Brunei-Muara water source drying up

THE Tutong River, which supplies water to the Brunei-Muara and Tutong districts, is drying up and the public is being asked to cut down their water use, the Director of Water Services Abu Hanipah Hj Talip told The Brunei Times yesterday.

"I don't want people to panic, but if we can reduce water consumption by 10 to 20 per cent, even 30 per cent, we can survive until the next rainy season in May or June," the director said.

"We usually get water from the catchment area of the river, but that area is dry. The water level at the Tutong River is now at a very low level, so much so you can walk on the river bed," he said.

"In our efforts to maintain the supply of water, we are getting it from the dams and reservoirs."

The director has urged the public to cut down their water usage in light of the dry spell being experienced this month.

"Please use water wisely, appreciate water and acknowledge what other countries are experiencing. Our neighbouring countries are concerned about this current weather situation," he said.

The director added that all the dams in Brunei are being affected by the dry spell explaining that the water levels at the dams were decreasing and the department was concerned.

Recalling the dry spell experienced in 1998, Abu Hanipah said the country was not at that stage yet.

"But even then water consumption was not as high then as it is now. This is not because of habitual consumption but because of the population increase since then," he said, adding that the water levels at the dams would reach a critical level much soon if a repeat situation were to happen.

If this were to happen the department would have to start rationing the water.

The population of Brunei in 1998 was approximately 325,000; it is now estimated at 415,000.

He gave simple suggestions to the public to reduce their water consumption such as avoiding washing of cars, or if necessary to use a bucket of water rather than water straight from the pipes.

"Leaving the shower running while you soap your body can waste three to four buckets of water," the director added.

The Brunei Times