Singapore supplying additional potable water to Johor after urgent request: PUB

SINGAPORE - Johor's water regulatory body Badan Kawalselia Air Johor (Bakaj) has made an urgent request to Singapore's Public Utilities Board (PUB) for an additional supply of 6 million gallons of treated water per day for the next three days.

According to a statement from PUB on July 17, Bakaj said it requires the water to stabilise their own supply system in Johor Bahru after the shutdown on Wednesday due to pollution in the Johor River.

PUB said it has agreed to the request and commenced additional supply of treated water to Johor since 12am on July 17 and will continue to do so for the next three days.

PUB assured that service to PUB's customers in Singapore will not be affected.

Under the 1962 Water Agreement with Malaysia, PUB Singapore is entitled to draw 250mgd of raw water from the Johor River. This right is guaranteed by the 1965 Separation Agreement and expires in 2061. The 1962 Water Agreement also obliges PUB to sell 5mgd of treated water to Johor.

In practice, PUB said it has been regularly providing up to 16mgd on a daily basis. This latest request for 6mgd is on top of the regular 15-16mgd provided to Johor every day, said PUB.

candicec@sph.com.sg