EDITORIAL - 40 million without safe water

With a population estimated at 118 million as of January this year, it is disheartening to learn that 40 million Filipinos still lack access to freshwater sources. This was disclosed by President Marcos himself, who ordered relevant agencies yesterday to provide safe water supply to those 40 million.

Where the agencies will get that safe water for nearly a third of the population is unclear, especially during this dry season that could prove to be the hottest ever in the country’s recorded history. The high temperatures of this dry season may have reached their peak, according to state weather forecasters, but dam water levels continue to go down amid the still scorching heat and low rainfall. The El Niño weather system has dissipated, but its impact will continue to be felt, climate scientists have warned.

Several local government units with piped water systems have resorted to rotational water rationing. With watersheds dried up, certain LGUs have also turned to groundwater extraction for their daily needs, despite warnings from scientists that this weakens structural foundations and raises the risk of heavy damage during earthquakes.

Water experts have stressed the need for efficient water supply management, including recycling of wastewater and installation of catchment systems for rainfall especially during the wet season. Along this line, President Marcos has ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to integrate flood control programs with other sectors to impound and conserve water for irrigation, household use and power generation.

Environmental groups are also calling for a stop to massive reclamation and industrial activities in fresh water sources including Laguna de Bay and Lake Caliraya. In both areas, the government seems helpless in stopping the environmental and water resource degradation.

To carry out the President’s order, among the measures being eyed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is desalination of sea water. Desalination is expensive, but the DENR is eyeing modular desalination systems costing from P5 million to P8 million, which can provide potable water to around 500 households. Funding will reportedly be sought from overseas development assistance and multilateral agencies.

Seeing the impact of the ongoing heatwave, policy makers must review public investments in water supply. The country reportedly needs an annual investment of P119 billion to attain universal access to safe water and sanitation facilities by 2030. The funding allocation for this purpose in the past five years has averaged only P6 billion annually. The government will have to intensify its investments in providing this most basic human need.