The Putrajaya Lake may be a new source of water supply for consumers in the Klang Valley.
This is if the water in the dams reach critical levels due to the El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to hit at the end of this month, says the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry.
Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid said other lakes being considered included the Mines in Seri Kembangan.
However, the move would only occur after confirmation by the Health Ministry that the water in these lakes is safe for consumption.
He said this alternative source of water was among the proposals to be tabled at the first meeting of the El Nino Committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Monday.
He also said that the hot weather experienced since last week was not due to the El Nino phenomenon, but it is caused by the southwest monsoon from the Indian Ocean.
Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor (Syabas) said the unscheduled water supply disruption in several areas in the Klang Valley these few days was caused by higher demand due to the hot and dry weather.
Corporate communications and public affairs Department general manager Priscilla Alfred said the current capacity of treated water isn’t sufficient for the significant increase in demand, particularly during peak hours.
“So far, there is an increase of 2% to 5% in water consumption in the Klang Valley, with an average of 225 to 300 litres of water consumption per individual per day since the dry weather occurred.
“Syabas is monitoring the situation and action will be taken on all complaints and feedback received.”
[Source]