PUTRAJAYA: “Store 48 hours of water supply”.

That’s the advice given to an estimated four million consumers in Klang Valley who will be facing one of the biggest water cuts in the state’s history spanning 86 hours beginning April 24.

They are among the 620,000 households in 577 areas in the districts of Klang, Shah Alam, Petaling, Gombak, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Langat and Kuala Selangor that will be impacted by water disruption.

Consumers are advised to store two days of water supply during this period.

This is because Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) will prioritise providing emergency water supplies for critical use when water cut begins with consumers expected to rely on their own stored water until April 26 when taps begin flowing again.

“Although the water disruption is expected to last for 86 hours, we expect water supply to resume to 50% of the affected areas within 24 hours after repairs works are done,” said Air Selangor chief executive officer Suhaimi Kamaralzaman at a press conference at the National Water Services Commission (SPAN).

Suhaimi said 82 waters tankers, 17 jumbo water tankers and 160 static water tanks would be deployed during the period, with priority given to critical areas.

“The water tankers will be deployed on April 24 to critical sites such as hospitals, medical and haemodialysis centres.

“However, consumers can request for water in cases of emergencies such as to facilitate weddings celebrations or funerals,” he said.

He urged affected residents to use their stored water sparingly during the water cut. Those in the manufacturing sectors would have to source their own water supply during this period, he said.

Asked whether consumers would get a rebate due to the water disruption, Suhaimi said no as ample notice had been given to warn them of the water cut.

SPAN chairman Charles Santiago explained that the water disruption was unavoidable due to the critical situation at the Selangor River Phase 2 Water Treatment Plant which required immediate attention.

“It is critical that urgent repair works are done immediately to avoid an explosion at the plant,” he said.

He said this was due to the deterioration of plant’s 32kW electrical cable and water piping systems.

Santiago said Air Selangor had notified SPAN of the situation on March 27 with SPAN approving the repair work on April 10 following its own investigations.

He noted that plans were made last December for repair works to be carried out this July but the current situation required immediate action by Air Selangor.

If there was an explosion at the plant, he said the disruption would be worse owing to the approaching May 1 holiday and the coming fasting month and Hari Raya festivities.

He acknowledged that this was one of the biggest water disruptions so far.

“The disruption affects about 25% of the total number of Air Selangor consumers,” he said, adding that he did not want to see a repeat of such an incident.

He said consumers could WhatsApp 019-281 6793/019-280 0919 or call Air Selangor hotline 15300 for emergency assistance.