18 hours ago
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BACOLOD CITY — The city is preparing for a possible water shortage during the summer season even as the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa)-PrimeWater has recently reported a decrease in water supply from its bulk water suppliers.
The water scarcity is compounded by ongoing efforts to address illegal connections contributing to nonrevenue water losses.
Mayor Alfredo Benitez, meanwhile, has ordered the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the City Engineer's Office to begin water distribution to barangay affected by the ongoing water shortage starting this weekend.
To mitigate the impact, Baciwa-PrimeWater is implementing several projects, including the Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. Injection Point 2 and the Matab-ang Treatment Plant, aimed at improving water distribution across the northern and southern parts of the city.
Benitez noted that the city's normal water supply is 84 million liters per day (MLD) but on March 11, it has dropped to 79 MLD.
"As the summer months approach, we expect the water table to decrease slightly. I have asked the CDRRMO to reactivate water trucks and tanks to deliver water to the barangay," Benitez said.
Baciwa-PrimeWater is expecting an additional water supply by the end of the month, but Benitez said there is also a need for alternative solu-tions in case of delays.
He noted that the southern portion of the city typically experiences water shortages and relies on injection systems while awaiting additional supply from the water firm.
Earlier, Benitez asked Baciwa-PrimeWater to submit a water security plan to address the crisis.
He said the firm has already developed the plan, but its full implementation would take about a year.
Benitez advised the water firm to develop deep wells as a backup water source rather than relying solely on existing supplies, which could lead to service disruptions during shortages.
He said deep wells can provide nearly 50 MLD.
He pointed out the need to replace or establish deep wells to ensure reserves are available if river levels drop or other water suppliers become unavailable.
Baciwa-PrimeWater is currently working on the water security plan with reserved deep wells. It is expected to be implemented by 2026 or the first quarter of 2027.
Benitez added that the city still uses Bocal-Bocal Spring Water in Barangay Alangilan, although its output has de-clined. "We've already identified some new sources, but it will take years to integrate them into the water sys-tem," the mayor said. The public has been advised to prepare for reduced water supply and strongly urged to con-serve water. The city government assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure water reaches those in need.
