ALOR STAR: Kedah water utility company Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (Sada) is planning for the worst as two dams in the state have hit warning level.
State Public Works, Natural Resources, Water Supply and Environmental Committee chairman Mohamad Yusoff @ Munir Zakaria said the situation was still manageable, but the main concern was on Pulau Langkawi.
"Muda Dam has hit danger level with reserves of only 45.2 per cent, but we don't foresee any serious issue to continue supplying raw water to water treatment plants (WTPs) because Muda Dam is connected to Pedu Dam.
"Our concern is at Bukit Malut Dam on Langkawi, which has also at the danger level. I was informed it's water level is critical," he told a press conference after the state executive council meeting in Wisma Darul Aman here today.
The National Water Services Commission (Span) website reports that Bukit Malut Dam's water reserve was at the danger level of 43.5m, as compared to its maximum reserve level at 76m.
Munir said Sada was prepared to expand its fleet of 91 lorries to transport water to affected areas, mainly settlements at the end of service pipes, on higher ground.
"Our main focus is on areas with critical water supply disruption, meaning they are not getting water from their tap at all during this dry spell.
"InsyaaAllah (God willing) we will increase the number (water distribution frequency) during upcoming Hari Raya festive," he said.
Munir urged the public to use water sparingly during the dry spell brought by El-Nino phenomenon that is expected to last until June.
"We do understand that when the temperature is hotter than usual, people tend to shower more frequently, and more water is used for our trees and plants.
"The design capacity of all 35 water treatment plants is 1,452 million litres of water a day.
"However, we are now treating up to 1,600 million litres of water daily."