The water crisis

Residents of Metro Manila know too well the problem of water lack. In many parts of the nation's capital, water is rationed for only a few hours daily or every other day. Where there is water service around the clock, the water often comes in trickles from antiquated pipes. Even five-star hotels can't guarantee that water from the taps is safe for drinking, which is why the bottled water industry is thriving. In depressed areas where bottled water is a luxury, residents are at constant risk of contracting water-borne diseases including cholera, an ailment that was supposed to have been eradicated decades ago. The water extraction and distribution system is woefully inefficient and inadequate, forcing residents to rely on small, community-based distributors who charge higher fees.

At least there's potable water in Metro Manila. Many parts of the country still lack even artesian wells. The problem is not confined to the country. A coalition of water resource groups in both the public and private sectors warned this week that the water crisis in Southeast Asia is worsening due to growing populations and the problems wrought by urbanization and rapid development.

The Global Water Forum estimates that of the 550 million people in Southeast Asia, only about half have access to potable water. Worldwide, around one billion people have no safe water while three billion suffer from inadequate supply, the experts said. Fresh water resources are dwindling, thanks to overexploitation, pollution, destruction of wetlands and even climate change. Meanwhile, deforestation is causing massive floods such as the one that killed thousands of people in Ormoc City.

In Metro Manila, the government is addressing the poor water distribution system by turning the job over to the private sector. Rural areas, meanwhile, are getting more artesian wells and irrigation systems. Conserving fresh water resources, however, will require more than adequate infrastructure. Pollution must be stopped as well as illegal logging. The extraction of water for the bottled water industry must be better regulated. Other measures, some of which will require international cooperation, are being drawn up by experts. With political will and proper management of resources, the nation can deal with the water crisis.