Nine possible restrictions if Selangor water emergency takes effect

PETALING JAYA: At least nine restrictions can be imposed by the federal government on Selangor's citizens if a water emergency were to kick in here.

According to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) these included the watering of plants, car-washing and even stopping water from being added to swimming pools.

Although it did not say if a water emergency would be launched in the near future, SPAN indicated that the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (Kettha) had the power to do so.

"As one of the strategies to reduce the per-capita usage during a water crisis, SPAN has prepared a Water Use Restriction Notice during an emergency," a SPAN spokesperson said.

Such restrictions during water crises have been practiced in countries such as Australia and the United Kingdom previously, said SPAN.

SPAN added that numerous campaigns to get Selangor's (including Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur) citizens to save water had not worked as usage levels were still high.

In 2012, the average Malaysian used about 212 litres of water a day.

The rapid loss of water from Selangor's dams, in particular the Sg Selangor and Sg Tinggi dams, was also a cause of concern for SPAN.

Selangor, SPAN said, would be making a decision in regards to the state's dams, and that this may include water rationing.

According to the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), the Sg Selangor and Sg Tinggi dams were at 31.97% and 45.15% capacity as of 8am on Aug 7.

The nine possible restrictions are as follows:

- Plant or grass-watering to be banned, unless it's done by bucket or flower-can.

- Car-washing to be banned, unless by bucket.

- Stopping water from being added to recreational ponds, fountains, etc unless they contain aquaculture such as fish.

- Stopping water from being added to swimming pools.

- Water tankers cannot be filled without prior approval from water operators. Domestic use, fire-fighting, safety, agricultural needs and etc are exempt from this.

- Hard surfaces including roads and sidewalks cannot be cleaned with water.

- Entry and exit points at construction sites cannot be cleaned with water.

- Plant nurseries can only be watered by hoses with trigger nozzles during selected times.

- The banning of roof sprinklers for cooling environments.