Downpour slightly increases dam level in Ayer Itam

GEORGE TOWN: The capacity at the Ayer Itam dam has slightly increased following the heavy downpour on Wednesday.

PenangWater Supply Corporation Sdn Bhd (PBAPP) chief executive officer Datuk Jaseni Maidinsa said the rainfall at the Ayer Itam Dam that day was 74mm.

He said the dam’s capacity rose from 66.2% on Wednesday to 67.3% yesterday.

Jaseni, however, said the Teluk Bahang dam saw a mere 3mm of rainfall on Wednesday, noting that its capacity dipped a little from 78.6% on Wednesday to 78.4% yesterday.

“Due to the present hot and dry weather, as well as high water consumption, the effective capacity at both dams have generally decreased in the past month,” he said yesterday.

The skies opened up at about 4pm on Wednesday, sending flash floods in Kampung Jalan Masjid in Jelutong.

The downpour, which receded at about 8pm, affected about 15 houses in the area as the water level rose quickly to knee-level

Among the other roads hit by flash floods were Terengganu Road, Jalan P Ramlee, Jalan Masjid Negeri, Jalan Yeap Chor Yee, Jalan Sungai Pinang and Jalan Perak.

PBAPP has provided some water-saving tips to observe during the dry spell.

Among them is to avoid using a water hose when washing vehicles.

It suggested vehicle owners to use a bucket, sponge and wet cloth instead.

“The public is also encouraged to fix all leaking taps, pipes and toilet systems immediately.

“Any tap not used should be shut properly,” PBAPP said in a statement.