GEORGE TOWN: Penang Water Supply Corporation (PWSC) has implemented immediate measures to reduce disruptions and low water pressure during peak hours in several areas across the state, particularly in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS), amid the current hot weather.
Its chief executive officer, Datuk K. Pathmanathan, said that the company's move to optimise its pipeline system, including valve adjustments to channel more water to affected areas, has helped shorten the duration of interruptions.
Currently, consumers experience low water pressure during the peak hours between 6pm and 11pm, but efforts are ongoing to reduce the disruption to just two to three hours daily.
"July and August are the most challenging months due to higher demand and usage during the hot season, especially with ongoing development projects.
"During peak hours, some 3,000 to 4,000 consumer accounts, mostly in SPS, are affected by low pressure, and we've even received complaints of complete supply loss for three to five hours," he told reporters at the Air Itam Dam on Friday (July 25).
He was speaking after officiating the Auxiliary Police Hub of Perbadanan Bekalan Air Holdings Bhd, launched by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. Also present was acting Penang police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin.
Pathmanathan said that any further increase in water pressure could raise the level of non-revenue water, including the risk of leaks and burst pipes, as parts of the piping system in the affected areas are more than 50 years old.
He noted that two major projects have been approved as long-term solutions for SPS. The first is the Sungai Kerian Water Treatment Plant project, with a capacity of 114 million litres per day (MLD), which is already underway and expected to be completed within 14 to 18 months.
"The second is a new 50 MLD Dissolved Air Flotation water treatment module at Sungai Kerian, which was recently approved by the board of directors and is expected to be completed within 12 to 14 months," he said.
Affected areas in SPS include Sungai Bakap, Nibong Tebal, Jawi, Simpang Ampat, Bukit Tambun, and Batu Kawan.
Other impacted locations are Bukit Penara and Balik Pulau in the Southwest District, as well as several parts of Seberang Perai Tengah. – Bernama
