IPOH: Some of the main dams in Perak are experiencing low water levels due to limited inflow of water from retention areas, says Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin.
The Perak water committee chairman said the water level at Temenggor Lake is now low, as the amount of rainfall has lessened recently.
"This has caused a chain reaction to other dams in Tasik Bersia, Tasik Kenering and Tasik Chenderoh, which all are operating at minimum capacity.
"At this current time, the ability to release water downstream from the Chenderoh Dam is limited, which is about 100 to 120m per second," he said in a statement.
"This is to ensure the stability of dam levels, the continuity of the Perak River flow and preventing the reservoir from entering critical operational zones which could affect overall water resource management," he added.
He also said the water level at Tasik Bukit Merah was at 6.4m, with the water storage of around 10.8 million cubic meters or 19.9%, which is at the Level 2 Critical Irrigation Level.
"Records show that the water level at Bukit Merah Dam began to decline since Dec 25 last year, which was at the Caution Level of 7.6m, which has reached a Critical Level of 7m on Jan 12," he said.
Mohammad Nizar said several measures have been and are being implemented, to reduce the impact to the people, agriculture sector and other socio-economic activities.
"Water supply operations for the purpose of irrigating rice fields in the Kerian Irrigation Scheme will be carried out on a rationed basis, while domestic water supply to public users remains as per existing demand.
"Perak Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) has officially applied to the state for the implementation of cloud seeding operations in the Bukit Merah Dam catchment area and the upper reaches of the Sungai Perak basin to prevent the cessation of irrigation and domestic water supplies, while ensuring the sustainability of Sungai Perak water resources can continue to be preserved comprehensively," he said.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and the people are advised to always refer to official statements and not make any speculation that may cause public concern," he added.
