statement on Tuesday.

More than 100 potential sites have been identified for ABC Waters Implementation by 2030, with 27 projects implemented so far. Twenty new projects will start in the next five years.