Penangites use an average 285 litres of water each daily in 2008, the highest compared with people in other states, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said.

He said although the state did not experience water shortage, Penangites should use water with care due to the hot spell sweeping across the country.

"Penang is facing a big problem as there is a lot of water wastage," he said after receiving a group of PAS Youth leaders today.

The other top water states in 2008 are Johor (207 litres), Selangor (234), Kedah (236), Negeri Sembilan (239) and Malacca (268).

The standard fixed by the United Nations (UN) is 165 litres per person daily.

Lim said the high water usage by Penangites could be due to the tariff of 31 sen per cubic metre, the lowest compared with the other states.

On water level at three dams in the state, he said Air Itam Dam was at 84 percent capacity and capable of supplying water for 100 days.

Mengkuang Dam was at 95 percent capacity capable of supplying water for 166 days and Teluk Bahang at 86 percent capacity capable of supplying water for 276 days.

"Penangites need not worry as water supply in the state is still adequate to meet daily needs," he said.

Negeri hit by water shortage

Meanwhile, Air Negeri Sembilan Sdn Bhd (Sains) has deployed tankers to supply water to several areas affected by water disruption since Saturday.

Its communication and corporate affairs manager Azlan Abdul Aziz said a water distribution schedule would be announced through the media, Sains website and community leaders.

Azlan said the water disruption was due to increase in water consumption during the Chinese New Year festival, and drop in water intake at Air Pantai, Sungai Ngoi-Ngoi and Sungai Mahang water treatment plants due to dry spell.

Consumers in affected areas should observe the water distribution schedule and store water for their consumption, he said in a statement today.

For those holding wedding feasts, religious ceremonies, funerals and public functions, they could get in touch Sains at 1-800-88-6982 for water to be delivered by tankers to them.

- Bernama