THE National Water Services Commission (SPAN) is urging the states to find new water resources in response to the prolonged drought, likely triggered by climate change.
SPAN chairman Charles Santiago said the states have been reluctant to adopt comprehensive changes to combat drought, mostly because financial reasons. He said the urgency of the situation outweighs cost concerns.
“Prolonged droughts and water supply disruptions will become common occurrences because climate change is here to stay. There are no two ways about it,” Santiago said in an interview.
He said state governments need to understand that water supply could no longer be as reliable as before.
Santiago urged the states to rthe states to harvest rainwater, recycle wastewater, and repurpose water as means to combat drought.
He also emphasised the need to intensify water conservation campaigns.
Santiago was responding to Kedah Menteri Besar Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor's statement that the state was relying on God to bring rain to restore the water levels at three dams in Kedah.
Sanusi said this while talking about the significant drop in water levels and its impact on agricultural activities.
“Wait for Allah to bring rain. We humans can’t make rain ourselves; pray to Allah for rain. Allah will command the angels to bring rain," he was reported as saying.
According to reports, the water level at the Muda dam, a key water catchment area and distribution point, was at 8% while the Pedu dam water level had been reduced to 39%. Water at the Ahning was at 81.8%.
Sanusi said the drop in water levels would not affect agricultural activities.
Road to sustainability
Penang has also warned its people to prepare for water supply disruption as the water level in Sungai Muda, which shares a disputed boundary with Kedah, continues to plummet.
Penang has announced low water pressure in some localities as it struggles to provide water because of a shortfall from Sungai Muda.
"Every time, for the past few years, it is the same story when drought occurs. We must realise that this is climate change, and it will not go away. We must be ready for a new future," Santiago said in response to developments in Kedah and Penang.
He said that factories, particularly electrical and electronics manufacturers, are the main consumers of water.
“The states must compel the private sector to help in water conservation by pushing for rainwater harvesting, tapping underground spring water resources, and recycling.
“There is also a need to cap water usage to prevent wastage, while all water authorities must accelerate efforts to reduce non-revenue water usage rates, which continue to be a concern for SPAN due to high leakage rates,” Santiago said.
He urged water authorities, such as the Penang Water Supply Corporation, not to focus solely on profits but to invest in capital projects for recycling and repurposing water.
Santiago said other countries have opted for sustainability and that it is time for all authorities in Malaysia to do the same.
"Now is not the time to think about profits per se."
Recycled wastewater is for industrial use, while rainwater can be used for bathing, drinking, and cooking. Repurposed water can help businesses reduce their reliance on water.
Santiago urged local authorities to consider barring car washes from operating if water reserves at dams and rivers are low. – August 15, 2024.
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