Water rationing begins in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY: Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW), the water distribution utility of this city and several towns in the province, initiated a rationing system on Wednesday as the water level in its dam has reached critical level.

“The water level in Maasin Dam is rapidly declining due to the effects of El Niño,” the MPIW said in its advisory.

The distribution utility reported that as of March 20, the dam’s water level was at 93.86 meters which is below its normal operating level of 94.85 meters. The dam’s critical level is 93.06 meters.

The MPIW said that the total bulk water supply is at 67.74 million liters per day (MLD) and its normal operating level is 71 MLD and the critical level is 65 MLD.

Aside from Iloilo City, MPIW also caters to the municipalities of Oton, Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, Maasin, San Miguel, Pavia, and Leganes.

“The prolonged absence of rain in recent weeks, coupled with the continuous increase in temperature, result in low bulk water supply production,” MPIW said.

As part of its operational adjustments, MPIW cautioned consumers that they may experience low water pressure or even no water at all during peak demand hours.

“Everyone is encouraged to use water responsibly and conscientiously. Conserve water during your allocated water supply schedule,” it added.

MPIW also announced plans to deploy water tankers in critical areas and secure an additional 10 MLD of water supply from one of its bulk water suppliers, contingent upon the completion of transmission line preparation activities.

Meanwhile, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office began excavating wells in early March to secure water sources in light of the looming threat of the El Niño phenomenon.

There has been no announcement from the city government regarding a declaration of a state of calamity due to the ongoing dry spell.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) earlier said that 2024 could surpass 2023 in terms of the warmest temperature.

Last year was recorded as the eleventh warmest year for the Philippines.