MCWD to release 20,000 cubic meters of water: Buhisan Dam to be drained

CEBU, Philippines — The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) is set to drain the Buhisan Dam to repair a defective valve that has been in use for 112 years, a problem that has significantly affected water production in the area.

An estimated 20,000 cubic meters of water stored in the dam will be released into the river to facilitate the repair.

MCWD spokesperson Minerva Gerodias confirmed that the defect was detected after the dam could no longer adequately replenish the filter plant in Barangay Tisa.

“Nabantayan na siya katong di na maka replenish sa Tisa, dili na ma-refill ang pond… It was found nga defective na diay ang valve,” said Gerodias in an interview with The Freeman.

Gerodias clarified that water does not flow directly from the dam to consumers but is processed through the Tisa filter plant.

“Ang nahitabo karon, niubos ang production sa atong dam kay wala namay ma process sa Tisa kay wa nay mahatud na tubig,” she explained.

To address this, MCWD will repair the valve but must first drain the stored water in the dam, which currently holds around 20,000 cubic meters.

“Para maka-ayo ta sa valve, kinahanglan natong e-drain ang tubig from the dam kay sagabal man siya sa pag-ayo kon naa gihapon ang tubig,” Gerodias said.

She added that the water will be released through two pipes located on the side of the dam.

MCWD has coordinated with the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to ensure proper dissemination of information to nearby residents, avoiding undue alarm once the water release begins.

Residents in the area have been assured that the release will be gradual and controlled.

“Dili na angay kabalak-an sa mga namuyo diha sa may Buhisan kay controlled kaayo ang pagbuhi sa tubig. Ang ila lang mabantayan kay naa lay mudagayday nga tubig sa sapa… As long as wala motunga sa sapa, dili ra gyud mo apektado sa pag-release sa tubig,” Gerodias reassured.

MINIMAL IMPACT ON WATER SUPPLY

Gerodias further explained that consumers need not worry about water shortages during the repair, as MCWD has alternative sources to meet the demand.

“Niubos naman ang water production didto, but we are giving supply from other sources… Ang among gibuhat is gi-divertan namo sila’g supply katong mga areas nga nagkuhag supply from the Buhisan Dam,” she said.

The areas affected include Buhisan itself, Tisa, Labangon, and neighboring barangays.

Gerodias also noted that the Buhisan Dam accounts for only 5% of MCWD’s total water production of 310,000 cubic meters per day, which minimizes the overall impact on the city’s water supply. The bulk of MCWD’s water comes from underground sources and private suppliers.

In addition to repairing the valve, MCWD will also desilt the dam as part of its maintenance process. Although the agency routinely releases water from the dam for cleaning, this is the first time they will conduct a repair on the valve.

Gerodias emphasized the importance of these measures to ensure the dam’s continued functionality while maintaining the safety and stability of the water supply for Cebu City residents. — /FPL (FREEMAN)