‘A strong buffer for … water supply’

After four years of low levels, a reservoir in Penang, Malaysia, has reportedly reached 99% capacity thanks to persistent downpours. New Straits Times.

The Air Itam dam reached 99.4% of its total volume this week. The reservoir hasn’t been this full since late 2021, when it reached just over 93% capacity.

More than 20 inches of rain fell on the basin around the dam between early September and late October. Water managers will increase daily water intake to supply a nearby treatment plant that provides drinking water to local residents.

Increased access to water benefits the community in many ways.

Water managers will extract up to 65 million liters of water every day; This is almost three times the normal volume. This higher extraction rate prevents the reservoir from overflowing into local drainage networks, protecting low-lying neighborhoods from flooding.

Malaysia’s water authority chief Datuk K. Pathmanathan shared positive news about the region’s water outlook.

“The almost fully filled Air Itam dam marks a significant milestone for Penang’s water security, providing a strong buffer for the state’s water supply after four years of low reservoir levels,” an official statement said. he said.

Other reservoirs in the area are recovering well after receiving more than 30 inches of rain in the past two months. Officials expect a large dam to reach 80% to 85% capacity early next year, just before the dry season arrives.

If you live in an area affected by changing rainfall patterns, you can help your community prepare by speaking up and providing local support. water conservation efforts. Contact your representatives and voice your support for policies that protect watersheds and invest in water infrastructure.

These investments help communities adapt changing weather conditions. They also help maintain natural ecosystems that depend on stable water supplies.

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