BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) has announced that it will commence water rationing in select areas of this city and adjacent towns due to the dry spell brought on by the El Niño phenomenon.
Starting at 6 p.m. yesterday, MPIW began implementing adjustments to its operational network. These changes will impact water service throughout Iloilo City, Santa Barbara and parts of Pavia in Iloilo province.
The water distribution company confirmed a critical reduction in the water level at Maasin Dam currently at 93.86 meters and diminishing quickly due to El Niño. The lack of rain in recent weeks, coupled with rising temperatures has led to diminished bulk water supply production.
MPIW is urging the public to utilize water responsibly and with awareness, emphasizing conservation during the specified water supply schedules.
WATER RATIONING SCHEDULE
Water supply available from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m.:
* Arevalo So-oc
* Mandurriao West
* Mandurriao East
* Jaro Diversion
* Pavia East
Water supply available from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.:
* Arevalo
* City Proper
* Mandurriao South
* Molo
Water supply available from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.:
* La Paz
* Lapuz
* Jaro South
During these times, MPIW notes that some areas may experience reduced pressure or lack of water during peak demand hours.
To address this, the company plans to deploy water tankers to areas critically affected to supplement the water supply and enhance pressure.
Additionally, an increase in water production by 10 million liters per day (MLD) from one of their bulk water suppliers is anticipated once preparations for the transmission line are completed.
The water for MPIW is sourced from the Tigum River in Maasin town by two bulk water companies.
Since forming a joint venture agreement with the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) in 2019, the city’s primary water distributor has seen water availability rise from 40 percent to 63 percent. Furthermore, it has improved system efficiency and reliability by reducing water losses from 59 percent to 43 percent.
To ensure a steady water supply, MPIW advises consumers to regularly check for and repair any leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes. Households are also encouraged to shorten shower durations to conserve water and to collect rainwater in barrels for use in watering plants or for cleaning and car washing purposes./PN
