Does 30.3% dam capacity mean only 30 days of supply?

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Air Itam Dam Capacity and Water Supply Duration

A 30.3% effective capacity of the Air Itam Dam does not directly translate to only 30 days of water supply. The duration of water availability is influenced by a complex interplay of factors beyond just the percentage of the dam's effective capacity. These include ongoing rainfall, the specific water supply management plan in place, and overall water consumption rates within the service area.
Reduced Drawdowns Under Action Plan

Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) has implemented the Air Itam Dam Action Plan 2024 (AIDAP 2024) since February 5, 2024, which has significantly reduced the daily raw water drawdowns from the dam. Under this plan, the daily draw is limited to 11 million litres per day (MLD). This is a substantial decrease compared to the 44 MLD drawn on normal non-dry weather days and even the 22 MLD during previous dry weather controls.
Supplemental Water Supply and Dam Reserve Management

To compensate for the reduced drawdowns from the Air Itam Dam, PBAPP is currently pumping 33 MLD from the Sungai Dua Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to the Air Itam service area. This supplemental supply helps maintain normal water services. PBAPP also retains the option to further tighten AIDAP controls to preserve the remaining dam reserves for a longer period, though this may cause inconvenience to some consumers.
Environmental Factors and Future Outlook

The effective capacity of the dam has only decreased by 2.5% since AIDAP 2024 was implemented on February 5, dropping from 32.8% to the current 30.3%. International weather forecasts predict a transition from the El Niño phenomenon to a wetter La Niña event, with METMalaysia forecasting higher rainfall in Penang between April and July 2024, coinciding with the inter-monsoon season. Despite these projections, consumers are advised to reduce their water consumption by 10% in April, May, and June to ensure adequate supply until the expected rainy season.

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Does 30.3% dam capacity mean only 30 days of supply?

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