By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez has directed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) to begin water distribution to barangays affected by the ongoing water shortage starting this weekend.
The Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa)-PrimeWater reported a decrease in water supply from its bulk water suppliers, compounded by ongoing efforts to address illegal connections contributing to non-revenue water losses.
To mitigate the impact, Baciwa-PrimeWater is implementing several projects, including the Bacolod Bulk Water Inc. (BBWI) Injection Point 2 and the Matab-ang Treatment Plant, aimed at improving water distribution across the northern and southern parts of the city.
In a media interview on Wednesday, Benitez noted that the city’s normal water supply is 84 million liters per day (MLD), but as of Tuesday, March 11, it had dropped to 79 MLD.
“As the summer months approach, we expect the water table to decrease slightly. I have asked the CDRRMO to reactivate water trucks and tanks to deliver water to the barangays,” Benitez said.
Baciwa-PrimeWater is expecting an additional water supply by the end of the month, but Benitez stressed the need for alternative solutions in case of delays.
He noted that the southern portion of the city typically experiences water shortages and relies on injection systems while awaiting additional supply from the water firm.
Earlier, Benitez asked Baciwa-PrimeWater to submit a water security plan to address the crisis.
He said the firm has already developed the plan, but its full implementation would take about a year.
Benitez advised the water firm to develop deep wells as a backup water source rather than relying solely on existing supplies, which could lead to service disruptions during shortages.
He said deep wells can provide nearly 50 MLD, which accounts for most of the city’s water supply.
He emphasized the need to replace or establish deep wells to ensure reserves are available if river levels drop or other water suppliers become unavailable.
Baciwa-PrimeWater is currently working on the water security plan with reserved deep wells, which is expected to be implemented by 2026 or the first quarter of 2027.
Benitez added that the city still uses Bocal-Bocal Spring Water in Barangay Alangilan, although its output has declined.
“We’ve already identified some new sources, but it will take years to integrate them into the water system,” he said.
The public has been advised to prepare for reduced water supply and strongly urged to conserve water.
The city assured residents that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure water reaches those in need.
Meanwhile, on March 1, a pipe breakage caused temporary flooding in parts of Barangay Mansilingan, including Ging St., Raymundo St., and 6th Road, Hermelinda Homes.
According to BBWI, the incident occurred during the chlorination and disinfection of the 800mm transmission lines, which are part of efforts to deliver an additional 10 to 25 MLD of water to benefit residents.
BBWI apologized for the incident and immediately deployed a team to close the necessary valves and stop the flooding.
The company took full responsibility for the incident and reached out to affected households.
The city acknowledged BBWI’s swift response, its commitment to compensating affected households, and its role as a bulk water supplier for Baciwa-PrimeWater.
“While we recognize their efforts to expand and enhance water delivery, we must emphasize the critical need for strict safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future,” the city said.
