LETTERS: In two months, Penangites have had to endure three water disruptions due to the high level of turbidity in Sungai Muda and burst pipes below Sungai Prai.
As Penang gets 80 per cent of its water from Sungai Muda, the unpredictable Sungai Muda water quality and ageing piping infrastructure are not able to cope with the surge in the state's water usage.
In view of this problem, Penang needs a new source of water and to manage the water distribution system. There are five approaches the state government can study:
RECYCLED wastewater. This measure can resolve water shortage in the state in the short term. Penang should make use of its sewage treatment plants to cope with the surge in water usage, especially in industrial areas.
RAINWATER harvesting. Penang should look into building underground water storage facilities at public fields, such as Padang Polo, to harvest rainwater.
This can reduce excess water from going to the river and the sea, possibly causing floods.
MINI reservoirs. Penang needs to build more mini reservoirs instead of high-end homes. Mini reservoirs can mitigate sudden water disruptions.
WATER Desalination. Look beyond 20 years when forcasting water usage as the state is industrialising rapidly, thus the demand for water will increase tremendously.
Water desalination requires huge investment, but the state should consider this as an option for future water security.
WATER distribution and ageing pipe replacement. Ageing pipes must be replaced. A new distribution system should be built to channel water to high ground areas in Island Glades, Island Park, Sungai Ara, Teluk Kumbar and Balik Pulau, which have experienced frequent water disruptions.
OOI BENG SUN
Sungai Ara, Penang
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times