The Star 30 Jun 16;
JOHOR BARU: Singapore’s Public Utilities Board (PUB)has begun supplying an additional six million gallons per day (mgd) of potable water to Johor since early this month in response to the request for assistance from Johor Water Regulatory Body (Bakaj).
In a statement by PUB, it said that Bakaj had requested for additional drinking water supply for a month in view of the current dry weather, which has severely affected water levels in Johor’s Sungai Layang dam.
“PUB has agreed to help, and has been injecting the additional supply of potable water from the Johor River Waterworks,” the statement said.
PUB added that the arrangement was only temporary and subject to regular review, assuring that it will not affect the water supply in Singapore in the short-term.
Over the years, PUB has supplied about 16 million gallons of potable water per day to Johor.
From Aug 14, last year to Jan 8, this year, PUB supplied an additional five to six mgd of potable water to Johor under an arrangement similar to the present one.
This latest request will see Singapore temporarily supplying 22 mgd of potable water to meet Johor’s needs.
PUB said the hot spell has also affected water levels in Linggiu Reservoir, which dipped from 40% to 33% in April this year - an all-time low.
“Linggiu Reservoir, which is operated by PUB, improves the yield of water from the Johor River from which Johor and Singapore draw water,” PUB said, assuring the situation was being monitored closely.
Under the 1962 Water Agreement, PUB is entitled to draw up to 250mgd of raw water from the Johor River daily and in return, Johor is entitled to a daily supply of treated water of up to 2% (or 5mgd) of the raw water supplied to Singapore.
PUB also reassured that it remains committed to working with Bakaj and relevant agencies to ensure a reliable supply of water for both Singapore and Johor.
