Luas may reduce water releases at dam to prolong supply

The Selangor state government through Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) may decide to further reduce water releases from the Sungai Selangor Dam in order to prolong supply if there is no rain in the near future and water levels at the state's dams drop further.

National Water Services Commission (SPAN) said, this however may result in further reduction in water production at treatment plants and hence extended rationing hours in affected areas.

"SPAN has approved Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor's (Syabas) application to extend rationing hours in areas in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur under the third stage of water rationing.

"In this respect, SPAN will consider further extension of rationing hours in affected areas if the water supply situation deteriorates," it said in a statement here on Friday.

The statement said, under Section 56 of Water Service Industry Act (Act 655), if the water supply is insufficient due to excessive drought or industrial unrest, strike or lock out, a Water Emergency can be declared.

Under the same section and same act, during the emergency, the minister may prohibit or restrict the use of water generally for specified purposes during specified hours of the day and impose limits on the quantities of water may be consumed over any specified period.

"Under the execution of such powers, which shall be published in the Gazette, consumers are prohibited or restricted from using water in a specified manner.

"An example of such prohibition is the hosepipe ban where consumers are prohibited from using hose or sprinkler to water private gardens or wash their cars except with watering cans or bucket," it said.

It said, such prohibition is enforceable and consumers who do not comply to the law are liable to a fine.

On Thursday Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said a water emergency can be declared as early as in three weeks if the weather does not improve.