Tapping the potential of water thimble

(Above) A demonstration on how the water thimble is inserted on a removed tap aerator and (left) a closeup of the water saving kit containing a set of thimbles. The kits are available for free at any of the nine PBAPP customer service centres in Penang.

THE humble water thimble can reduce the gush of water flowing out of your tap or shower head.

It looks like a large clothing button with three or four small holes in the middle and it is a cheap solution for everyone to help cut water consumption in Penang and keep their water bill low.

Bearing in mind that the state has the highest water use rate in the country while having among the smallest dams in Malaysia, Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) is stepping up its water demand management to help Penangites take proactive steps to conserve the resource.

“PBAPP is also requesting the state government to change building by-laws to require mandatory installation of water saving devices like this thimble in all new development projects,” its chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said in a statement yesterday.

PBAPP has brought in 100,000 water thimbles, and Penangites can get them for free at any of the nine PBAPP customer service centres in the state, published in www.pba.com.my.

“All you need is someone who knows how to use a pipe wrench. We provide clear instructions with the free thimbles,” Jaseni said.

A demonstration on how the water thimble is inserted on a removed tap aerator.

Water saving devices, he said, included tap equipment, showers, toilet and urinal fittings, washing machines and dishwashers that ‘automatically’ save water.

“They are encouraged in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Britain and the United States. Upon installation, they can reduce water consumption by up to 70%,” Jaseni added.

PBAPP’s target this year is to reduce domestic per capita consumption by 10%, from 286 to 257 litres per capita per day, while its longer term goal is to ensure water supply sufficiency in Penang by 2020.

“We are focusing on water demand management because the Federal Government has delayed the Sungai Perak Raw Water Transfer Scheme and the Mengkuang Dam Expansion Project, while Kedah continues to log the Ulu Muda water catchment areas.”

Last month, PBAPP applied to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) to revise Penang’s water conservation surcharge to RM1 per 1,000 litres for domestic consumption above 35,000 litres per month.

Jaseni stressed that the surcharge would not affect about 75% of domestic consumers who use less than 35,000 litres per month. All trade consumers are also not affected.

He said it was part of the water company’s demand management strategies.

He also urged consumers to download the myPBA app, available on Android and Apple phones, which lets them pay water bills by phone and while learning about water saving devices, tips and the latest water news.