The Selangor government's tests may show the use of former mining ponds to overcome water shortage in the state is safe, but this may not be the case when drought comes, said Klang MP Charles Santiago.

 

He explained that toxic heavy metals present in the pond water may be diluted to a safe level during normal times hence showing it is safe for consumption.

 

However during drought with less water the proportional concentration of the harmful metals may show below safe levels.

 

"This is because heavy metal dilution reacts differently in wet and dry periods due to levels of water availability. 

 

"During periods of drought or low availability of water, the amount of naturally occurring arsenic, lead and other heavy metals become more concentrated when water levels decrease.

 

"This has an impact on people’s health and environment," he said in a statement yesterday.

 

As such, Charles (above) said the state government should not simply dismiss his concerns as a "personal view" and constant tests must be conducted on the state's water supply.

'Tests must spread over time'

"The Health Ministry and chemistry department sampling should be done in both wet or high water availability period, (as well as) dry or low water availability period, before state authorities can conclude that ex‑mine water with heavy metals is indeed safe for human consumption.

 

"The sampling and testing should be done over a period of time to convincingly justify use of ex-mine water for human consumption. This is not the case at this time," he said.

 

The Malaysian Meteorological Department has predicted that El‑Nino, a period of intense dry spell, will begin at the end of this year.

 

Charles added the use of former mining ponds to supplement the state's water supply is a new experience in this country, and should be done cautiously.

 

The state government since April has begun pumping water from former mining ponds into Sungai Selangor that feeds the Sungai Selangor water treatment plant, which supplies water to 60 percent of Klang Valley.

 

This comes after the Sungai Selangor dam hit critical levels and could not supply sufficient water to ensure continuous water supply.

 

The Selangor government has repeatedly insisted the method is safe, citing tests from the chemistry department and nod from the Health Ministry.

Rebutting the claims, Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim (left) said that World Health Organisation and Singapore experts are now studying the water.

"They are currently conducting their own study before letting us know when they can come here to present their papers.

"They should get back to us in two weeks’ time," he was quoted by The Star Online as saying in Shah Alam today.

He added that the state, too, has done its own analysis and people should not make statements on the matter to "seek publicity."