MCWD: Help save water for dry spell

CEBU, Philippines - Along with the possibility of decreased production due to summer season and predicted El Niño phenomenon, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District has advised its consumers to be extra mindful of their consumption and help save water.

MCWD’s daily production of 206,000 cubic meters could significantly lower starting this coming second half of the year, as PAGASA predicted mild El Niño, according to production and distribution department manager Astrophel Logarta.

With this, the local water district emphasized the importance of conserving water as MCWD’s production may decrease by about 10,000 cubic meters a day due to the heat and the weather phenomenon.

 The 10,000-cubic meter volume deficit was also MCWD’s average daily deficit in water production when the country experienced El Niño in 2010.

 The rising temperature also translates to increased water consumption but MCWD appeals to its consumers to be more considerate in doing its part of saving water.

 â€œWhen there is low pressure or intermittent supply, MCWD consumers are also advised to store water during off-peak hours or at times when fewer people use water,” an MCWD statement said.

 Logarta, however, assured that only the Buhisan Dam and Jaclupan Weir will be affected by the dry spell stressing about 95 percent of MCWD’s water comes from groundwater wells.

 The 102-year-old Buhisan Dam in Cebu City is MCWD’s only surface water source. It produces about 10,000 cubic meters of water a day during the rainy season.

 The Jaclupan Weir in Talisay City, on the other hand, has an average yield of 30,000 cubic meters of water a day and is considered surface water-dependent.

 This is because the source of water for the recharging of the Jaclupan facility is the river.

 Water is stored in a catchment basin and is allowed to seep through the ground before it is pumped out for distribution.

 To mitigate the effects of the dry season on the water supply, MCWD is ensuring there will be additional water sources.

 It is now working on three wells — one in Canduman, Mandaue City, another one in Barangay Guadalupe and one in Barangay Camputhaw near the University of San Carlos North Campus, both in Cebu City.

 The water district targets to use these wells in July. They have a combined volume of around 2,500 cubic meters of water per day.

 Also, by July, the bulk water project of the Cebu Provincial Government and the Cebu Manila Water Development Inc. is expected to deliver 18,000 cubic meters of water to MCWD.

 The additional supply will serve consumers in northern Cebu, specifically Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion, part of Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City.

 MCWD is also rehabilitating a reservoir in Cebu Business Park which was turned over to the water district several years back but was not utilized.

 MCWD distribution division manager Edgar Ortega said the reservoir can store some 3,000 cubic meters of water. It will be filled during nighttime and the water will be distributed in the morning.

 To conserve water, MCWD is advising its consumers to regularly check faucets, toilets and pipes for leaks and have these repaired immediately.

Consumers also need to immediately report leaks to the water district.

 MCWD listed water conservation tips including closing the faucet in between washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth, watering plants early in the morning or late afternoon, using brooms in lieu of water hose in cleaning the garage or porch, recycling water for cleaning and flushing, not using toilet as ashtray or wastebasket, limiting showers to at least four minutes using only 20 to 40 gallons of water. (FREEMAN)