EKVE construction among contributors of turbidity in Sungai Langat

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Water Management Board (LUAS) has identified the construction of the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE) as among the contributors to increased turbidity in river water, causing the recent slow down in production at Sungai Langat Water Treatment Plant (WTP).
The National Water Services Commission (SPAN) in a statement said that heavy rain since last Friday led to soil erosion flowing into Sungai Langat through two tributaries, namely Sungai Sub and Sungai Michu.
"SPAN views seriously the water shortage, especially at a time when users are preparing to celebrate the Chinese New Year on Jan 28," the statement said.
According to the statement, SPAN had chaired a meeting with all parties involved to discuss mitigation measures to address water quality deterioration in Sungai Langat.
"EKVE Sdn Bhd will take appropriate action to ensure that the Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) is implemented more effectively, as approved by the DOE (Department of Environment).
"All parties will enhance cooperation in monitoring the water quality of the river, especially on rainy days, to overcome the increase in turbidity of the river can be overcome," the statement said.
SPAN was responding to newspaper reports on water shortages in several areas in Kuala Lumpur due to the deterioration of water quality of Sungai Langat.
The Langat WTP had to reduce its average water production by 20 million litres per day from Jan 13 until Tuesday, due to the deterioration of water quality in Sungai Langat.
"The average water production of 436 million litres on normal days was reduced to 416 million litres, and this affected water supply to 65 areas in Kuala Lumpur, involving a total of 62,605 user accounts," he said.
According to the statement, 59 of the 65 affected areas had their water supply restored, with a recovery percentage of 94%, as of 1pm yesterday.
"The six areas still not fully recovered are Kampung Cheras Baru, Taman Pandan Perdana, Taman Pandan Indah Komersial, Taman Lembah Maju, Taman Teratai and Taman Bukit Pandan, with a total of 8,610 user accounts.
"Therefore, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd has provided a total of 15 tankers and nine static tanks to help the areas still recovering," the statement said. — Bernama