Conserving Water for a Sustainable Future

We all learned in school that approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. However, only 3% of this is freshwater, which comes from sources such as ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and groundwater.

Freshwater is essential for human survival and daily activities, including hydration, personal hygiene, agriculture, transportation, power generation and recreation. Moreover, freshwater supports diverse ecosystems, allowing various plant and animal species to thrive. Without it, life as we know it would not be possible.

This highlights the importance of conserving water. According to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), Malaysians consume an average of 228 liters per capita per day (LCD), significantly exceeding the recommended 160 LCD. To ensure a sustainable future for generations to come, we must take proactive measures to reduce water consumption.

As the largest water services provider in Malaysia, Air Selangor has implemented various initiatives to educate consumers on the importance of water conservation. These include:

1. Water Handbook: In collaboration with experts from the University of Malaya, Air Selangor published the Water Handbook to promote water conservation. Air Selangor Water Handbook provides answers and facts about water sources, aiming to raise awareness among Malaysians about the importance of saving water. It also offers insights into water resources and practical water-saving tips, showing that simple actions can help families and friends conserve water together.
2. Water Saving Programmes: Air Selangor has installed water-efficient taps in mosques across Selangor to reduce water wastage and promote responsible water use in religious institutions and public spaces. This initiative supports and strengthens the National Water Services Commission (SPAN)’s efforts, including a programme to replace ablution taps with water-efficient taps in eight selected mosques throughout the state.
3. Report Leaks: The newly improved Air Selangor app features a “Report Leaks” feature, allowing consumers to report pipe leaks or bursts, meter leaks and water theft. This helps to minimise Non-Revenue Water (NRW), which refers to water that has been produced and “lost” before it reaches the consumers.
4. Educational Initiatives for Youth: To instill water conservation awareness among the younger generation, Air Selangor has collaborated with the popular animated character BoBoiBoy to promote water-saving habits among younger audiences.

Multi-Faceted Approach to Water Conservation

Beyond the above initiatives, Air Selangor’s other efforts include:

• Providing free water-saving bidets and pilot water-saving devices to the communities during water conservation roadshow, as well as offering detailed water usage data via the new Air Selangor app.
• Awareness campaigns involving state assembly members (ADUN), government agencies, NGOs, schools, and religious organisations, as well as collaborations with media personalities and influencers.
• Installing rainwater harvesting systems at Air Selangor regional offices to reduce reliance on treated water for non-drinking purposes such as irrigation, landscaping and cleaning while also raising public awareness on water conservation through leading by example.

While turning on the tap to access clean water may seem effortless, but it’s not something we should take for granted. To secure a sustainable future for the next generation, we must cultivate responsible water-saving habits today, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy reliable and accessible water resources.

For more information and water-saving tips, visit hydrohub.airselangor.com.

Article Published in Oriental Daily on 1 May 2025.