Parched landscape: Low water levels being observed at the Teluk Bahang Dam in Penang. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Less than three months before the Penang International Dragon Boat regatta, the water at the Teluk Bahang dam looks to be in dire straits, with the capacity now slipping down to the danger level.
The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) said both the water reserves at the Teluk Bahang and Air Itam dams have dropped drastically, especially the former.
PBAPP chief executive officer Datuk K. Pathmanathan said they have yet to receive confirmation from the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) for cloud seeding operations here.
“We are appealing to the Federal Government to conduct cloud seeding to increase water levels at both dams.
“We, through Badan Kawal Selia Air (BKSA), wrote to Nadma twice for cloud seeding to be conducted but have yet to hear back from them.
“We will follow up with them again,” he said when contacted by The Star yesterday.
The Air Itam dam level as of yesterday was at 31.2%, which falls under the warning level while the Teluk Bahang dam is at 27.4%, which is considered in the danger level.
Pathmanathan said they hope that cloud seeding operations can be approved soon.
“With the current reading of the dams, the water at the Air Itam dam can last for another 31 days while the Teluk Bahang dam will be able to last for another 83 days.
“The Mengkuang dam right now is at 86.1%, which can last for 124 days,” he said.
Pathmanathan reminded Penangites that it is crucial for all consumers to conserve water.
“If every individual saves around 10 to 15 bottles of 1.5-litre bottles in their daily usage, we will accumulate 10% savings.
“When you look at it this way, it does not seem like much but it will go a long way.
“I urge Penangites to save water in order not to cause a potential water crisis,” he said.
A reading of 29.99% and below indicates danger level, while 30% to 59.99% denotes warning level. Sixty per cent and above is the normal mark.
Earlier this month, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state, through BKSA, had written to Nadma twice for cloud seeding to be conducted to fill the two dams.
The annual Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta will be held on Nov 23 and 24 at the Teluk Bahang dam.
