BACOLOD City — The Bacolod City government is ramping up emergency measures to mitigate a looming water crisis as the dry season continues to strain supply across several barangays.
Mayor Greg Gasataya assured residents that the city is taking decisive action to address the growing shortage.
“We will do everything possible to provide a solution to our city’s water problem,” the mayor said, emphasizing that ensuring access to water remains a top priority.
The statement came after a coordination meeting on April 16 at the Bacolod City Government Center, where Gasataya convened representatives from PrimeWater, the City Mayor’s Office, and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) to address the worsening supply situation.
Data presented during the meeting showed a significant drop in water supply, particularly in northern Bacolod. Output from Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. declined from 24 million liters per day (MLD) to 16 MLD. Subsequent pipeline repairs further reduced supply to 11 MLD after previously undetected reservoir damage was discovered—resulting in a total loss of 13 MLD.
PrimeWater also reported that its overall production capacity has decreased from 100 MLD to 87 MLD due to the prolonged dry spell, with the possibility of further reductions in the coming days.
The decline has already affected several communities, particularly in Barangays Villamonte, Estefania, and Taculing, where residents are experiencing low water pressure or intermittent supply.
In response, Gasataya ordered the DRRMO to intensify water rationing operations, including the deployment of additional water tanks and tanker trucks to deliver potable water to severely affected areas.
The mayor also directed PrimeWater to expedite repairs and ensure continuous water delivery to communities with limited or no access, especially during power interruptions that further disrupt supply.
PrimeWater, for its part, committed to resolving the reservoir issues contributing to weak water pressure and inconsistent supply, adding that it is prioritizing service restoration in the hardest-hit barangays.
The city government underscored that both immediate interventions and long-term solutions are being pursued to stabilize Bacolod’s water system amid increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and working with all concerned agencies to make sure that water remains available, especially for the most affected communities,” the mayor said./PN
