IPOH: The water level at the Bukit Merah Dam in Bagan Serai has stabilised following several days of declining water levels, says Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
The Perak water committee chairman said recent heavy rainfalls have brought some relief, with the water level now at about 6.3m as of Monday (July 14).
Mohammad Nizar said water levels at the dam had drastically dropped from 7m on June 26 to 6.4m on July 8, with initial concerns that it could drop further to 6m on July 16.
"On July 13, a downpour over our retention area caused the water level to rise.
"According to the standard operating procedure (SOP), when the water level reaches 7m, water supply to the Kerian Irrigation Scheme will be temporarily rationed until conditions improve," he said in a statement on Monday.
"Water supply for domestic use will not be disrupted," he added.
Mohammad Nizar said the Bukit Merah Dam serves as the primary water source for residents of the Kerian district, with about 70% of the supply allocated to the Kerian Irrigation Scheme and domestic supply through the Perak Water Board (LAP).
"The remaining 30% originates from rainfall in the area (15%) and the main pump stations (15%).
"Due to low rainfall in May, June and July, early water conservation efforts and alternative water sources were channelled to padi farmers through pump stations and mobile pumps," he said.
Mohammad Nizar also said that the state Irrigation and Drainage Department has requested the National Disaster Management Agency, via the state government, to conduct cloud seeding operations in July.
"The government, through the department, is implementing a project to increase the storage capacity at Bukit Merah Dam.
"This project, which began in January 2024, is expected to be completed by January 2027, which will increase storage capacity by 3.3 million cubic meters," he said.
"While primarily for flood control, the additional storage will also indirectly support irrigation supply when managed properly," he added.
