Penang water cut: Supply to resume between 48 and 96 hours, says PBAPP

BUTTERWORTH: The water supply to the 590,000 consumers affected by the scheduled disruption from Jan 10 will be restored in stages between 48 and 96 hours from that date.

Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) CEO K. Pathmanathan said the projected recovery is based mainly on each consumer’s proximity to the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant and location to major state water supply infrastructure.

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This includes treated water reservoirs and pump stations in Batu Kawan ,Bukit Minyak, Bukit Dumbar and Bukit Gedong, he told a press conference at the water treatment plant on Wednesday (Dec 13).

“Some 197,025 consumers in Seberang Prai or 33% of those affected, including major non-domestic water consumers in Butterworth and Prai, will have supply restored in 48 hours.

“In 72 hours, the supply (is projected to resume) for 495,065 or 84% of affected consumers including non-domestic consumers in George Town and the Bayan Lepas FTZ,” he added.

PBAPP chief executive officer K. Pathmanathan sites visiting where two main control valves measuring 1,200mm in the main treated water pipe within the plant, which has been leaking, at the Sungai Dua WTP. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

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Pathmanathan said in 96 hours, 99% of affected consumers on the island and mainland should have their supply restored.

The last stage of supply normalisation is estimated to be completed at about 6am on Jan 14 involving end-of-line and higher-ground consumers.

He said simultaneous restoration of supply was not possible for several reasons.

“Major pump stations may only be restarted in a preset sequence only after empty reservoirs are refilled with enough treated water.

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“The treated water from Sungai Dua must also be pumped through many kilometres of underground pipes to reach all the affected consumers in various districts,” he said.

PBAPP also needs to address issues such as proper refilling of reservoirs, pressurisation in the pipeline, potential burst pipes and release of airlocks that may form, he added.

He advised the public to store enough water for at least four days and not be too reliant on water tankers sent by PBAPP and other agencies.