By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez announced that Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa)-PrimeWater has injected an additional four million liters per day (MLD) into the supply, benefiting the southern part of the city.
Benitez said the added water will serve Barangays Cabug, Tangub and Sum-ag.
He noted that while 10 to 15 MLD was initially expected, the dry season has reduced output to just four MLD.
Benitez said water sources have dropped but expressed hope that the supply will stabilize in two to three months.
He added they are awaiting another injection from the Matab-ang River in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, which is expected to contribute three MLD to Bacolod’s supply.
In an advisory, PrimeWater reminded consumers about the importance of water conservation as the summer season approaches.
The firm cited potential challenges, including increased demand during peak hours and possible supply interruptions due to reduced output from their bulk water provider.
To address these issues, PrimeWater said it is implementing immediate projects and initiatives to improve water distribution and ensure a more reliable supply.
The company is also conducting daily water rationing and deliveries to affected barangays and deploying storage tanks and water delivery trucks while awaiting additional supply from its two bulk water providers this month.
“We assure the Bacolodnons that we remain dedicated to developing proactive measures to mitigate the impact of prolonged dry seasons while continuously improving water quality and accessibility across our service areas,” the water firm said.
Benitez earlier reported that the city’s normal water supply is 84 MLD, but as of March 11, it had dropped to 79 MLD.
He has directed the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the City Engineer’s Office to begin distributing water to barangays affected by the ongoing shortage.
