• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod is targeting an additional 30 million liters per day (MLD) of water supply as the city government moves to cushion the impacts of an impending super El Niño dry spell.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said this was decided following a joint meeting with officials of the Bacolod City Water District and the water utility company.
“On the part of the city, we are preparing for this in terms of equipment, water trucks, and water tanks that will be deployed across the city, as well as identifying areas considered most likely to be affected,” Gasataya said.
He added that water utility officials identified five residential subdivisions with excess deep-well capacity that can yield 5MLD once pending agreements are finalized.
The Baciwa’s bulk water supplier has also committed an additional 20 MLD, while technical teams aim to recover roughly 7MLD by addressing non-revenue water, currently at 37 MLD out of the city’s overall 93 MLD supply, caused by system leaks.
“They committed about 30 million liters per day of water in case the effect of El Niño turns severe,” Gasataya added. “On their part, they are preparing; the city is also preparing.”
He has ordered the temporary shutdown of the dry fountain at the Bacolod public plaza and urged residents to conserve water.
The mayor said regular monitoring meetings will continue to ensure operational improvements and steady supply distribution across the city. | TMD
