With opening of classes: MCWD calls on dorm owners, schools to put up water tanks

CEBU, Philippines - With the opening of classes coming soon, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District is appealing to owners of dormitories, boarding or lodging houses and apartments to install water tanks.

The appeal came as students from other parts of the province will start converging in Metro Cebu as classes open next month, thus the expected increase in water demand.

"Daghan og mga schools and universities diri sa Cebu. So we can expect an increase in the demand for water," said MCWD spokesperson Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara.

Kara added that private and public schools should also have enough water tanks to cater the students and ensure that these tanks are disinfected before usage.

Kara said that since last week, the Buhisan Dam in Cebu City, which was emptied two months ago, has already been producing at least 500 cubic meter of water per day.

The said dam is supposed to have a daily production of 7,000 cu. m. per day.

On the other hand, Jaclupan dam in Talisay City, which is supposed to produce 33,000 cu. m. per day, is currently producing 6,500 cu. m. of water per day.

The reduction in the water supply was brought about by the onslaught of the El Niño phenomenon.

Kara said that even if it rained during the last four days, rainwater still remained below the normal level.

"Unless the rainwater will be on the average or beyond average level, that's the only time we can say that our water supply is improving. But as of now, deficit pa g'yud ta sa atong water supply," Kara added.

MCWD expects an increase in water demand especially during classes at peak hours or from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.

"We are urging everyone to use water wisely and conserve water," Kara added. — (FREEMAN)