Arsenic pollution: Ayer Ganda water treatment plant still inoperable

The Ayer Ganda Water Treatment Plant which was shut down on April 9 has not been allowed to resume operations as there is still arsenic residue in its raw water source.

The National Water Services Commission (Span) said in a statement that the arsenic content in the raw water source exceeded the standards set by the Health Ministry.

"Span as a water service industry regulator responsible for ensuring water supply that is safe and fit for drinking has no immediate plans to resume the operations of the Ayer Ganda Water Treatment Plant," the statement said today.

Span said the Perak Water Board (LAP) was currently supplying water to consumers in the affected areas using nine tankers, as well as by placing 13 static tanks at strategic locations.

"For the long-term, the LAP has begun installing 11.5km of piping from the Lawin Water Treatment Plant to supply water to Kampung Ayer Ganda, and it is expected to be completed by mid-June 2019," it said.

The LAP suspended the operation of the Ayer Ganda Water Treatment Plant on April 9 after a high amount of arsenic was found in water samples taken in Hulu Perak.

The plant, which produces 0.68 million litres of water per day, supplies water to about 312 user accounts in Kampung Ayer Ganda.

- Bernama