[4] Soft drinks firm Fraser & Neave (F&N) acquired the site in 1922, and set up a bottling plant at nearby Semangat Ayer to tap the mineral water, which they labelled Seletaris.

During the Second World War, the spring's flow was temporarily interrupted when a bomb fell near the well during the Imperial Japanese air raid over Singapore in 1942.

[1] According to local geologists, the exact source of the spring remains unknown, but it is believed that its origin may be southwest of its actual location, possibly at Bukit Timah.

Although local rheumatologists conceded that hydrotherapy is an accepted treatment that can be helpful for mild forms of rheumatism or muscle strain, they, along with dermatologists, remain skeptical of claims about the alternative healing of the natural spring water.

In January 2002, local interest in the hot spring caught the attention of Singaporeans after the surrounding land had been cleared to begin the RSAF air base extension.

Sembawang community leaders gathered signatures to petition Mindef, which was going to fence off the area, to preserve and develop the hot spring for the general public.

Mindef gave the green light to the appeals and opened a small side gate pavement for the public to access the spring.

[7] As a result of some negative rumors and hearsay, and the RSAF redevelopment, public interest began to wane and the number of visitors dwindled.

[9] The former dirt track leading to the spring was paved with cement, and lined with bougainvillea bushes and high fences to ensure the security of the air base.

[11] In July 2005, a Business Times reader proposed that the authorities should explore the possibility of tapping the geothermal heat that lies many miles under Sembawang—similar to the project in South Australia's Cooper Basin—in order to reduce Singapore's reliance on oil and gas for its energy needs.