It is amusing to read what "Clean water or filters" of Petaling Jaya wrote in his letter "Leave our water filters alone!" (The Sun Weekend, Oct 9).

The writer contends that the residues caught in the water filters come from the dirty water supplied and is adamant that it is alright if the residues flow back to the system.

The writer also contents that, as the piping system after the water meter is the property of the house owner, the latter can do what he/she like to it including installing water filters.

The writer even threatens to take legal action against PUAS if any of PUAS' officers come inside his premises to remove his water filter.

The above contentions only go to show the writer's complete ignorance of the subject. I am also surprised that his letter can see the light of print in The Sun.

Let me enlighten the writer on all the above issues.

Firstly, water filters, with accumulation of residues and not properly maintained, can become breeding grounds for harmful microorganisms. They not only pose a danger to the health of the consumer himself, but also the microorganisms may be sucked back into the public mains and thereby endanger the health of others as well.

Secondly, because of misuse, we have water supply rules to govern water supply installations. Under the "Water Supply Rules" no unapproved fixtures, fittings or appurtenances are allowed to be installed to the service pipes, which is that part of domestic pipe system from the water meter to the kitchen tap and also to the inlet of the overhead water storage tank.

This service pipe is an important pipe as it is subject to water pressure from the public mains. Because of its importance in the protection of public health, any fitting, such as domestic water filters, and its installations onto the service pipe requires the approval of the water supply authorities.

Thirdly, as water is essential to life, it can be considered as a product or an utility within the armbit of Consumer Protection Act 1999 which also gives a consumer a right of redress against a supplier of goods or services that fail to comply with quality standards.

Obviously, the present water supplied to many parts of the Klang Valley does not comply with the national drinking water quality guidelines and by doing so PUAS is guilty of a serious dereliction of duty. It is therefore liable to damages in a civil claim under the provision of Consumer Protection Act.

So, "Clean water or filters" should initiate immediate action against PUAS rather than wait for PUAS' orders to remove water filters from the consumers' service pipes, which PUAS has the legitimate right to do but not doing.

Note:
Related articles:
· Do all water filters have dept's approval?
· Dirty tap water - consumers' right of redress.
· Just sue PUAS, PERIOD!
· Dirty tap water & rampant use of domestic filters - a cause of concern.
· Irresponsible for PUAS to wash its hands of dirty water.