Crucial resource: The receded shoreline indicating a lower water level at the Batu Dam in Ulu Yam, Selangor. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Tackling water loss through leakages and getting industries to use reclaimed water are among the measures authorities are banking on to ensure that there is enough water to ride out severe droughts projected next year and in 2026.
National Water Services Commission (SPAN) chairman Charles Santiago said funds have been channelled to state water operators to bring down the amount of non-revenue water (NRW), which is treated water that is lost before it reaches consumers.
“There has always been an ongoing effort from as far back as five years ago, where a good amount of money has been disbursed,” he said, adding that some states already had dedicated teams and funding to reduce NRW.
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Santiago said that an acceptable rate for NRW was between 20% and 25%.
As of 2021, Penang recorded an NRW rate of 23.6%, Johor, 25.1% and Selangor, 27.5%.
The NRW for Perlis was 63% while Kelantan’s was over 50%.
Santiago said losses from NRW amounted to about RM8bil between 2018 and 2022.
He said there was a pressing need to get industries and consumers to use water that was reclaimed from various sources.
“This is a major feat and we have to move fast towards it.
“We have to ensure and mandate our companies to start using reclaimed water,” he said.
He added that incentives should be provided for micro, small and medium enterprises to adopt the practice.
“The same goes for the public, where some incentives could be given to promote better water usage,” said Santiago.
