BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – The water level in Maasin Dam has decreased to 93.79 meters above sea level (ASL) from 93.80 meters due to extreme heat triggered by the El Niño phenomenon, the Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) announced yesterday.
Despite the decrease, the water utility firm stressed the water is still “above the critical level.”
Although the water supply production level has decreased to 67.159 million liters per day (MLD) from 70.540 MLD, the water supply remains “above the critical level,” MPIW added.
“Due to the continued effects of El Niño, the water level in Maasin Dam is decreasing rapidly. The prolonged dry spell and rising temperature have led to reduced bulk water production,” MPIW said.
Marie Joy Josue, MPIW corporate affairs and communications manager, said that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) projects no rainfall within this week which could have helped restock the water in the Maasin Dam.
“We appeal to our consumers to utilize their water supply responsibly,” Josue told Panay News.
The water utility company earlier announced it is on “heightened alert” after the water level in Maasin Dam continues to decline rapidly.
The hot weather spawned by the drought spell triggered below-normal rainfall that resulted in the rapid decline of water level in Maasin Dam, the main raw water source of the water utility firm.
“MPIW is on heightened alert for any further reduction in our raw water sources. These water sources are monitored to have a rapid reduction,” Josue said.
The water utility firm remains on heightened alert despite the additional 10 MLD from one of its bulk water suppliers, said Josue. Hence, the water supplies under the service areas of MIWD remain in “good condition.”
With the water demand during the drought, MPIW said the additional water supply from its bulk suppliers will help stabilize the water supply production to an average of 70 to 73 MLD for its 48,000 service connections.
The water utility’s bulk water suppliers source their raw water from the Tigum, Jalaur, and Againan rivers.
MPIW has allocated about P1 billion for the renewal and rehabilitation of its pipe networks under its service areas.
The pipe upgrades and rehabilitation will reduce water losses due to leaks, hence, an increase in water supply for consumers, Josue stressed.
Pipe leaks, if not repaired, cause water losses, resulting in low water pressure and service water interruptions across the city.
These leakages occur due to many factors, such as age and location of the pipe, rapid temperature changes, high water pressure, clogged lines, ground and soil movement, and loose water connectors or broken pipes.
MPIW has also enhanced its strategies to cushion the impacts of El Niño on water resources in the metropolis.
These include system energization and use of technology for additional water supplies, conservation efforts, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable practices.
MPIW has energized its transmission line in the Leganes-Jaro service area and other water infrastructure system maintenance, which brings an additional 10 MLD, or about 4,803 drums of water./PN
