Rising demand strains Stumbin WTP, causing water supply disruptions in Sri Aman

KUCHING (March 17): Rising water demand beyond the capacity of the Stumbin Water Treatment Plant (WTP) has been identified as a key factor behind the ongoing water supply disruptions affecting Stumbin and Tanjung Bijat in Sri Aman.

According to a statement from the Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department (JBALB), the Stumbin WTP is currently only able to produce about 0.65 million litres per day (MLD), which is insufficient to meet increasing demand in the affected areas.

To address the shortfall, an additional 2 MLD of treated water is being channelled from the Bayai WTP to the Stumbin WTP via the Bayai Service Reservoir and a pipeline network stretching approximately 35 kilometres to meet the needs of consumers in the affected areas.

JBALB said field inspections and monitoring conducted by its technical team found that the frequent disruptions were also linked to issues along the pipeline alignment, including leakages and ongoing maintenance works.

It also noted that a road widening project in Sri Aman town is currently being carried out by the Public Works Department (JKR), and that a a significant portion of the pipeline supplying water from the Bayai reservoir to the Stumbin plant lies within the project area.

“As such, any pipe leak incidents during construction works, or valve closures required for repair and interconnection works, may potentially disrupt the existing water supply system in the affected areas,” the department said.

In response, JBALB has undertaken a series of mitigation measures to stabilise supply, including continuous inspections along the pipeline, particularly in active construction zones, as well as checks on valve conditions and operations.

The department said it has also replaced faulty valves, repaired damaged pipes and installed Double Air Valves (DAV) on diversion pipelines in hilly areas within the Jalan Astana construction site to address potential air lock issues.

In addition, an alternative diversion pipeline has been constructed at Peace Park, Jalan Astana, to help stabilise water distribution and improve supply to affected consumers.

JBALB added that water tankers are being deployed to supply affected areas while centralised water collection centres have been set up at several strategic locations to ensure residents continue to have access to water.

The department expressed appreciation for the patience and cooperation of residents during the restoration works, adding that efforts are ongoing to restore supply as quickly as possible and to strengthen the overall water supply system in the state.

Members of the public can contact the JBALB Call Centre at 082-262211 for further information or to lodge complaints.

lead onsite Sarawak Rural Water Supply Department Sri Aman stumbin Tanjung Bijat water supply disruptions