THE federal government needs to invest RM30 billion over the next three years to regulate the water industry as a way of responding to the global climate emergency.
National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman Charles Santiago said the water and energy nexus are interlinked because significant water resources are crucial to developing new energy resources.
“For example, you need water to create hydropower. The key is to ensure adequate water supply, while creating carbon neutrality in both the treatment of drinking water and wastewater utilities.
“Disappointingly, there was a lack of focus on the crucial role water management plays in mitigating climate change at the COP28 summit that I am currently attending in Dubai.
“We need a two-pronged water decarbonisation strategy, which involves reducing carbon footprints via treatment of drinking water and wastewater utilities to reduce direct or indirect greenhouse gas emissions related to wastewater treatment and discharge, plus energy efficiency measures,” he said in a statement.
However, in Malaysia, Santiago said there was a lack of focus in ensuring carbon neutrality in the water sector.
“For example, every cubic metre of water consumed generates 10.6kg of emissions.
“Non-revenue water is a huge source of wastage as it adds to operating costs. Leaks add to thwarting sustainable management of water services.
“This means that the government, businesses and citizens must work together to manage water resources, conduct crucial repairs, and use water responsibly to manage climate uncertainty,” he added.
He said the people must recycle and reclaim water from wastewater for industrial and construction use, develop more water storage/coastal reservoirs, upgrade water infrastructure, and gazette water catchment areas plus water reserves during droughts.
“State water authorities must also make a public pledge to realise net zero emissions by 2034,” he said.
He said SPAN is working with the Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation to use Low Carbon Operating Systems to track greenhouse gas emissions in water treatment plants.
This, he said, was to ensure low energy usage and a decrease in treatment costs.
“Evidently, we are facing a climate emergency. Therefore, we need to treat water as part of national security. We need to protect access to water as a national priority given climate uncertainty,” he said.
He said the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia revealed the country will face drought between 2030-2050.
“This is alarming as insufficient water supply would affect businesses as they can’t expand or maximise production due to lack of water. This means a water decarbonisation plan cannot be put in place.
“In short, we need to decarbonise treatment of drinking water or sewerage sectors and at the same time ensure sufficient water supply, given the climate uncertainties.
“Postponing climate preparedness would be more costly in the future and importantly, push the country towards a climate catastrophe,” added the former Klang MP. – The Vibes, December 7, 2023
