SINGAPORE - Food and beverage outlets at Changi Airport's Terminal 3 (T3) had to halt sales of drinks and soup on Thursday due to issues with the tap water.

F&B operators found light brown water flowing out of their taps at about 3pm, and it only started to run clear after 5pm, Lianhe Zaobao reported. But most did not resume sale of drinks and soup even then.

The issue had still not been fully resolved by 11pm on Thursday, Zaobao said.

This is believed to be the first time there has been an issue with the water supply at the terminal.

The airport advised operators and visitors not to drink the water, use it to prepare food, or for cleaning. Changi Airport Group (CAG) distributed bottled water to affected food outlets, employees and airport visitors.

F&B operators also turned on their taps so that the brownish water could flow out, as instructed by the authorities.

One cafe had put up a sign which read "No Tea, Coffee". Staff at the cafe said they were serving only toast, but the airport had provided bottled water for patrons.

There were also signs in T3's toilets reminding visitors not to drink the tap water. Cleaners told visitors to drink the bottled water provided by the airport, which were placed by the sinks.

National water agency PUB received a request from CAG at about 7pm on Thursday to provide a temporary water supply, and to check T3's water quality.

PUB sent a water wagon to the terminal, and is assisting CAG with water quality tests. Meanwhile, the quality of incoming water supply from the PUB mains was found to be satisfactory.

A spokesman from CAG said they will confirm if the water is potable after clear water supply is resumed.

chuimin@sph.com.sg