MCWD imposes moratorium on extraction of groundwater

Due to the depleting groundwater supply, the Metro Cebu Water District is implementing a self-moratorium on extraction of groundwater in the province.

MCWD board chairman Juan Saul Montecillo said that while they are exploring all water sources to augment their water supply, they could no longer extract water from the ground because they are already getting 80 percent of their supply underground.

In lieu of groundwater, he said that they are studying the possibilities to develop surface water. "We rely too much on groundwater and time will come that we would run out of groundwater. Our aquifers could no longer replenish the lost groundwater. That's why we ourselves are implementing moratorium of water extraction from the ground," Montecillo said.

The construction of private wells has also worsened the situation of groundwater in Cebu, he said. The University of San Carlos-Water Resource Center earlier reported that due to over-extraction of groundwater, saltwater has intruded coastal aquifers and even groundwater sources are reaching until the Capitol area. MCWD records also revealed that about 11 wells have been abandoned since the 1980s due to salinity.

"We explore other sources like surface water as source of our supply. Last week, we talked with a team that would study the surface water sources," Montecillo said. He said that although developing surface ware is quite costly, they are open to any proposal because the demand for water is fast increasing.

"Groundwater extraction is not environment-friendly. If we continue to extract water from the ground, we will be having serious problems in the future," the official said.

Aside from developing surface water, MCWD is also doing repairs on its old pumps and improving its pipes to prevent leakage. It also strictly monitors water pilferage to prevent waste of water and improve delivery to its franchise areas.

The water utility's officials said they expected positive results on its negotiations with Ayala Corporation on the Carmen Bulk Water project and the local government of Compostela on their projects. Once materialized, the Carmen water is expected to provide additional 50,000 cubic meters of water a day to the firm's existing 153,000 cubic meter.

MCWD has also started re-negotiating with the Compostela officials for the rehabilitation and operation of the 14 wells in the town. However, the cost for rehabilitation alone would amount to about P70 million including the replacement of old pumps.

The wells were still built in 1992, but they remain idle because the municipal government blocked their operation for fear that it might affect the town's water supply. The wells are expected to deliver additional supply of 15,000 cubic meter to 20,000 cubic meter of water a day. The water utility is also conducting feasibility study on the possible construction of desalination plant on Mactan Island.

Meanwhile, businessmen in Mandaue City are hoping that MCWD would address the water shortage in the city.

Eric Mendoza, president of the Mandaue City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the lack of water sometimes discouraged potential investors to invest in the city.

According to Mendoza, Mayor Thadeo Ouano and the City Council are working hard to improve the delivery of basic services to attract investors.

However, Mendoza said MCWD should attend to the lack of water supply in the city. -Wenna A. Berondo and Jose P. Sollano