MCWD Assures Adequate Water Supply Amid El Niño

(PIA-7) — Consumers of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) are assured of adequate water supply this summer despite the dry spell due to the El Niño with the additional daily production of over 25,000 cubic meters.

MCWD acting general manager Engr. Ernie Delco gave this reassurance amid reports that one of its major surface water sources, the Buhisan Dam faces critical level due to the dry spell.

“The Buhisan Dam only accounts for about two percent of total water production of MCWD,” said Delco during this morning’s forum of the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO-7) in time for March as ‘Water Awareness Month’.

Delco said that last year, its total daily water production stands at 195,000 cubic meters which has increased to122,000 cubic meters in 2015. The greater part of the water augmentation comes from the Carmen Water Bulk Supply which is providing 18,000 c.m. daily, said Delco.

The MCWD acting general manager said the volume of their water consumers also grew by about 10,000 individuals from last year. “The ratio is 1:1 or one individual is to 1 cubic meter which is equivalent to about 10,000 cubic meters. But we have an additional of over 25,000 cubic meters so we still have an excess,” said Delco adding that their water reserves should be at least 10,000 cubic meters a day.

MCWD is currently serving about 165,000 households or roughly about 1.2 million individuals in eight cities and municipalities in Metro Cebu, disclosed the MCWD official. These localities are the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapulapu and Talisay and the towns of Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela and Cordova.

Delco however, admitted they are only serving about 55 percent of the total population within their franchise areas and 43 percent of the total water demand as others have their own private wells for commercial and domestic purposes.

At present, the MCWD has nine existing reservoirs and plans to build eight more in the coming years starting this year in Opra, Cebu City.

Out of the 165,000 household-consumers served, 164,000 households have 24/7 water supply with only a minute number experiencing water interruptions specifically in the areas of Opra and Nivel Hills in Cebu City, said Delco.

Delco said plans are underway to improve water supply in Opra and Nivel Hills to ensure 24/7 water supply in these areas. (mbcn/fcr/PIA7)