Implement SPAN’s recommendation to face off drought, water supply disruption

The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairperson Charles Santiago wants states to accept that prolonged drought spell and water supply disruption to be a common occurrence from now due to the fact that climate change is here to stay.

Hence, he needs all state governments, especially those in water critical areas to step up their game in mitigating that water supply is no longer going to be as reliable as before.

Rather, Santiago wants the state to undertake the various recommendations that SPAN is mooting.

This includes rainwater harvesting, recycling waste water and repurposing water.

Campaigning for water conservation also needs to be stepped up despite the heatwave that the people have to endure, said Santiago in an interview.

He said this in response to Kedah Mentre Besar Datuk Seri Muhammed Sanusi Md Nor’s contention that the state is leaving it to Allah to bring rain and restore water levels at three dams in Kedah.

Sanusi was responding to the acute drop in water levels and the 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 reportedly uttered.

According to reports, the water level at the key water catchment area and distribution point – the Muda Dam was eight percent early this month while Pedu dam stood at 39.09%, and Ahning dam at 81.8%.

Sanusi said the drop in the water levels would not affect agricultural activities.

Penang has also warned its consumers to be ready for disruption with the Sungai Muda, which is shares the disputed boundary with Kedah, continues to plummet in its levels.

“Every time for the past few years, it is the same story about drought. We must realise that this is climate change and it will not go away. We must be ready for the new future,” said Santiago.

He said that factories such as those in electrical and electronics are the main guzzlers of water use, so are other activities such as tourism and petroleum.

So the states must compel the private sector to help in water conservation by pushing for rainwater harvesting – even tapping the underground spring water resources and recycling.

There is also a need to cap water usage to prevent wastage while all water authorities must hasten the move to reduce the non – revenue water usage (NRW) rates, which continue to be unsettling to SPAN due to its high leakage rates, Santiago said.

He also implored on water authorities such as the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to not be obsessed with just the bottom line of profits but to pursue new investment capital projects such as recycling and repurposing the use of water.

Other nations have embarked on this road of sustainability, so likewise it is about time for all authorities in Malaysia to do the same, Santiago said.

Recycling of waste water is meant for industrial use whereas rainwater harvesting can become sources for bathing, drinking and cooking in households while repurposing water internally can help businesses reduce the reliance on water at all times.

Santiago has also urged local authorities to consider banning car wash outlets from operating if the water reserves at dams and rivers are now affected by the prolonged drought.

He hopes the projection by the meteorological services department that the rainy monsoon weather would set in by next month to be a reality, as it can bring the much needed rain.