MCWD: Water supply getting better after two weeks of rain

CEBU, Philippines — With the constant rain showers in Cebu recently, the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) has delivered an improved water supply all over its service areas following months of deficits brought by the El Niño Phenomenon.

This was disclosed by MCWD spokesperson Minerva Gerodias, who shared that improvements have been seen at MCWD dams.

In an interview with the media, Gerodias said the rain for the past two weeks has made significant changes in the water supply.

For one, the water supply in Compostela, which experienced zero water production during the El Niño, is now “almost normal” with 9,000 cubic meters per day. This is close to its original contract of supply of 10,000 cubic meters per day.

The Lusaran Dam also experienced a significant drop during the El Niño with only 3,500 cubic meters per day from 22,000 cubic meters per day. With the recent rains, Gerodias said its production has gone back to 19,000 cubic meters per day.

Lusaran Dam serves the water demand in the areas of Lahug, Busay, and Apas.

The Jaclupan Dam, which normal water supply production was at 30,000 cubic meters per day but has dropped to 6,500 cubic meters during the intense heat, is now gradually elevating to almost 15,000 cubic meters per day.

“Ma feel na ni sa mga taga south nga naay gamay nga improvement ilang water supply,” said Gerodias.

However, Gerodias said that for the Buhisan Dam, its water supply remains at zero despite the recent rainfall. She added the dam has yet to gather enough water supply for them to produce potable water that can be distributed.

Gerodias said they are currently waiting for its water level to rise to begin distributing again.

“Di man na ma totally uga ang Buhisan kay naa man syay gagmay nga spring sa kilid, pero di sad siya maka saka og daghan. But as of now, katong uwan sa bukid, wala pa siya muagi sa mga tributaries aron musud siya sa Buhisan, wala pa siya. Zero pa gyud sya didto,” said Gerodias.

According to Gerodias, there is a possibility that the recent rainfall could have been concentrated elsewhere but not in Buhisan Dam.

On the other hand, Gerodias said the Buhisan dam has already been desilted and is ready should the water supply rise anytime soon.

For the desalination project in Opao, Mandaue that has already been commissioned, Gerodias said that it is already undergoing fine-tuning. MCWD’s contract with Opao’s desalination plant is now working and currently producing up to 9,000 cubic meters per day.

In general, Gerodias said MCWD experienced a water deficit of 65,000 cubic meters per day during the El Niño phenomenon. As of last Thursday, June 13, 2024, the water deficit is at 36,000 cubic meters per day.

“So karon, the more nga nag improve atong water supply, hopefully magka-ubos na siya. Hapit na gyud ta mubalik sa katong normal nato nga production,” said Gerodias.

Aside from this, Gerodias said that they are now anticipating that the desalination plant in Barangay Mambaling can be commissioned by June 22, 2024. This can also elevate more water production areas of MCWD service areas. (CEBU NEWS)