Kuala Nerus Folk Look To Groundwater As Disruption Drags On

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The water supply crisis in Kuala Nerus district and part of Kuala Terengganu since Aug 2 has caused residents to look for alternative sources of clean water to meet their needs.
The situation prompted residents to resort to bore water and the strong demand for the system is a windfall for local tube well drillers.
Airlaju Home Solution manager Mohammad Rizal Busari said on average, the company is able to complete two bore projects per day with the help of eight employees.
“To alleviate the financial burden of customers, especially during this pandemic, I also offer interest-free monthly instalments of RM1,500 for three months,” he told reporters when met at Kuala Nerus.
The water supply crisis in the two districts occurred for the first time on Aug 2 affecting 28,700 account holders or almost 150,000 residents. It was due to a broken 1.2m pipe on the river bed of Sungai Terengganu and clean water supply was restored in stages on Aug 13.
The second case of damaged pipes at the Sungai Terengganu river bed was more serious than the first and repair works were expected to be completed by Sept 12.
Another tube well driller, 38-year-old Mohd Nafi Sulong, said bore water was a safe and reliable water source.
“Previously, no one was interested in groundwater… only farms or orchard owners who wanted a systematic irrigation system. But this time, the demand is extraordinary, every day there are people asking for bore water,” he said.
Roslan Mohd Nor, 43, said he had installed bores at more than 20 locations since the water supply crisis started.
“I only charge RM600 for the installation while the cost of purchasing the equipment is borne by the customer,” he said.
Meanwhile, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) Dr Adiana Ghazali said people were advised to refer to the drinking water quality standards set by the Health Ministry (MOH) and Department of Environment before using bores.
“Bore water for daily use must go through appropriate treatment according to the environment of the area where the well is dug.
“For example, if the bore water source is close to agricultural areas, it is possible that fertiliser and pesticides will seep into the groundwater reservoir system,” she said.
In this regard, she advised consumers to do a simple analysis to find out the water quality level using a kit that is available in the market and treat the water using a suitable filter.
- Bernama

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