WATER IS BECOMING an increasingly precious resource, yet Penang still lives in a state of functional illusion. Every day, we see clean water flowing from our taps, disguising the reality that Penang is a critically water-stressed state (see Penang Monthly November 2024 for an in-depth look at the political ecology of water). Consequently, its water authorities must act accordingly to shape consumer demands, by encouraging them to protect and use water resources wisely. After all, how we value water today determines whether we will have enough of it tomorrow. This is especially crucial amidst the disruptions to rainfall patterns caused by climate change and the complexity of managing water resources: a responsibility divided between the state and the federal authorities.
A RUDE AWAKENING
On 6 July 2022, close to half a million of Penang’s water consumers woke up to the prospect of dry taps. Overnight, mud-tainted floodwaters from Kedah’s hilly Bal-ing area had surged into the Sungai Muda catchment. Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP, Penang Water Supply Corporation) halted operations at its water intake stations in Kepala Batas to prevent turbid waters from contaminating its main treatment plant in Sungai Dua (approximately 88km away).
Unfortunately, some damage was incurred, forcing PBAPP to conduct clean-up works. It took up to 72 hours before normal supply was restored to the majority of its consumers in Seberang Perai and the island.
