MELAKA: The recent dry spell has caused water levels at three main dams in Melaka to drop between 10% and 30%, says Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer.
Despite the drop in the water levels, the state works, infrastructure, public amenities and transport committee chairman said that proactive measures were taken to ensure sufficient and stable treated water supply for the state.
“Among the measures taken are pumping water from dual-function ponds as well as sourcing water from Sungai Gersik in Muar, of which 40% is channelled to the Merlimau treatment plant.
“For the Bertam treatment plant, water is currently being drawn from dual-function ponds and released into Sungai Melaka to support existing levels,” he said yesterday.
Hameed added that contingency plans would be activated if necessary, particularly in the absence of rainfall, including pumping water from existing catchment ponds in areas such as Ayer Keroh and Nyalas.
Based on the forecast by the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), he said that the state is expected to receive rainfall again in early April.
“We hope the projected rainfall will materialise and help replenish the three main dams to full capacity,” he said, adding that the current water supply is expected to remain sufficient until November, ahead of the monsoon season.
“Cloud seeding operations will only be considered as a last resort if there is no rainfall.
“For now, water supply in the state remains adequate within the projected period,” he added.
