Why water rationing?

PETALING JAYA: Is water rationing really necessary in the Klang Valley or anywhere else for that matter?
This is the question making the rounds especially after heavy rainfall and flash floods over the past two weeks.
According to the operators of the seven dams in Selangor, rationing was indeed necessary as the water levels at the dams were still low. They have informed the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) that this had caused them to extend rationing to April 30.
A SPAN spokesman, in a statement, said a meeting between the body, the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, the Selangor government, and water concessionaires on March 28 led to a decision that a fourth phase of water rationing is to take place starting Friday.
The current water rationing affects 722,032 households or 3.6 million people across various districts including Gombak, Petaling, Klang and Shah Alam, Kuala Selangor, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.
The next exercise this Friday will see more areas with details to be revealed at a press conference tomorrow, the spokesman said.
SPAN said 60,185 households in Hulu Langat would also experience rationing due to the closure of the Batu 11 (Cheras) and Bukit Tampoi water treatment plants because of ammonia pollution.
According to a seasoned water operator, water rationing is done to avoid rapid depletion of supplies despite availability of a certain amount of water at dams.
"The authorities need to carry out rationing so as not to deplete supply until dams become dry."
He said it was better to have water throughout the drought season with proper planning rather than no water at all.
"Usually a calculation is done to ascertain the volume of water in the dam and how long it will last.
"With an impact assessment carried out, steps are taken to increase public awareness and education so that they are prepared for reduction in water demand and water conservation," he added.
He said if those responsible do not plan the water supply and if the dry season continues, then one could be faced with a catastrophe.
The dams in Selangor are at Sungai Selangor, Sungai Tinggi, Sungai Semenyih, Sungai Langat, Klang Gates, Tasik Subang and Klang Gates.
They supply water to Selangor and KL.
The water operator said high temperatures, low rainfall and a growing population have created a water crisis resulting in thousands of people, especially in Selangor, facing water rationing.
"Malaysians have always enjoyed good water supply but only when the water catchment areas are affected due to prolonged lack of rainfall and drought that some drastic measures, such as rationing, are taken to prolong water supply," he told theSun.
He said when when drought happens, normally its impact can be reduced through preparedness and mitigation.