Last year, residents used just 261 litres of water per person per day, an 8.1% decline from the 284 litres recorded in 2023.

This marks the lowest level since 2000, when consumption stood at 255 litres, PBAPP said in a statement.

The state-run water company also noted that Penang’s population had grown from 1.3 million people in 2000 to 1.8 million last year.

PBAPP CEO K Pathmanathan said the population increase had led to total domestic water use surging by almost 40% from 123 million cubic metres to 172 million cubic metres.

Overall, he said, the reduced water use was a positive step forward for Penang in water conservation.

“PBAPP thanks all Penangites for conserving water at home in 2024, which helped to reduce the pressure on the existing water supply infrastructure,” he said.

He said a combination of new water tariffs, increased public awareness, and a targeted conservation campaign had helped cut down water use.

In February 2024, PBAPP raised water rates to encourage conservation, offering rebates for the first 10 cubic metres.

Pathmanathan said there could also have been public concern over dry spells in Penang, which brought down water levels at key dams in the state.

However, he said Penang’s water use was still higher than the national average of 237 litres per person, as well as Singapore’s ultra-efficient 141 litres per person.

Pathmanathan said he plans to announce new water saving targets for 2025 to bring Penang’s consumption levels closer to regional levels like Singapore’s.

Separately, he said the water levels at dams remained concerning, with the Air Itam dam’s at 78.3% as of Jan 20 and the Teluk Bahang dam’s at 60.1%.

With weather forecasts predicting mild La Nina conditions and the Chinese New Year festivities coming up, he said Penang’s water supply would not be secure until dam levels recover further.