The water rationing in most parts of the country, especially in Selangor, has finally come to an end.

The main reason for the water crisis is due to the reduction of rainfall throughout the whole peninsula Malaysia. According to the data recorded by Meteorological Department of Malaysia, the rainfall in February has reduced as much as 60 percent below the average rainfall of the same month last year. Thus, coupled with the high demand for water, most of the dam levels in the peninsula dropped steeply and water rationing was implemented in order to save the situation.

While there is a lot of dissatisfaction and we experienced frustration during the months-long water rationing, we should be grateful that we do not need to suffer the agony of having to wait for water tankers as we got water through water pipes during the rationing.

There are a lot of unsung heros behind the scene who have worked tirelessly day and night just to ensure that the water rationing was carried out accordingly. Although there is a lot of improvement to be done, most of the affected consumers are still able to receive water supply through their water taps.

We have learnt a lot of lessons through the water crisis. However, time is running short as the second wave of dry spell is predicted to hit us as early as June this year.

As shown in some states, water rationing can be avoided through proper advance planning and also cooperation between all agencies involved in the water sector. Advance planning leads to swift implementation of mitigation actions even before the crisis strikes and thus avoiding water rationing.

It is also timely to have a water resources agency that looks after the whole country’s water resources to be set up. With this agency being set up, water resources can be shared between states especially during a water crisis without going through a lot of red tape and at the same time, pollution of the river water can be monitored and solved in a more holistic and effective manner.

As for the consumers, we should not take water for granted as this water crisis has shown us that even though we have ample rainfall throughout the years, yet with the impact from climate change and high water consumption, water crisis can hit us at any time without warning. Therefore, equip yourself with water conservation ideas, practice it in your daily life and use water wisely.

We certainly do no want to see someone’s head rolling on the floor should the next water crisis strike again.

FOON WENG LIAN is manager (policy and research), Forum Air Malaysia.