GEORGE TOWN – Penang Water Supply Corp (PBAPP) has initiated its crisis management plan to maintain water supply efficiency until September, following a period of unusually low rainfall that has affected 7,400 households on the island.
PBAPP chief executive K. Pathmanathan reported that the low rainfall had significantly impacted water catchment areas, including the Penang Waterfall and Sg Pinang water treatment plants.
Consequently, water supply to George Town, Air Itam, Thean Teik Highway, Tg Bungah, Mount Erskine, Balik Pulau, Pulau Betong and Bayan Lepas has been reduced.
Pathmanathan explained that under normal conditions, the shortfall would be mitigated by diverting water from other treatment plants. However, this is not possible due to the El Niño phenomenon, which has caused low dam capacities and declining water levels in Sg Muda.
As of yesterday, the effective capacities of the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams on the island were 42.3% and 32.2%, respectively.
“September usually marks the beginning of a wet season in Penang and the northern region. Accordingly, PBAPP is implementing Phase 1 of its Crisis Management Plan to ensure water supply efficiency until September,” Pathmanathan said in a statement.
PBAPP plans to optimise water production at the Batu Ferringhi and Guillemard plants without overtaxing the Teluk Bahang Dam, ensuring it can deliver as much treated water as possible to the service areas of the Waterfall and Sg Pinang plants. Additionally, water production at the Air Itam Dam will be increased.
To address immediate needs, PBAPP will deploy water tankers and static water tanks to affected areas during high-demand periods. They will also manage valve and pumping operations during off-peak hours on weekends to optimise the refilling of reservoirs at Bukit Dumbar, Bukit Gedung and Teluk Kumbar.
Pathmanathan stated that these measures should sustain a continuous good water supply in the Southwest district during peak hours on working days, when water demand is high in industrial areas.
He acknowledged that the current water supply situation was causing temporary issues in Penang and that the crisis management plan may result in some additional inconveniences.
“PBAPP seeks the kind understanding, patience and support of Penang water consumers until the rain arrives in September.
“We apologise for all inconvenience caused but we have to take action to avoid a water crisis in Penang,” Pathmanathan added. – July 26, 2024