BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City — In response to the ongoing water scarcity, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), the primary water distributor in the city, has introduced a water supply schedule to effectively manage resources.
Angelo David C. Berba, chief operating officer of MPIW, stressed that in the absence of backup water sources, implementing a schedule is the only viable contingency plan.
Since April 24, the water level at Maasin Dam, a crucial source for MPIW, has been recorded at 93.74 meters above sea level (ASL). This level is just marginally above the critical threshold.
Concurrently, MPIW’s daily water production has decreased from 60.494 million liters to 60.065 million liters, which is below the critical level of 65 million liters per day (MLD).
Under normal conditions, MPIW operates between 70 and 80 MLD, but current outputs are significantly reduced.
The ongoing El Niño phenomenon has further strained the situation, causing a rapid decrease in water levels at the Aganan River, Maasin Dam and Tigum River. The extended drought and rising temperatures have severely affected bulk water production.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has indicated that no rainfall is expected in the upcoming week to replenish these dwindling sources.
Berba warned that if the dry conditions continue, the duration of the water supply might be further reduced.
To ensure fair distribution, the water supply schedule will incorporate both daily and alternate distribution schemes.
Berba urged customers to cooperate and conserve water during this challenging period.
He emphasized the importance of reporting any unauthorized usage of fire hydrants or leaks to enable prompt action.
“We are appealing to our customers for their understanding since this is a phenomenon that we are all experiencing. This year’s impact is significantly greater compared to previous years. We urge customers to conserve water and report any irregularities to us for immediate attention,” added Berba.
Daily Scheme
5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
* Sta. Barbara (Balabago, Balantang, Bito-on, Buhang, Buntatala, Camalig, Cubay, Lanit, M.V Hechanova, Quintin Salas, San Isidro Location, Tabuc Suba, Tacas, Tagbac)
* Pavia East (Aganan Highway and Old Railway area), Amparo, Cabugao Sur, Mali-ao, Palagon, Poblacion, Tigum, Ungka I, Ungka II
* portion of Pavia West (Aganan, Balabag, Parc Regency L to Parc Regency Q)
* Mandurriao West and Sooc (Guzman-Jesena, Hibao-an Norte, Hibao-an Sur, Oñate de Leon, Pale Benedicto Rizal, Calahunan)
* Mandurriao East (Abeto Marisol Taft South (Quirino Abeto), Bakhaw, Bolilao, Buhang Taft North, Dungon, PHHC Block 17, PHHC Block 22 NHA, San Rafael, Santa Rosa)
5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
* Portion of Pavia West (Pandac, Jibao-an, San Jose, Parc Regency A to Parc Regency K)
Alternate Schedule (Day 1)
5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
* Jaro South (Arguelles, Benedicto, Calubihan, Cuartero, Desamparados, El 98 Castilla (Claudio Lopez), Fajardo, Javellana, Libertad, Santa Isabel, Lopez Jaena, Luna, San Roque, Simon Ledesma)
Alternate Schedule (Day 2)
5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
* La Paz, Lapuz, Molo, Arevalo, Iloilo City Proper – all barangays
* Mandurriao South – Navais, Tabucan, Airport (Tabucan Airport)
The water supply schedule will remain in effect until further notice./PN
