The overlooked defense of Singapore's water supply

Could better preparation, including bomber attacks on Japanese airfields, have changed the defense of Singapore?

The more decisive preparation was to man the pillboxes protecting Singapore's water supply so the garrison was not forced to surrender for lack of water.

The proposed bomber strikes were less important than defending the water supply that Singapore required to keep fighting. Placing even a few companies in the existing pillboxes could have denied Japan the objective that made continued resistance impossible. Without an immediate water crisis, the garrison would not face the same pressure to surrender. The Japanese force might then run short of food first, creating an opportunity to stabilize Singapore and ultimately retake Malaya.