MANAGEMENT of water, the conflict of interest between state and federal agencies, privatisation of water distribution and high usage by consumers are major factors of water issues.
“When it comes to protecting water sources, such as the highlands and water catchment areas, we have failed miserably,” says Malaysian environmental non-governmental organisations’ chairperson and EcoKnights president Yasmin Rasyid.
“Everyone — the government, media and public — does not fully understand that water availability is highly dependant on our forests. The more we clear our forests, the less rainwater will be retained.
“Another problem is that the water issue has been politicised.”
She says during the height of the Selangor water crisis two years ago, consumers were still using an average of 250 litres of water per person daily, despite the rationing plan implemented by the state.
Only 30 per cent of that number were for actual consumption, such as cooking and drinking.
A report published by the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor branch in 2009 revealed that in Southeast Asia, Selangor’s water withdrawal per capita for domestic consumption was higher than all countries in the region at 91.6 cubic metres per capita. (See table).
Yasmin believes rainwater harvesting is crucial to tackle water issues, but it can work only if everyone is on board.
“It’s not effective if only 100 people do it. But, imagine if 15 million people harvest rainwater and save 50 per cent of storm water, that will reduce our reliance on piped water by 50 per cent. We are not just saving on water bills, but also reducing the risk of flooding.
“Selangor needs to enforce this so that industries will harvest rainwater for non-potable uses.
“Malaysia does not have data on when it will run out of drinkable water. Tokyo has reserves enough to last for decades if water is cut off from the city. Singapore also has reserves. They are adapting to climate change. This shows their resilience.
“But we don’t even know how much groundwater we have that can be used. This is how unprepared we are. It’s shameful because we have abundant rainfall, yet we fail to manage our water resources well.
“Water tariffs need to be revised or even increased to force consumers to manage their usage wisely. Selangor should not be giving away free water.
“There is also a need to address this at a national level. Rivers travel through states — we need to look at the river ecosystem as a whole and not divide its management according to states.”
Malaysian Water Partnership special project committee member Amlir Ayat concurs.
“A lack of education on water management is the main cause of water woes in the country. There’s insufficient emphasis on the importance of sustainable water management and ethics. People are not taught or given enough information on how to use water wisely.”
This, he says, leads to overconsumption and wastage. Increased water pollution from uncontrolled industrial and development activities is also a major concern.
Amlir is convinced that water demand management is one of the best approaches to minimising water consumption and pollution in the country, especially in Selangor.
“There is actually enough water in Selangor. However, ignorance and apathy will lead to water scarcity.
“Lembaga Urus Air Selangor, the state’s main water management authority, has done a good job, but it needs the support of other agencies to ensure sustainable water management in Selangor is achieved.”
Amlir says the country may run out of clean, drinkable water in
10 years if the current trend continues.
He says the 4E approach needs to be adopted:
ENFORCEMENT — the use of legal means to control, minimise and stop pollution, especially in industrial and commercial sectors;
ENGINEERING — the use of technical or engineering methods, such as pollutant traps and river water treatment plants;
ECONOMIC or fiscal approaches — giving incentives for industries or commercial entities to apply green technology to reduce water pollution or consumption; and,
EDUCATION — the most important and inexpensive approach is also the most effective in the long term.
Amlir says in many developed countries where water consumption is low and water pollution is manageable, water education has been taking place for decades.
“Almost all water issues are due to a lack of understanding and awareness. Education is the main solution.”