Selangor’s water reserves remain in a strong position despite the ongoing dry weather, with the state’s seven major dams currently operating at more than 75 per cent capacity and expected to remain stable for the next three to six months.
State Executive Councillor for Health and Environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin said Malaysia is now entering the peak of the Southwest Monsoon, which is forecast to continue until September. The seasonal weather pattern has brought drier air and fewer rainy days across Selangor, raising concerns over pressure on water resources.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, she said the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), together with related agencies, has activated various preparedness measures to safeguard the state’s water supply throughout the dry spell.
Jamaliah explained that the seven dams remain at healthy levels as of July, with controlled water releases expected to help maintain stable storage over the coming months. She added that more than 140 alternative water storage ponds and several former mining lakes under the Selangor Off River Storage Scheme (SORSS) have been identified for upgrading to strengthen the state’s water infrastructure.
According to her, the SORSS allows alternative water sources to be utilised more effectively, providing up to three months of additional water supply by pumping stored pond water into rivers using portable pumps.
Overall, Selangor’s water resources are estimated to be sufficient for up to nine months, enabling the state to better withstand the effects of both the Southwest Monsoon and any potential El Niño conditions.
The state government is also expanding the use of groundwater as an alternative to treated water, particularly for industrial purposes, through its Water Resources Abstraction licensing programme. At present, three groundwater wells have been developed in Hulu Selangor to support water supply during prolonged dry periods.
Jamaliah added that if dam storage falls to 50 per cent capacity, cloud seeding operations will be carried out across Selangor to help increase water levels and secure the state’s water reserves.
