PETALING JAYA: Simple changes to daily water-use habits could save Malaysian households thousands of litres of water a month as the country braces for a possible prolonged dry spell linked to a strong El Nino.
Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (Awer) president S. Piarapakaran said households could reduce consumption by avoiding practices such as leaving taps running while washing food, clothes or dishes.
Washing cooking ingredients in a basin instead of under running water could save more than 34 litres in 10 minutes, or at least 1,020 litres a month.
Using pails or basins to wash clothes instead of running water could save more than 171 litres in a 30-minute session, or at least 5,130 litres a month.
“Without realising, more wastage is done,” he said, adding that water used for washing food or clothes could be reused for watering plants, flushing toilets or cleaning drains.
Piarapakaran said such greywater practices were once common, particularly during water crises.
“We are not reinventing; we are just revisiting our more sustainable lifestyle that we used to have,” he said.
He also urged households to keep showers below 15 minutes and turn off the shower while applying soap.
Using an average flow, this could save more than 93 litres per shower, or over 11,160 litres a month for a family of four.
Other measures include using a glass to gargle after brushing teeth and a pail rather than a hose to wash vehicles.
A pail-based car wash could save more than 224 litres per session, he said.
Piarapakaran also encouraged households to harvest rainwater for non-potable uses such as watering plants and cleaning outdoor areas.
Stored rainwater should be kept covered to prevent mosquito breeding, he said.
On possible shortages, he said Malaysians should be prepared for rationing if raw water reserves came under severe pressure.
“Let’s look at the worst-case scenario. Water rationing will be implemented to prolong raw water availability,” he said, noting that past rationing had involved two days with water followed by two days without.
He said suburban, older settlements and rural areas, as well as elevated locations, could be particularly vulnerable because of low water pressure.
Affected communities should contact water operators to request static tanks and tanker deliveries if supplies fail to reach them.
“If the situation does not improve, affected parties should complain to the regulator, state assemblyman or Member of Parliament,” he said.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said households should complement behavioural changes with water-saving devices such as flow regulators and dual-flush toilet cisterns.
He said washing machines should only be operated with full loads and leaking taps, pipes and toilet cisterns repaired promptly.
Mohideen also advised households to reuse suitable water, such as water collected while waiting for a shower to warm up, for flushing toilets, cleaning floors or watering plants.
He said consumers should avoid using hoses for washing cars, outdoor areas or gardens, with buckets and watering cans generally using less water.
“Don’t just use less water; instead, make water wastage harder to happen,” he said.
For possible supply disruptions, Mohideen advised households to maintain an emergency water reserve in clean, covered, food-safe containers and fill them before a scheduled supply cut.
During a shortage, water should be prioritised for drinking, food preparation and essential hygiene, while non-essential activities such as washing cars and driveways should be stopped.
Mohideen also urged consumers to follow announcements from water operators and authorities rather than unverified messages on WhatsApp and social media.
He stressed that conservation should not come at the expense of hydration during hot weather.
“Water conservation should never mean drinking less water during hot weather,” he said.
