The Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR) began as the Ministry of the Environment in 1972. On 1 September 2004, the current name took effect to reflect the ministry's expanded role in managing water as a strategic national resource.

MEWR is committed to providing Singaporeans with a quality living environment. Having achieved our goal of a clean and green living environment, MEWR now aims to move from maintaining good environmental performance in the short term to attaining environmental sustainability in the long run.

Together with its two statutory boards, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and PUB, the national water agency, MEWR continues to manage Singapore's limited resources and address Singapore's environmental sustainability challenges through innovation, vibrant partnerships and co-operation across the 3P sectors - private, public and people.