GEORGE TOWN: The water capacity at the Air Itam and Teluk Bahang dams is still under control and sufficient for use despite hitting warning levels.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the warning level was reached following adjustments to maintain capacity at the Air Itam Dam.
"For now we are maintaining the water level at Air Itam and have synchronised operations at both dams.
“We are drawing more water from Teluk Bahang while simultaneously releasing excess water from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant to ensure the level at Air Itam does not drop below 32%," he told the press after launching the electric cross-border truck from Malaysia to Singapore at the Lava Mansion here on Wednesday (July 10).
The Air Itam Dam level was at 55.7% on Wednesday while at Teluk Bahang, it was 36.8%.
Chow said despite rainfall on the island, significant amounts of water had to be taken for treatment from Teluk Bahang.
ALSO READ: Muda, Bukit Merah dams at critical levels, says Nadma
On Tuesday (July 9), the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma) said the dam levels were at 56.7% (Air Itam) and 37% (Teluk Bahang), indicating raw water reserves were at warning levels.
It also said raw water reserves at two reservoirs, one in Kedah and another in Perak, were at critical levels while five others showed current raw water reserves at warning levels –including Air Itam and Teluk Bahang in Penang.
A water level of 60% and above is considered normal, while the warning level is between 30% and 59,99%, and the critical level is below 29.99%.
