Proactive plans for dry days
THE state government is introducing Selangor Off-River Augmentation Scheme (Soras) to connect some 100 ponds and lakes to rivers as part of water security plans in anticipation of a drought in July next year.

“Soras is a new scheme to connect standalone lakes and ponds to existing river systems as a backup or alternative water supply for the state.

“These water bodies will be clustered in groups of two to four before being connected to the nearest river,” said Izham, adding that there would be 23 clusters altogether.

Izham checking on the progress of Package D of the Water Resources Assurance Scheme (SJAM) project in Jenderam Hilir, Dengkil last year. — Filepic

Last month, the Selangor government formed a task force to address the El Nino phenomenon and make preparations to mitigate the effects of a two-year drought which is expected to hit Malaysia in July next year.

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Some of these water bodies include Paya Indah Wetlands in Dengkil, Bukit Jenuk retention pond in Dengkil, Tasik Impian near Kampung Sungai Buah Luar in Sepang, and Kampung Hang Tuah off-river storage (ORS) in Kuala Selangor.

Izham said an audit of some 100 lakes and ponds throughout Selangor was completed about half a year ago to assess quality, quantity and other matters pertaining to these water bodies.

“The audit found that the water was acceptable for use (human consumption),” he said.

The water bodies, he said, consisted of both natural and man-made, including former mining pools.

“The total volume of water in these 100 lakes and ponds is 34 million cubic metres (m3), which is enough to provide two to three months of additional water supply for Selangor,” said Izham.

Tasik Subang dam is located in Kapar.

“Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS) is now handling the engineering work to connect the water bodies to the nearest rivers, using a network of pipes.

“We will take advantage of gravity where possible, as opposed to installing pumps, to reduce operation costs.”

ALSO READ: Water security project in Dengkil halfway completed

He said water bodies identified for Soras would serve a dual purpose – providing additional water supply and as a flood mitigation measure.

“We are also looking to tap into 167 detention ponds under Selangor Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) for Soras.

“Detention ponds are typically used for flood mitigation and some are quite big, so there is a possibility of using them as another water supply source,” he added.

Detention ponds are basins designed to hold stormwater runoff and release it slowly to avoid flooding downstream areas.

Izham said Soras was part of the Water Resources Assurance Scheme (Skim Jaminan Air Mentah or SJAM) to manage Selangor’s water resources in a more comprehensive manner.

The Hybrid Off-River Augmentation System (Horas) project, developed by the state government in Bestari Jaya, Kuala Selangor. — Filepic

It includes managing water usage for nine million users in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya as well as addressing issues such as flooding, drought, pollution and effluents from sewerage treatment plants.

Izham chairs the SJAM committee, whose members comprise players in the water industry, including LUAS, Selangor DID, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd, local authorities and related companies.

There are two phases under SJAM: firstly to address water pollution and secondly, ensure sufficient raw water during dry seasons.

When phase one is completed, there will be uninterrupted water supply even when contamination is detected in raw water sources like Sungai Selangor or Sungai Langat.

Under the existing system, Selangor’s water treatment plants (WTP) such as Sungai Selangor Phase (SSP) 1, SSP 2, SSP 3, Rantau Panjang and Semenyih will be temporarily shut down when pollution is detected in one of the rivers that channels raw water to the plants.

This results in interruption of water supply to consumers.

Through SJAM, ponds will be automatically activated to pump water to the WTP when pollution is detected in a river source, while the contaminated raw water will be diverted downstream of the river without going through the plant.

Izham said water from these ponds could be used for five continuous days, although pollution incidents tend to be resolved in a day.

There are four main work packages under SJAM’s phase one infrastructure development, with the entire project expected to cost RM320mil.

Izham: We are looking to tap into 167 detention ponds under Selangor DID for Soras.

They involve the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of pumping systems and other related works at Hybrid Off-River Augmentation Storage (Horas) 600 in Bestari Jaya, Kuala Selangor; Rantau Panjang WTP in Kuala Selangor, SSP 1, 2 and 3 WTP in Bestari Jaya as well as Kuala Selangor and Sungai Semenyih WTP in Jenderam Hilir, Dengkil.

“The entire system is expected to be fully functioning by the third quarter of this year.

“(SJAM’s phase one at) Rantau Panjang WTP and Sungai Semenyih WTP will be ready by May 2024, while SSP1, 2 and 3 WTP will be ready by August 2024,” said Izham, adding that the Sungai Selangor WTPs were delayed due to soil condition issues.

SJAM’s phase two focuses on a holistic water resource management programme to ensure sufficient water storage to meet demand, which includes Soras.

“The DID has also developed the National Water Balance Management System to help technical agencies such as LUAS and Air Selangor in the planning and operation of water resources.

“The system also projects how much raw water would be required for human consumption, agriculture and other usage,” said Izham.

In addition, he said Selangor government was exploring other water security measures such as underground reserves, which are more viable in remote locations, purchasing water from other states such as Pahang and Negri Sembilan and desalination plants as a last resort.
Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS),
THE state government is introducing Selangor Off-River Augmentation Scheme (Soras) to connect some 100 ponds and lakes to rivers as part of water security plans in anticipation of a drought in July next year.