Shortages like the current one could have less of an impact if the amount of water lost when supplies are pumped from treatment plants into peoples’ homes were improved, he said.
According to the latest official data, Malaysia has 473 water treatment plants with a total processing capacity of nearly 18 billion liters per day. In 2012 average water consumption per capita reached 212 liters a day in this country of 29 million, data from the National Water Services Commission show.
That tops the 165 liter per capita a day usage recommended by the World Health Organization.
Mr. Piarapakarn said bringing water usage down to 180 liters per capita a day could result in an additional treated water capacity of 1 billion liters, enough to ensure sufficient water supplies even during dry spells.
The government could upgrade existing dams and reservoirs to boost catchment facilities, he said, but consumers should also learn to use water more prudently, so as to keep a lid on rising demand.