GEORGE TOWN: The water capacity at the Air Itam Dam has reached stage three of the critical level and can only last 30 more days if it still does not rain.

Yesterday, it recorded a reading of 30.8%.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said so far this month, the dam has only received 22.5mm of rainfall compared with an expected 300mm a month.

“Heavy rain in several areas in the state did not help to raise the water level at the Air Itam Dam, which is now at stage three of the critical level because there has been no rain at the dam area.

“The water capacity at the dam is also dropping compared with last week, which is 32% because water is being extracted this week to cater to the high consumer demand during the festive season,” Chow said.

He said this to reporters after attending the Bukit Bendera parliamentary constituency Hari Raya Aidifiltri carnival here yesterday, Bernama reported.

Chow said the state government has instructed the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) to continue implementing the Air Itam Dam Action Plan 2024.

It involves four measures, including minimising the release of raw water from the Air Itam Dam to the Air Itam Water Treatment Plant from 75 million litres per day (MLD) to 11MLD to maintain an effective capacity at the Air Itam Dam.

Asked about cloud seeding, he said the state government does not plan to implement the initiative since it has been raining for the past few weeks in Penang.

Previously, the PBAPP said the effective capacity of the Air Itam Dam was at 32.4% in February.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/15/air-itams-water-capacity-hits-stage-three-of-critical-level