Public urged: Report water leaks

CEBU, Philippines —  All village captains in Cebu City are called on to remind their constituents to be mindful in the use of water and report any leaks or damaged pipes in the distribution water to the barangay.

The Cebu City Council made the call to prevent water shortage following the onset of the dry season.

“Cebu City constituents need to be reminded to do their part to value water by not wasting water and be more aware in the use of our water resources in Cebu City,” said Councilor Raul Alcoseba who sponsored a resolution regarding the matter.

The City Council also requested the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) to support all city barangays in taking action on reports of leaks or damaged pipes by concerned constituents.

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in an infographic published in the government’s portal the Official Gazette, shared practical tips on how to conserve water.

Among these tips are to turn the faucet off firmly to prevent leakage; use a water dipper (tabo) and pail (timba) instead of the shower while taking a bath; discard leftover food before washing dishes; collect rainwater with pails and basins, and store it for future use; and reuse water from your laundry to flush your toilet, clean your car, or water your garden plants.

In restaurants and hotels, serve water to guests only when they ask for it. Collect leftover drinking water and use it to water your garden plants.

It was also advised to buy new, water efficient toilet bowls that consume only 2.6-4 liters of water for every flush. Old models use up to 14 liters of water per flush.

On March 22, 2021, an online event was held to celebrate the World Water Day to raise awareness of the global water crisis and to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.

The theme of this year’s World Water Day is valuing water.

“The value of water is about much more than its price – water has enormous and complex value for our households, food, culture, health, education, economics and the integrity of our natural environment,” according to UN’s official website. — KQD (FREEMAN)