MCWD assures water during hot months

CEBU, Philippines - With the onset of the summer months, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District has confirmed a slight reduction of water level in its Jaclupan and Buhisan dams but it was quick to assure enough water for its customers.

“By the end of summer, if there is no significant rain in the coming months, we will be reducing Jaclupan to only about 25,000 to 28,000 cubic meters per day. But overall, we will still be at normal supply though at this level,” said MCWD Assistant General Manager Ernesto Delco.

He said that as of now, the Jaclupan dam in Talisay City has reduced its daily water production between 28,000 cubic meters to 30,000 cubic meters from between 33,000 cubic meters to 35,000 cubic meters daily.

“Kay nahubas na man ang tubig ang sapa. Nagsalig na lang ta ron sa tubig gikan sa ilalom or sa base flow,” Delco said.

According to Joey Degulacion, weather forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration – Visayas, the fourth weather disturbance for this year named “Doming” is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility afternoon or evening today, Sunday.

By Monday, “Doming” is expected to make a landfall in Eastern Mindanao and the Visayas area.

But it isn’t all bad news that “Doming” will bring, Delco said.

“Kung kani nga bagyo magdala ni siya og daghan uwan, mas maayo para madungagan ang atong water supply,” he said.

 As for the Buhisan dam in Cebu City, Delco said it is still in normal level and MCWD actually wants the water level to decrease further to pave way for dissilting, which is now delayed for over a month.

 The Buhisan dam, which has a capacity of 300,000 cubic meters and which produces about 10,000 cubic meters daily, underwent dissilting more than 10 years ago.

Around 100,00 cubic meters of mud is expected to be removed within three months.

“Ang mga tawo nga mo trabaho andam na. We are still waiting nga medyo muubos na ang water level before they can start,” he added.

MCWD produces about 204,000 cubic meters daily to its 160,000 customers. – (FREEMAN)