Possible water disruptions in Penang again after pipe burst

 

The Penang Water Supply Corporation said it is trying to pump treated water through the pipeline ‘at a minimal flow’ due to the incident.

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) said 200,000 water consumers in the state might face water supply disruption as the Perai riverbed pipe gave way again.

This is the fourth time that the pipe ruptured since last month.

In a Facebook post, the state water company said it is trying to pump treated water through the pipeline “at a minimal flow” due to the incident.

“This exercise is likely to lead towards a water supply disruption for about 200,000 consumers in the southwest district on Penang island and some areas in Seberang Perai.

“PBAPP has activated its emergency response plan. We will post updates accordingly,” said the water company, without elaborating further.

The pipe supplies treated water from the Sungai Dua water treatment plant to several parts of Seberang Perai Utara and the entire southwest district.

The pipelines were buried 3.5m deep and laid in 1997 by the Penang Water Authority before PBAPP took over.

The pipe first ruptured on Dec 18, again on Jan 10, and for the third time during major valve repair works on Jan 11.

The Penang government and the state water company have since commenced a major diversion pipework which is expected to be completed next month.

Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow has said that the diversion would require a temporary water cut to some 120,000 users in the southwest district. - FMT