Residents told to store water: Low water supply hounds Metro Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Some residents within the franchise area of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) have suffered “low water pressure to no water” due to lack of supply.

MCWD, in a statement, said at least 35 areas are experiencing water scarcity as of July this year.

The areas affected increased by two from 33 last May. These are Barangays Looc and Umapad in Mandaue City.

The other 33 areas are Sitio Kasambagan and Barangay Lagtang in Talisay City; some parts of Barangays Guadalupe, Kamputhaw, Capitol Site, Lahug, Busay, Apas, Banilad, Talamban, and Kalunasan, all in Cebu City.

In Lapu-Lapu City, the affected areas are Barangays Babag, Agus, Looc, Marigondon, Maribago, Punta Engaño, Suba-basbas, and Calawisan.

Some parts of Barangays Gabi, Alegria, Poblacion, Catarman, Day-as, and Pilipog in Cordova are also affected, as well as Sitio Tagaytay, Barangay Calero in Liloan, Cebu.

Noel Dalena, MCWD acting general manager, said the water district could still supply water to all its clients, except that there will be low water pressure in some areas in Metro Cebu.

"Padayon ang MCWD sa pag-serbisyo aning mga lugara og pinaagi sa supply management, makaagas gyud ang mga konsumidor matag adlaw aron makasawod sila,” he said.

Dalena said the shortfall in water supply means problems on water pressure, especially in elevated areas during peak hours.

Peak hours are from 4 a.m. until 10 p.m.

Dalena has urged its concessionaires to practice storing water every day so that they will have something to use in case of further shortage or if there will be emergency repairs that have to be done on the water district’s distribution pipes.

MCWD is expecting for more additional water sources from its suppliers within the year or next year.

For instance, the Danao City government’s bulk water supply project, which is expected to be operational by the second half of 2018, would supply some 20,000 cubic meters daily to the water district.

But for this month, the water district is getting 3,000 cubic meters per day on top of the existing supply of 32,000 cubic meters per day from the Cebu Manila Water Development Incorporated (CMWD).

Moreover, MCWD has temporarily suspended the processing for new water service connections in the wake of the water disruptions. (FREEMAN)