COURSE: ECD 711 (SUSTAINABILITY MANAGEMENT)

NO GROUP NAME

MATRIC NO

MOHD RIDUAN BIN ABDUL WAHAB

2014616918

NIK ANIS ADLIN BIN ZAFRI

2014441944

FAIZULAZHAR BIN MADZLAN

2014674768

MOHD RIDZUAN BIN MOHD TAHIR

2014218774

NUR HUSSEIN BIN AZIZ

2014895194

TITLE : ASSIGNMENT NO 1 (WATER RATIONING IN SELANGOR 2014)

DATE : 30TH SEPTEMBER 2014
LECTURER : PROF SR.IR.DR. SUHAIMI ABDUL TALIB

CONTENT
1.0

Water Supply Industry .1

1.1

2.0

PAGE

Alternative water supplies/resources.2

Roles and Responsibilities ...3

2.1

SPAN (National Water Services Commission)3

2.2

LUAS (Selangor Water Management Authority).. ..3

2.3

SYABAS (Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn. Bhd)...4

3.0

Factors that contributed to the episode of water rationing5

4.0

Recommendation of three significant measures/changes for the State and Federal

Government incorporating technical, environment and financial sustainability.8

5.0

4.1

Proposed of new dam to sustain the water supply in Selangor ..8

4.2

Proposed of utilizing the Wetland as an alternative main water supply in

Selangor8

4.3

Use a groundwater as alternative water supply in Selangor11

Recommendation of KPI to measure the effectiveness of three significant measure

For the State and Federal Government incorporating technical , environment
and financial sustainability ..13

6.0

5.1

Construction of a new dam13

5.2

Utilization of Wetland ..14

5.3

Groundwater .14

References.....16

1.0

Water Supply Industry

Malaysia, a country with a population of 29 million, is blessed with average
annual rainfall. Water resources in Malaysia are abundant and available throughout the
year. They are estimated at 580 km3/year (average 1977-2001), equivalent to more than
3,000 cubic meters per capita and year. In 1995, total water withdrawal was estimated at
12.5 km3, or less than 3 percent of available resources. 76 percent of water was used for
agriculture, 11 percent for municipal water supply and 13 percent for industries. Thus
only less than 1% of available water resources is used for drinking water supply.

Figure 1: Sungai Selangor River Basin

However, indicates of drought have been experienced in several states including
Selangor. Water shortage may also be due to the pollution of river that supply fresh
water. In recent case, Sungai Selangor and Sungai Langat were contaminated by effluent
discharge from factories. Therefore we can see that water security can be affected by
quantity and quality as well as the increase in demand for domestic, industrial and
agriculture uses.

1.1

Alternatives Water Supplies/Resources

A review of the National Water Resources Study (2000-2050), carried out by the
Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia in 2011, indicates there will be a marked
increase of more than 75% in water demand in the domestic and industrial sector. Factor
that contribute to this increase in demand include population rise, urbanization and
economic growth. A critical factor has to be tackled is the high water use per capita of
240 Liters per Person per Day (L/P/D) compared to Singapores 140 L/P/D.
To ensure there will be enough water for Selangor, alternative water resources
such as ground water and wetlands shall be implemented. Currently, 97% of water supply
comes from surface water collected in rivers, dams, ponds and lakes with the remaining
3% from ground water.
It is time to plan for an increased exploitation of alternative water resources. The
authorities should also give greater focus to water resources integrity by giving priority to
the protection of resources and catchment areas and strongly emphasizes that the security
and sustainability of water resources shall be made a State Government priority, to ensure
adequate and safe water for all.

2.0

Roles and Responsibilities

The issue on water crisis in Selangor had recently caused a serious impact in
terms of productivity and lifestyle of consumers. To overcome the issue to be prolonged,
there are several official bodies in both public and private sectors that responsible for the
supply of drinking water in Selangor. The official bodies are responsible to ensure the
problems occurred during water crisis have been taken care of and on the same time the
sustainability incorporated with environment, society and economy have been
maintained. They are also responsible to find the solution and to prevent the water crisis
from recurring. Their roles and responsible are as following:
2.1

SPAN (National Water Services Commission)

SPAN is the authority to provide a sustainable, reliable and affordable water
services for the country. Besides, SPAN functions to regulate the water services
industry through fair, effective and transparent implementation of Water Services
Industry Act. Their responsible is to ensure long term availability and
sustainability of water supply including the conservation of water in Selangor
especially at the main dam, Sg. Selangor Dam. As the water level at Sg Selangor
Dam and other dams are tremendous declined into critical stage, SPAN has the
authority to increase the water supply in Sg. Selangor and approve the water
rationing plan for benefit of the consumer. The decision on the water rationing
plan has been approved to ensure long term availability and sustainability of water
supply during the crisis. In addition, SPAN is responsible to promote the
protection and preservation of water courses and water catchments, at the same
time to regulate the safety and security of water supply and sewerage systems.

2.2

LUAS (Selangor Water Management Authority)

Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) started from the Cabinet
Ministers order in July 1997 which directed the Agricultural Ministry and
thereafter the Selangor State Government to set up an agency responsible in
managing river and water sources in an integrated manner to ensure the states
water resources including river basin, groundwater and surface water, lakes and
coastal area is protected. These functions and responsibilities are executed
through Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) and Integrated Coastal
Management (ICM) approaches. Most of the drinking water sources from four
main rivers that are Selangor River, Langat River, Klang River and Bernam
River. Besides, the consumers in Selangor have options to abstract water source
direct from the surface water and groundwater which needs approval from LUAS
because they are responsible in control on water source.

2.3

SYABAS (Syarikat Bekalan Air Selangor Sdn. Bhd)

SYABAS is an entity specifically incorporated for use as an implementation
vehicle in respect to the privatization of the water supply and distribution systems
in Selangor and Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. SYABAS
was appointed by the State and Federal Government as the concession company
to upgrade and enhance the water supply system and services in the State of
Selangor under the privatization concept in view of the previous managements
financial constraint, ineffective management, poor water quality standard and
inconsistent supply of treated water. SYABAS is responsible for the distribution
of water services to over 7.8 million people via over 1.9 million consumer
accounts that include domestic consumers, factories , commercial and industrial
building in state of Selangor and the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and
Putrajaya of which 85% are from the domestic consumers and 15% are
commercial consumers. SYABAS is committed to supplying uninterrupted
quality clean water to domestic, commercial and industrial consumers to ensure
better quality of life for all. Besides, SYABAS has continuously invest in
improving the facilities and services at the highest of standard while ensure the
quality of environment is preserved. Their commitment has shown during water
crisis in Selangor that created inconvenience the society and industry, SYABAS
has came out with water rationing plan based on observation of water capacity at
the dams as decided by Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) and
approved by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).The water
rationing plan has been divided into six zones including Gombak, Kuala Selangor,
Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Hulu Selangor, Petaling, Klang, Shah Alam, Kuala
Langat and USJ with proposed schedule of two days of water supply and two days
without water supply. This plan is to ensure the consumers have enough storage
of water supply daily.

3.0

Factors that contributed to the episode of water rationing

Recently Selangor State implementing water rationing due to shortages of treated
water. There are many reasons related to water rationing in Selangor. It can be divided
into several categorizes that is politics Issues, climate changes, economy, attitude of
water consumers and several more. In the next paragraph we will look and discuss in
details the real causes of this problem that actually also faced by many others countries.
Many of these factors occurred in combination of each others.
In 1998, Klang Valley have encountered water crisis in February when the three
reservoir dams in Klang Valley, Klang Gates Dam, Batu Dam and Semenyih Dam
suffered a substantial drop in water level following the El Nino phenomenon. This
situation bring one of the worsen water crisis at that time and until 2014 the scenario
appeared again where its lead to water shortage following by water rationing in Selangor
State.
Climate changes are one of the factors involve in water crisis in Selangor. There
are many factors identified to cause and influence climate change. These factors could be
global, national and localized factors. Global warming, open burning (haze) are some of
the good examples of global factor that are trans-border in nature whilst industrialization,
clearing of land for agriculture, encroachment of fragile ecosystem are examples of
national and localized causal factors. The climate changes make some places receive
little rainfall due to long period of drought. This directly affected the water level reservoir
dam until it reach below their normal capacity despite cloud-seeding and rain. There are
seven dams supplying raw water to Klang Valley are affected by the drought.
But the major cause of the drought is the collapse of our water catchment system
due to logging and highland development. The government should take this responsible
when they allowing uncontrolled development when the environmental aspects not
considered properly at most development planning. Although, there are many rules
already being implemented but due to the poor in implementation of enforcement by
relevant authorities making this problem worst and expected will be repeated in the
coming years.
This make situation more worsen when the existing water treatment plant design
capacity already meet their maximum current capacity design and some of that are forced
to run exceeding their capacity. In the overloaded system, the pump house that serves to
channel water from the central water treatment plant to the tank or pond and tank services
balance has also been deployed day and night to meet the demand. Occurrence from
system damage in Wangsa Maju pump house resulting in a number of areas in Ulu
5

Kelang and Ampang uninterrupted supply of raw water a few months ago as a result of
this problem.
Another factor is that Malaysians consumers attitude on their way in consuming
water also contributes to this kind of situation. As mentioned above, one of the worst
water shortages already occurred in 1998 where everyone had to rush for water every day
and even today many consumers still worried whenever there was a water supply
disruption even only a short period of time. As we can see, most of Malaysians people
not learned from that 1998 crisis. The way of consumers handling treated water still in
poor manner and unethical way. Instead of blaming others parties especially government,
they should take an action by consuming less treated water in other word only use for the
important things. This can be done in many ways for example in preferring to use the
machineries that applying technology that less use of water but the efficiency still same.
This type of mind set or attitude is a major reason contributing to the water shortage and
increasing the water demand every year. The water rationing can be avoided even at that
time are drought season. The reserve of water in several dams can be assume more than
enough if us taking precaution in the early time by changing our habits.
Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is indication of the loss of treated water in water
supply distribution network system. This is a common problem to the local authorities
that involving so much public money to overcome this kind of problem where at the same
time reducing the supply capacity to final costumers. If this situation can be handled
properly by doing a proper construction and maintenance, the effects of water shortages
can be minimize. The wastage could be divided into four categories that is management
of water resources, loss of treated water, consumption of treated water and reuse of waste
water. According to Citing Statistics from National Water Services Commission (SPAN),
the national NRW for 2012 was about 36.4%, meaning only 63.6% of treated water
reached consumer and generated revenue. The statement from S. Piarapakaran, president
of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER) said that if the
NRW can be reduce by one-third of the current rate in the next five years, this could add
12.1% of treated water to consumers without needing to build a new water treatment
plant. From this point of view, we can see that our country NRW indication value is very
high and we need to review our construction work quality and water management model
and system.
Others than above factors, the political issue between Selangor State and Federal
Government also contributing to prolong the water rationing in Selangor. The issue
started when the Selangor State under The Pakatan Rakyat continues to delay land
approval for the Langat 2 treatment plant to be built. The purposed of Langat 2 project is
to treat raw water resource from Pahang and later the treated water to be supply to

Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya until 2025. The former Selangor Menteri Besar,
Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim said, there is no need to rush to construct the Langat 2 due to
information from his consultant experts said there was enough water supply until 2019.
(Source: Enough water f or all in Selangor, KL: MB Khalid, The Star, 20 July 2010). The
former Selangor Menteri Besar also argued on the price of Langat 2 which cost about RM
9 Billion compare to its operation service where the drinking water will supply only 15
years to meet that year current demand. Eventually the last few months ago, the
understanding agreement had finally signed by both parties to proceed the construction of
Langat 2 project. The effects of water can be minimize if the dispute can be settled
earlier.
The final factors is our expertise especially in engineering field either from
private sector or government sector should stand firm to make them voice to be heard by
politician. This is very important to bring a warning to the government either federal or
state if they ignored all the sign or expertise view, problem will arise and bring harm not
only to our society but directly to our economy GDP due to most of industry dependent
on water supply to run their production.

4.0

Recommend three significant measures/changes for the State and Federal

Government incorporating technical, environment and financial sustainability
There are three significant measures/changes are recommend to State and Federal
Government to ensure the recurrence water crisis in Selangor;
4.1

Proposed a new dam to sustain the water supply in Selangor

As record in, Selangor have seven (7) numbers of dams to distribute to Selangor
and Putrajaya where 17% distribute to domestic, 21% to industry (including
commercial) and 62% to agriculture. However, almost two-thirds of treated water
is consumed by the domestic sector. This is mainly because many industries and
agricultural activities draw water directly from nature for their use. Constructions
of more dams are suggested where technically it is storing water to cater the water
demand during dry season. Dams provide a range of economic, environmental,
and social benefits, including recreation, flood control, water supply, waste
management, river navigation and wildlife habitat. Incorporating to the technical,
environment and commercial, construction of new dams can be classifies as
below:
a. Technical Construction of new dams are able to increase the storage of water
capacity and will be benefit for the future. Temperature of water, salt and
oxygen distribution may change vertically as a consequence of reservoir
formation. This may cause the generation of new living species in dam.
b. Environment Even it will be affected to the flora and fauna due to large
capacity of dams, the proper guidelines by Department of Environment (DOE)
shall be followed to ensure the flora and fauna are being kept.
c. Commercial Constructions of new dam also provide employment
opportunities both to engineer, site supervisor, consultant, contractors and also
to the surround community. It is enhanced empower on the economic.

4.2

Proposed of utilizing the Wetland as an alternative main water supply in

Selangor
Secondly, it is suggested to fully utilize the Wetland. As record, wetland in
Selangor is located at Kuala Selangor, Selangor. Wetlands contribute to the
national and local economies by producing resources, enabling recreational
activities and providing other benefits, such as pollution control and flood
protection. While it can be difficult to calculate the economic value provided by a

single wetland, it is possible to evaluate the range of services provided by all

wetlands and assign a valuable asset.
Wetlands improve water quality in nearby rivers and streams, and thus have
considerable value as filters for future drinking water. When water enters a
wetland, it slows down and moves around wetland plants. Much of the suspended
sediment drops out and settles to the wetland floor. Plant roots and
microorganisms on plant stems and in the soil absorb excess nutrients in the water
from fertilizers, manure, leaking septic tanks and municipal sewage. While a
certain level of nutrients is necessary in water ecosystems, excess nutrients can
cause algae growth thats harmful to fish and other aquatic life. A wetlands
natural filtration process can remove excess nutrients before water leaves a
wetland, making it healthier for drinking, swimming and supporting plants and
animals. Incorporating to the technical, environment and commercial, the
utilization of wetlands as an alternative water resource can be classifies as below:
a. Technical Flood Control
Wetlands can play a role in reducing the frequency and intensity of floods by
acting as natural buffers, soaking up and storing a significant amount of
floodwater. A wetland can typically store about three-acre feet of water, or one
million gallons. An acre-foot is one acre of land, about three-quarters the size of a
football field, covered one foot deep in water. Three acre-feet describes the same
area of land covered by three feet of water. Coastal wetlands serve as storm surge
protectors when hurricanes or tropical storms come ashore. After peak flood flows
have passed, wetlands slowly release the stored waters, reducing property damage
downstream or inland.
Cleaning the Water
Because natural wetlands are so effective at removing pollutants from water that
flows through them, engineers and scientists construct systems that replicate some
of the functions of natural wetlands. These constructed treatment wetlands use
natural processes involving wetland vegetation, soils and their associated
microbial life to improve water quality. They are often less expensive to build
than traditional wastewater and stormwater treatment options, have low operating
and maintenance expenses and can handle fluctuating water levels. A preliminary
study suggested that a constructed wetland system would sufficiently clean the
discharge water while supporting high-quality wetland habitat for birds, including
endangered species, and protecting downstream residents from flooding. All these
benefits would be achieved at a lower cost than retrofitting the existing treatment
plant.
9

Fisheries
Wetlands provide an essential link in the life cycle of 75 percent of the fish and
shellfish commercially harvested and up to 90 percent of the recreational fish
catch. Wetlands provide a consistent food supply, shelter and nursery grounds for
both marine and freshwater species.
Recreation
Wetlands are often inviting places for popular recreational activities including
hiking, fishing, bird watching, photography and hunting.
b. Environments Wildlife Habitat
Diverse species of mammals, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and fish
rely on wetlands for food, habitat or shelter. Wetlands are some of the most
biologically productive natural ecosystems in the world, comparable to tropical
rain forests or coral reefs in the number and variety of species they support. Some
species must have a wetland in order to reproduce. Migrating waterfowl rely on
wetlands for resting, eating and breeding areas, leading to increased populations.
As noted, the appeal of wetlands and the diversity of plant and animal life they
attract contribute to or support many businesses.
c. Commercial
Many industries, in addition to the fishing industry, derive benefits or produce
products dependent on wetlands. Part of this economic value lies in the variety
of commercial products they provide, such as food and energy sources. Rice can
be grown in a wetland during part of the year, and the same area can serve as a
wildlife habitat for the rest of the year. Some wetland plant species, such as wild
rice and various seeds can be harvested for or used to produce specialty foods,
medicines, cosmetics and decorative items. In many coastal and river delta
wetlands, haying of wetland vegetation is important to livestock producers.
Wetlands also provide employment opportunities, including such positions as
surveyor or park ranger. The production of raw materials from wetlands
provides jobs to those employed in the commercial fishing, specialty food and
cosmetic industries.

10

4.3

Use a groundwater as an alternative water supply in Selangor

Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand
and rock. Groundwater flows beneath the earth surface through layers of
permeable rock or also known as aquifers. Aquifers can be a valuable water
resource as they store water that infiltrates through the ground surface. Aquifers
are typically made up of gravel, sand, sandstone, or fractured rock, like limestone.
Water can move through these materials because they have large connected
spaces that make them permeable. The speed at which groundwater flow is
depends on the size of the spaces in the soil or rock and how well the spaces are
connected. Groundwater makes up around 23% of the earths fresh water, making
it a valuable water supply. Use of groundwater needs to be carefully managed as
aquifers not only store water but supply water to sensitive ecosystems such as
wetlands, swamps, estuaries and coastal vegetation. Figure 2 show the
groundwater beneath the earth surface.

Figure 2: Groundwater beneath the earth surface

Groundwater can be collected by pumping it from aquifer, filter it and stores it in

underground tanks. It can be use for garden, irrigation and also can be used as
drinking water as well as for storage and other purpose. Groundwater is often
cheaper, more convenient and less vulnerable to pollution than surface water.
Therefore, it is commonly used for public water supplies.
Even though groundwater is one of the alternative to prevent water rationing,
sustainability management of groundwater should be apply incorporating
technical, environmental and financial. It is because groundwater is not a nonrenewable resource, such as a mineral or petroleum deposit, nor is it completely
renewable in the same manner and time frame as solar energy. Excessive of
pumping groundwater may lead to depletion of groundwater storage, reductions in
stream flow, potential loss of wetland, land subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and
changes in ground-water quality.

11

Groundwater system is equal. The amount of water entering or recharging the

system of groundwater is approximately equal to the amount of water leaving or
discharging from the system (as illustrated in Figure 3). To avoid of increasing of
discharge, high capacity well can be introduce to ensure that groundwater levels
in the system are maintained high enough to allow for pumping. High capacity
wells is easy to construct and less of maintenance.

Figure 3: Diagram show illustrating that inflow is equal to outflow.

To measure, computer simulations model can be use for analyzing inflow and
outflow of groundwater systems in the evaluation of alternative approaches to
groundwater development and management. Simulations also can aid to
estimating water availability and the effects of extracting water on the
groundwater system.

12

5.0

Recommend KPI to measure the effectiveness of three significant measures/changes

for the State and Federal Government incorporating technical, environment and
financial sustainability
Key Performance Indicators (KPI) is functionally measured the effectiveness of
measure/changes (construction a new dam, utilization of wetland and groundwater)
that should be taken to prevent water rationing from recurring. The importance of KPI is
to provide feedback on the important areas of operations. To achieve, there are few steps
to determine KPI such as identifying the expected result, identify the progress and
determine the percentage of changes.

5.1 Construction of a new dam

As cleared in Item 4.0, the dams are function to storage the water at all times. However,
due to un-circumstances such a dry season, definitely the level of water will be decrease.
As such with the construction new dam, the level of water storage to be maintained at
least 80% at all times to ensure the recurrence of water crisis. There will be changes on
water quality in the dams due to human activities etc. The maintenance and proper
safeguard are to determine to prevent any pollution to water storage. The water quality at
least between 6.5 < pH < 9.5 are ensure the water quality are standard and safe.
Construction of new dams will give impact in all aspects especially to the environment.
The minimal impact to flora and fauna will give better key performance indicator in
constructions of dams. The guideline as Department of Environment (DOE) authority
shall be followed and proper Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) to be prepared.
The recommend Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in summary to measure the
effectiveness on the new constructions of dams are tabulated as below;
Criteria

KPI

i) Dams function as raw water supply

ii) Water Quality
iii) Construction of Dams

KPI Achieved

Level of storage capacity

6.5 < pH < 9.5
Minimal impact to flora
and fauna

Table 1: KPI for construction of new dams

13

5.2

Utilization of Wetland

Wetland is functionally an alternative to storage the water. The catchment area of water
to storage and maintained at all times will be affected to the performance of the wetland.
As such with utilization of wetland as water storage before it is treated at water treatment
plant have to be maintained at least 80% at all times to ensure the recurrence of water
crisis. There will be changes on water quality in the dams due to human activities etc.
The maintenance and proper safeguard are to determine to prevent any pollution to water
storage. The water quality at least between 6.5 < pH < 9.5 are ensure the water quality are
standard and safe. Wetland might also be able to be used for recreation and other human
activities. The maintenance to reduce any pollution and to make sure any impact of flora
and fauna will be give better performance to the wetland as water storage.
The recommend Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in summary to measure the
effectiveness on wetland are tabulated as below;
Criteria

KPI

i) Wetland function as raw water supply

Catchment area of water

ii) Wetland water quality

6.5<pH<9.5

iii) Wetland Pollution

Minimal impact of flora

and fauna

KPI Achieved

Table 2: KPI for fully utilized of wetland

5.3

Groundwater

As discussed in Item No. 4, system of groundwater is equal. The amount of water

entering or recharging the system of groundwater is approximately equal to the amount of
water leaving or discharging from the system. With introducing a high capacity of well
the groundwater performance will give better indicator as water storage. There will be
changes on water quality in the dams due to human activities etc. The maintenance and
proper safeguard are to determine to prevent any pollution to water storage. The water
quality at least between 6.5 < pH < 9.5 are ensure the water quality are standard and safe.
With the depletion less than 5% at any times, the groundwater shall be considered as
water sources.

14

The recommended Key Performance Indicators (KPI) in summary to intend the measure
of effectiveness on groundwater is tabulated as below;
Criteria

KPI

i) Groundwater system

inflow=outflow

ii) Water Quality

6.5 < pH < 9.5

iii) Water Depletion

KPI Achieved

less than 5%

Table 3: KPI of groundwater

15

6.0

References

1. http://www.syabas.com.my/
2. http://www.luas.gov.my/
3. http://www.span.gov.my/
4. http://says.com/my/news/selangor-to-go-on-water-rationing-due-to-dry-weatherfebruary-2014
5. Alley, William M., Thomas E. Reilly, and O. Lehn Frank. 1999. Sustainability of
ground-water resources. U.S. Geological Survey Circular.
6. http://www.waverley.nsw.gov.au/environment/water_and_coast/our_projects/waverley_a
nd_barracluff_park_groundwater_harvesting_system
7. http://www.groundwater.org/get-informed/groundwater/contamination.html
8. http://groundwater.sdsu.edu/groundwater_utilization_and_sustainability.html#yield

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