He said consumption hovered at 286 litres per person per day in 2016.
This compares unfavourably to the national average of only 209 litres per person per day, the United Nations’ suggested usage of 165 litres, and Singapore’s usage of only 148 litres, he said.
He said this showed the state government had failed to educate the public on the importance of water conservation.
Lim, who is also Bagan MP, said Penang’s high water consumption was due to its low water rates of only about 32 sen per litre for the first 35,000 litres per consumer per month.
This was in comparison to water rates in Johor, which were over four times higher at RM1.32 per litre.
“Domestic water tariffs are so low that water is wasted.
“Such high domestic water consumption usage is unsustainable environmentally and financially.”
Last year, he added, the Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) had to subsidise RM91 million to maintain the lowest domestic water rates in Malaysia.
Although the water conservation surcharge (WCS) would now be increased, he said consumers with large households (eight or more family members) would be given a 60% discount.
He also urged consumers to use water carefully to maintain Penang’s record as the only state in Malaysia that has never conducted water rationing.
The chief minister also hit out at inaccurate news reports over the proposed increase in penalty for those who waste water in the state.
In a statement today, he criticised the reports which had said there would be an increase in water tariffs.
He said there would only be a proposed increase in surcharge for those who used water excessively.
Lim said it did not want to double or triple the existing domestic water rates as had been suggested by NGOs such as the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) and Water Watch Penang.
Instead, he said, the existing water conservation surcharge would be revised from 48 sen to RM1 for every 1,000 litres of water used above 35,000 litres.
The move has yet to be approved by federal authorities.