Rethinking our water habits

WHILE many of us know that 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, not many are aware that only 3% of it is made up of freshwater.

Freshwater, which comes from ponds, lakes, streams, rivers and groundwater, is needed for nearly all human activities – be it for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, transportation, electricity generation or recreation.

It also creates habitats for animals and plants, proving just how crucial freshwater is in our daily lives.

According to the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), the water consumption stands at 241 litres per capita per day (LCD) in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, while Malaysia’s average water consumption is 228 LCD, both significantly higher than the recommended amount of 160 LCD.

This highlights the importance of water conservation to ensure a sustainable future for the next generation.

Recognising this, Air Selangor, as the largest water services provider in Malaysia, is introducing several initiatives to promote water conservation among consumers.

Among these initiatives include publishing a Water Handbook, in collaboration with experts from Air Selangor and University Malaya, to promote sustainable water usage. The handbook offers facts and answers about water, educating Malaysians on sustainable water consumption as they learn about water resources and conservation methods.

Air Selangor is also introducing a water-saving programme by installing water-efficient taps in mosques around Selangor to cut down on water waste, highlighting the importance of water conservation in religious and public spaces.

Apart from that, the company has also launched a “Report Leaks” feature in the Air Selangor app for consumers to report pipe leaks, pipe bursts, meter leaks and suspected illegal tapping. This feature will reduce non-revenue water rates, which refers to water that has been produced and “lost” before it reaches the customer.

Beyond leak reporting, the app now empowers consumers to better manage their water usage and adopt smarter conservation habits.

With the LCD feature, consumers can monitor their water consumption, compare it with SPAN’s recommended amount of 160 LCD, and track monthly progress toward more sustainable usage.

By entering basic household information, consumers receive a tailored ideal usage benchmark, along with water-saving tips to minimise water wastage and use water more efficiently.

Additionally, the company is partnering with the popular animated series BoBoiBoy to raise water conservation awareness among youth through educational materials.

Beyond awareness

In addition to these water conservation initiatives, Air Selangor’s efforts include a wide range of practical, community-focused programmes.

The company also provides tangible solutions such as free water-saving bidets, piloting water-saving devices and offering detailed water usage data through the Air Selangor app.

Furthermore, the company actively engages with various stakeholders through awareness campaigns involving state assembly members, government agencies, NGOs, schools and religious organisations, as well as collaborations with media personalities and influencers.

Leading by example, the organisation has even installed rainwater harvesting systems at its regional offices to reduce reliance on treated water for non-drinking purposes while simultaneously raising public awareness about water conservation.

While it may seem easy to turn on the tap and expect clean water to flow, it’s a privilege that shouldn’t be taken lightly.

To protect this essential resource for future generations, we need to start cultivating responsible water-saving practices today, ensuring that the generations to come can still enjoy reliable access to water resources.

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

Article Published in The Star on 2 May 2025.