GEORGE TOWN: Penang has come up with measures to address water supply issues on the mainland.

       A surge of 10.4% consumption within three years from 2020 to 2022 has led to a shortage of water in South Seberang Prai (SPS).

       It has reached a critical level, affecting more than 32,000 consumers.

       As an immediate short-term measure, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) is pushing the production at its nine water treatment plants in Penang, especially at the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP) (pic) in North Seberang Prai.

       "The Sungai Dua WTP produces more than 80% of the treated water in Penang and all of them are running at optimal capacity, 24/7," said state infrastructure committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari at a press conference on the sidelines of the state assembly on Thursday (June 2).

       Zairil said PBAPP is also diverting more treated water to North Seberang Prai to meet the water demand, including other measures such as deploying water tankers, static water tanks and personnel to address unscheduled water supply interruptions.

       "The implementation of the SPS-Water Supply Contingency Plan 2022 (SPS-WSCP 2022) has begun from May 26 where water supply is now prioritised to 32,993 water consumers in SPS from 12 hours from 6.01 to 6am daily.”

       Zairil said medium-term measures will include installation of a booster pump, to pump water to end-of-line and higher ground areas in SPS.

       Plans are also under way to increase water treatment output at Bukit Panchor WTP by five to 10 million litres per day (MLD).