The Penang government is coming up with efforts to build a stronger water-saving culture among residents. This is to reduce domestic water consumption to 250 litres per capita per day (LPCD) this year.
Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk K.Pathmanathan said the target will be achieved if households consistently practice simple water conservation habits in their daily lives.
He said that Penang’s domestic water usage has already been showing encouraging improvement over the past few years through collabs between PBAPP, Water Watch Penang (WWP), and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
According to Pathmanathan, Penang has recorded domestic water consumption rate of 307 litres per capita, per day, in 2022. Which increased to 308 litres in 2023. This figure stopped to 261 liters last year.
Pathmanathan also said that reducing water usage is just as important as increasing water supply capacity, especially when Penang still faces climate challenges and limited raw water resource challenges.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said that if 250 LPCD is achieved, it can help to extend effective capacity of the Air Itam Dam, and Teluk Bahang Damn by 37.3 during hot dry season.
The state government is hoping that strong public awareness and active participation will help to secure long term water sustainability for Penang.
Sources: Malay Mail
