BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Buoyed by the commitment to serve consumers, Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) has announced the completion of its upgraded pipelines spanning the Carpenter Bridge and Barangay Camalig in this city.
Angelo David Berba, MPIW’s chief operating officer, said the inauguration of the two pipe-laying projects will be on April 16.
Likewise, Berba said the water utility firm will commence the construction of a 2.8-kilometer pipeline project along the Diversion Road to Barangay San Rafael in Mandurriao district.
“Through these projects, MPIW will be able to provide a safe, clean, and continuous supply of water to our communities equipping them with the potential to attract new businesses underpinning the growth of the city’s economy and impact the lives of millions of people,” said Berba.
Amid the continued extreme hot weather due to the El Niño phenomenon, MPIW has taken proactive measures to manage water shortages in the metropolis and nearby towns.
The hot weather spawned by the drought 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.
The MPIW had said 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.
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,” the water utility firm stressed.
MPIW remains on heightened alert despite the additional 10 MLD from one of its bulk water suppliers. 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.
Earlier, MPIW had said it has allocated about P1 billion for the renewal and rehabilitation of its pipe networks under its service.
The pipe upgrades and rehabilitation will reduce water losses due to leaks, hence, an increase in water supply for consumers, said Marie Joy Josue, MPIW corporate affairs and communications manager.
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.
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./PN
