200mm of rain needed to raise water level at Sg Selangor dam to 55%

SHAH ALAM: Some 200mm of rain are needed to raise the water level at the Sungai Selangor dam to 55% from the current 37.38%, and end water rationing in the state.

"This means we need rainfall amounting to that of the entire month of November for us to raise the percentage,” said Lembaga Urus Air Selangor (Luas) director Md Khairi Selamat.

"If we do not reach this level by April 30, chances are that water rationing will be extended until the level is reached," he told a press conference Wednesday.

Of the seven dams in Selangor, four are below the safe level of 70%, including the Sungai Selangor dam, which supplies water to 60% of households in the state.

Md Khairi said the state was banking on increased rainfall in May, when the monsoon kicks in.

"Cloud seeding operations here will also continue next week, and will be more focused on the water retention areas of Sungai Selangor and Klang Gates dams until May 31, subject to weather conditions," he said.

Khairi also noted that Syabas' announcement Tuesday on relaxing water rationing came about after the treatment plants in Batu 11, Cheras and Bukit Tampoi were reopened on March 30.

"The plants, which were previously closed following high ammonia levels in the rivers, could be reopened as recent rains diluted the ammonia content in the rivers.

"This will allow for more treated water production, so the relaxation of water rationing can happen," he said.

However, Khairi said he could not explain how the relaxation would work, saying it was up to Syabas.