In first time in 4 years, Air Itam dam nearly full

In first time in 4 years, Air Itam dam nearly full

The water level at the Air Itam dam has risen to 99.4%, its highest in four years.

The Penang Water Supply Corporation said the recent heavy rainfall in the Air Itam dam catchment area has placed the dam in a prime position to face the next dry season. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA:
Rainfall over the past two months has helped replenish Penang’s dams to “comfortable levels,” according to the state’s water authority.

In a statement, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) said the water level at the Air Itam dam has risen to 99.4%, its highest in four years.

The previous peak was 93.4%, recorded on Dec 2, 2021.

“The recent heavy rainfall in the dam’s catchment areas – totalling 526.5mm – has placed the Air Itam dam in a prime position to face the next dry season,” PBAPP CEO K Pathmanathan said.

PBAPP said Teluk Bahang dam’s capacity is currently at 72.9%.

The expanded Mengkuang dam, which serves as a drought reserve and supplies water to the Sungai Dua treatment plant during emergencies, has maintained a stable capacity of 91.3%.

However, PBAPP said it will not release excess water from the Air Itam dam during storms or periods of high tide to minimise the risk of flooding in nearby low-lying areas.

Pathmanathan also said the Air Itam dam remains temporarily closed to the public due to recent storm-triggered landslides.

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