Kuala Muda District - KMAM + Water Sampling

Kuala Muda DHO Posting
Sixth Day (12th July 2009)

First Session
Venue : PPKP Office (KMAM Unit / Drinking Water Quality Control Unit)
Time : 8.00 am
Topic : Briefing on Drinking Water Quality Control Unit
Person in charge : PPKP Silva (KMAM Unit)

The main function of this unit is to ensure the quality of drinking water by surveillance. It has an objective to ensure our daily drinking is safe and sufficient. Together with this the main elements of the program are:
1. Monitoring
2. Cleanliness survey
3. Data surveillance and processing
4. Treatment action
5. Institution inspection

Kuala Muda district is divided into 4 main courses based on its water supply. The courses are:
- course 1: Pinang Tunggal
- course 2: Jeniang
- course 3: Merbok/Tupah
- course 4: Bukit Selambau.

This unit covers 67 point stations for sampling throughout the Kuala Muda district. Main water source for Kuala Muda is from Sungai Muda River which also shares its supply with neighbouring districts.

In terms of water sampling, the quality of water is based on the compounds and chemicals present in it. These compounds are divided onto 4 groups:
- Group 1 (microorganisms)
- Group 2 (non- metals i.e. ammonia, nitrates)
- Group 3 (heavy metals)
- Group 4 (pesticides)

All these groups are tested on both raw and treated water. Water samples are sent to the chemistry lab in Penang within 24 hours and results are expected within one to two weeks. An analysis request form is filled and sent as appendices with the water samples.

All the results and data on water sampling done by the KMAM unit will be input into a software programme called Water Quality Surveillance (WQS). This database is online-based therefore can be viewed by state level KMAM at real time.

Apart from doing routine water sampling, KMAM unit also responds to complaints from public and also when there are cases related to possible water contaminations (i.e. typhoid outbreak).

* The full ranges of test done on water sample (according to groups) will be posted later.

Second Session (Outdoor activity)
Venue : Point Station 12
Time : 10.00 am
Topic : Water sampling
Person in charge : PPKP Silva (KMAM Unit)

Mr. Silva also demonstrated to us the steps of water sampling done at JKR water testing point no.12. Samples of water were taken in 4 bottles with different reagents added to them covering the 4 main groups as explained above. Another sample was taken in a ‘whirl bag’ for testing of presence of microorganisms. This sample must be kept in an ice box with the temperature of 4 – 8 degrees Celsius, to keep the organisms dormant and alive. He had also demonstrated for us the usage of;
- pH meter
- Turbidity meter
- Chlorine residue measuring device

The normal limits of some of the measurement taken from a water sample (ad-hoc at site) are as follows:
- Chlorine residue: 0.2mg/ml
- pH: 6.5 – 9
- Colour unit: less than 15
- NTU: 5 (turbidity unit)

In the event of the pH of the water sample is less than 6.5 (which favour the growth of microorganism), KMAM unit will inform the organisation which is responsible in treating the source of the sample so that they will take the appropriate steps to correct the error. Usually, 24 hours after the first notification, KMAM will resample the water to confirm the correction.